…It seemed like a good idea at the time, a nice little winter project. So after months of work modifying sumps, sorting clutches and starters, sourcing engine mounts and manifolds etc etc. my engine change from a Crossflow to a 2.0 Blacktop Zetec is nearing completion. In fairness I’ve enjoyed every minute of the mod and can’t wait to get it back on the road. But… I’m now faced with getting the logbook updated. I’ve found the engine number (stamped on the block, on a vertical ‘flange’ adjacent to the bell housing) but it’s almost unreadable. As far as I can see it’s 4x letters, followed by 5x(???) numbers ending with a sort of ‘hour glass’ symbol. It looks like EDBA21 ‘something’ ‘something’ ‘something’. Can anyone tell me if I have the ‘format’ right… am I looking for 5, or 6 numbers after the EDBA? I’ve trawled the net but cannot find any examples. I bought the engine from eBay and am now getting a bit panicky at the thought of trying to sort this out with the DVLA. If any ‘Zetec owner’ could confirm the engine number configuration I would be extremely grateful, (at least then I would know exactly what I am looking for) …and any help or advice on dealing with the dreaded DVLA would be very greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Try cleaning the area with fine emery or W&D, the recessed numbers will become more pronounced as the muck or paint remains in them.

Thanks r1 pete... I have had a good 'go' at it already, but will try again tonight with emery/WD. I am hoping that someone can tell me exactly what I should be looking for. Thanks.

Try taking a pic with digital camera with flash and macro turned on (Little flower symbol, if you havent used it before) this should pick the detail up nicely.

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthread.php?tid=144173

[Edited on 24/1/11 by loggyboy]

I also have the little funny symbol at the end,is this a letter/number or is it not important? Looks a bit like the pye symbol.

Thanks loggyboy, I will give it a try.

Hi Lewis, I've been told that manufacturers often end engine numbers in a symbol to clearly define the end of the number and to stop anyone adding an extra digit. Is your engine a 'blacktop' and if so, can you tell me how many digits should I be looking for in the number (5 or 6 perhaps)?

I had something on the end of my number - i spoke to fords technical dept and they advised to ignore it, i belive there should be 3 leters then 5 numbers, im just gonna take mine for mot then get them to write a note confirming the engine number for the dvla

Thanks Rich.

For the format try the burton power website! In the technical section there is a table for working out engine age from number which describes the format.

Thanks for that rich & I can confirm the 3 letters & 5 numbers in that case