New M38 block found it's way home with me

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Mon May 25, 2009 11:55 pm

I bought some 24v stuff and ended with an M38 engine in parts. I don't know much about the m38 because I own an m38a1 but engine parts are similar.

The block casting is 6410874-W12A. SN: MC96327 It has 10 bell housing bolt up holes.I have a 639660C head which is for an MB not an M38.

1. I'm wondering if the MB head is worth more and should trade it for an M38 head or should I just use the MB head on this block. I need a flywheel and the crank mains look a little worn. They measured 3.325.

2. I have all the other pieces for the engine in parts and I'm not sure if the stuff if for the M38 engine or not but the seller said they were. I'm worried because he was wrong about the head being correct so I'm wondering if the crank, cam and other parts are for this engine. I was suspicious when I bought the stuff but he was a nice guy and gave me a great deal so I didn't want to complain.

I can post some additional pictures of the other parts if anyone wants to help me ID this stuff.

Thanks.

Post by **wesk** » Tue May 26, 2009 2:00 am

That's a very late WWII head. You're going to need an 800376 head casting with the water pump bypass hose port in the front edge.

Post by **Ryan_Miller** » Sat May 30, 2009 5:20 pm

What is the date code cast into the side of the block just above the oil pan on the driver's side toward the back of the engine?

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Sun May 31, 2009 2:39 pm

Hi Ryan.

It says 5 15

BobW · Post by **BobW** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 4:48 pm

53a1 wrote: It says 5 15

Is there a letter with the numbers?

Post by **wesk** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:01 pm

Bob's looking for the letter to the rear of the date caode. In the photo below it is a D.

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:17 pm

Here's my numbers

BobW · Post by **BobW** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 7:13 pm

Thanks!!!

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 12:30 pm

I traded for what I think is the correct 800376 head. A little different from your picture Wes.

One of the bolt holes is enlarged but it doesn't seem like it will effect anything. This head is also tapped for a fitting at the top rear? Also the valve clearance is not cast onto head. The dates on the head is 6-48. Is this a good match for my block?

Is this the correct thermostat housing for the engine?

Thanks.
Dave

Post by **wesk** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:51 pm

The 6-48 is not the date. It is the compression ratio, 6:48 to 1. Does your head have the front water pump bypass hose hole drilled and tapped?

53a1 · Post by **53a1** » Sat Jun 27, 2009 11:16 pm

Yes is does Wes. Thanks for your help.