The engine number on my 1.8 Phase 1 Zetec is obliterated by corrosion pitting, I have tried wet/dry paper and using chalk to help but can't make out the numbers at all, there is a number there but it's only a light stamp. I recall on here there was a clever method of resoring the number (using acid or something).

Any ideas?

black paper and white chalk, did on my engine

I dipped the flange into my electrolysis box and it brought it back enough to see.

Steve

I've had the same problem and none of the above worked for me, it was too badly pitted. I have managed to trace the number by contacting the breakers yard who originally scrapped the car. The question I now have is can I use the number even though it cannot be read on the engine. Or should I restamp it which would obviously be different from the original. Sorry dont want to hijack this thread but it is relevant

One thing I tried which showed up parts of the number was to take photographs and try adjusting the colour, contrast, brightness, hue and reversing the colours in a photo editing program. CSI on tv always seem to polish the metal then wipe with acid is this possible or just american hype

[Edited on 4/12/07 by Bigheppy]

Have look at your head as the number is stamped by the thermostat.

It may help to interpret whats left on the block. Assumes the head matches the original block.

Ian

There is a manufacturing date 'dial' cast into the cylinder head near the exhaust ports. Burton's catalogue has a list of engine years letter pairs which begin the engine number. These 2 bits of information might help interpretation of what is there.
My variation on the earlier suggestions was to use a heavy wire brush in an electric drill and then rub some black shoe polish over the lettering.

HTH

Mal