Re: [Amc-list] date code stamping for al 196

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Hmmm... according to the 62 TSM, "A five digit engine code number with letter "B" prefix [which makes it six characters altogether] is located on a machined surface on the upper left corner of the engine block."  Of course it says the same thing for the cast iron engine, just doesn't say "with letter "B" prefix" -- which the 61 and 63 TSMs don't have either, so there may not be a "B" prefix -- the engine code (fourth character) should be a "B" though. If there is no code, it could be a replacement block installed by a dealer. Some dealers stamped a code similar to the factory code, some stamped their own code, some stamped a date the engine was installed, some stamped nothing. Only complete replacement engines would have the code stamped from the factory. Since there was some trouble with early AL 196s, the block could very well have been replaced under warranty. 

I always thought the timing cover was the same since I know for sure the timing gears and chain are interchangeable, but looking at the TSM I can see it isn't. Not only that, but the mounts on the lipped plate behind the cover appear to be in slightly different locations -- a bit wider spaced. Still, it wouldn't be hard to modify the American front crossmember to handle that. The oil filter on the AL engine looks like it might actually clear the suspension mounts. It sticks straight to the front beside the block. With the engine slightly wider though, the bolts for the lower front suspension may hit the filter. A remote filter might solve that problem, and you should be able to find a spin on/bolt on adapter since the AL engine uses the same filter as a later model 232 instead of the industrial filter that the other 196s used. 

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Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2009 22:05:13 -0700 (PDT)
From: d stohler <das24rules@xxxxxxxxx>

does anyone have any idea where to find the date code for the aluminum block 196? i am not seeing it in the same place as the ci block.... would LOVE to find out that this is also an early block so it WONT fit my 63 american.... if it is the wrong crank, i will be on the look out for some bearings, and crank to fit the 63 torque converter.... i know it will be my luck that it wont work....

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
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