Block identification

[Graham]

On a fully built engine is there anyway you can identify if a block is recessed or not if the engine number and the 'tag' are missing ?

[graeme]

Graham,

 

There may be other identifying marks but the recessed block has a reinforcing rib along the manifold side of the block, about two inches above the sump flange.

 

Late block with rib.

 

 

Early block without rib.

 

 

Hope this helps.

 

Cheers

 

Graeme

Edited June 28, 2017 by graeme

[TriumphV8]

Look at the head gasket

If it has a flag at the rear side its a recessed.

Unlikely that somebody cuts it off before fitting.

[RogerH]

Hi Graham,

you should be able to tell if the 'tag' had been cut/broken off - ragged edge.

 

Roger

[stuart]

Graeme`s ID method is a better way of ID`ing the engine.

Stuart.

[graeme]

Look at the head gasket

If it has a flag at the rear side its a recessed.

Unlikely that somebody cuts it off before fitting.

 

When I stripped my TR250 engine, it had a head gasket with tag, but it wasn't a recessed block. The gasket had been butchered to fit, so it is not a reliable way to identify.

 

Cheers

 

Graeme

[TriumphV8]

 

When I stripped my TR250 engine, it had a head gasket with tag, but it wasn't a recessed block. The gasket had been butchered to fit, so it is not a reliable way to identify.

 

Cheers

 

Graeme

 

When I work on the engine block I always grind the recess off

so its also a risk the other way round.

You will not get 100% with an old British car and

several different owners. Normally the recessed gasket

in a non recessed block should clear the problem itself

after some miles it should be broken.

 

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