Engine Build Date Code

[chodette]

I need some help with my engine build date code. We were told when my Dad bought me this Jeep that it had the original engine in it. When I bought the TSM, it said the build date code would be on a plate attached to the right cylinder head cover. Was not there....Well, since I got the body off I found the plate on the back of the left head cover and it says "011H11". If it was a 1981 engine it should start with a 5 according to the manual. So does a 0 mean it is a 1976? What a stupid place to put a build code....valve covers get replaced all the time. Is there anywhere else I can pull a number off the engine that will confirm it is a 76 or an 81?

Thanks guys!

 

[hagar]

Well, since there weren't any V8 CJs in California after 1980, we're left with three choices:
the V8 was swapped into the Jeep;
the Jeep is a 49 state CJ;
the Jeep isn't a 1981 model.

But, it's true, the V8 engine codes were on small tags attached to the front of the RH valve cover; so your valve cover has been swapped around.

As for the engine build date, who knows; that valve cover may not be from that V8 engine...

Is there a tag on the carb, assuming it's still the Motorcraft 2BBL ?

 

[IOPort51]

I would suggest that perhaps the 0 is a 5 that was stamped off center??
this would make it a 304 that was put together on 11/11/81.

 

[chodette]

Hagar-It is not a CA Jeep. I had it shipped here from Arkansas. It is a 49 State model. The Jeep is definately an 81, verified by all the VIN plates. Here is the tag on the carb (1DM2J):


And IO, here is the tag on the valve cover. Doesn't look mis-stamped


So what do you guys think?

 

[IOPort51]

your right it does not look like a 5. Oh well, it seemed like a good idea.

 

[chodette]

Would the "0" make it a 76....assuming they used an "0"?

 

[IOPort51]

does your block have 304 cast into the drivers side over the motor mount??

 

[chodette]

Yes....Are there no other numbers on the engine that would help with the year? Ridiculous it was put on a valve cover!

 

[IOPort51]

76 was a 9

 

[chodette]

So what was an 0? UGHHH! I need to figure out the year so I can get the right emission parts.

 

[IOPort51]

77 was a 1.
is your valve cover plate stamped or raised??
My 80 is raised and yours looks stamped.I can think of no reason this is important other than it is different.

 

[chodette]

It is actually raised. I have been looking all over the internet for ANY info about a 0. If it was any other engine it would stand for 1980/1990!

 

[IOPort51]

It is actually raised. I have been looking all over the internet for ANY info about a 0. If it was any other engine it would stand for 1980/1990!

Did you get the jeep new??

 

[chodette]

No, my Dad bought it for me in 1987 from a private dealer. Was told there was only one PO, never in an accident, etc.

 

[chodette]

I found this:
Engine Numbers? - JeepForum.com

Do you think it could have been cast Nov 11, 1980 and put into my new 1981? Why on that thread they are saying "0" stands for 1980 and my TSM clearly states that it would be a 5.

 

[chodette]

Also found this:
http://street2mud.com/webfiles/AMC%20Engine%20codes.pdf

It says:

Day Built "Year Codes:"​

1=1959 2-1960 3=1961 4=1962 5=1963
6=1964 7=1965 8=1966 9=1967 1=1968
2=1969 3=1970 4=1971 5=1972 6=1973
7=1974 8=1975 9=1976 1=1977 2=1978
3=1979​

Beginning in 1980 the last digit of the year is used (1980=0, 1981= 1, etc.)

So does that mean I need to get parts for a 1980 when replacing CTO switch, EGR valve, Etc?

 

[IOPort51]

I would bet lunch these were for a 258 l6. My motor is a 79 BTW not an 80

Also found this:
http://street2mud.com/webfiles/AMC%20Engine%20codes.pdf

It says:

Day Built "Year Codes:"​

1=1959 2-1960 3=1961 4=1962 5=1963
6=1964 7=1965 8=1966 9=1967 1=1968
2=1969 3=1970 4=1971 5=1972 6=1973
7=1974 8=1975 9=1976 1=1977 2=1978
3=1979​

Beginning in 1980 the last digit of the year is used (1980=0, 1981= 1, etc.)

So does that mean I need to get parts for a 1980 when replacing CTO switch, EGR valve, Etc?

 

[chodette]

Back to square one!

 

[IOPort51]

Sorry child , I got nothing.

Buy the parts for an 81, I don't think you can get in a lot of trouble.

 

[chodette]

Thanks IO