I have a 1600 cvh XR3 engine which I have just started to strip for the once over, But I can't find an engine number. The haynes book gives about four locations for it, but I can't see it. Does anyone know where it may be hidden? If for any reason there isn't one what happens at SVA time? All beit a long way off.

Oops! Do the places where the engine number should be appear very shiny??

No, not at all. The only place that is clean is above the flywheel and below the cylinderhead, which is one of the identified areas. There is no evidence of removal of the number. The machining marks there match the machining marks at the front of the block which is not mentioned as an area for the engine number. this area would be covered by the cambelt tensioner and water pump.

Welcome to the 'No numbers club!'

You’re not the only one, ether make one up, take a number from a scrap car or just tell the SVA guy before hand. It really makes no difference in the end. There has been numerous posts in the past (including me) and so long as you can kind of prove where you got it from it's not an issue to be concerned about. Many engines that have been reconditioned have their numbers removed and that is the case with two of mine that are both Ford remanufactured ones.

Don't panic!

If you have the V5 showing that engine number, then just find a nice flat part and stamp it on, (its what I had to do). Ray

No V5 bought engine on its own from car being broken

Just a thought - what happens at SVA time - how do you prove the age of the engine for the emissions test?

Some engines were only manufactured up to a certain date, so worst case i would guess you go with the most recent. I heard a rumour that my Pinto was last made in approx '89 so no worries with emissions (1889 by the way - as long as the car doesnt drop more than 2 hundred weight of horse droppings im OK!!!! LOL)

If the CVH has been painted or is generally dirty it may need a good clean up to find it. Gentle wire brushing where you think it should be might reveal it. A little trick is to rub white chalk on the area if its hard to see - may make the code stand out better.

Its not likely to be a nicked engine in an XR3 is it so no need to be concerned. Did you get a reciept for it? Can you make one?

[Edited on 30/3/07 by DarrenW]

I think there is a date casting on there under all the crud.
My concern is SVA time.
Is it just for the emitions that the number applies? Or must you have one for registration purposes?
Yes I have a receipt.