engine identification

[Landsend]

Hi,

I purchased a L8, I was told by the seller it was a 1939 engine. I researched the engine number but can't figure it out...

The engine number is stamped 429564I9 the casting number is 1266478-2

Is this a 1935 233cu series 40 engine?


The engine is complete incl all anchillaries, when I know the exact type of engine I can (hopefully) order some parts for it...

I hope to use the engine in a prewar racer..

All info Is welcome,

Thanks in advange,

Kind regards

Louis

[Bob]

I would say you are correct!

Is that the block or head casting number, and do you have any other casting numbers?

[Landsend]

Hi,

Yes it is the block casting number, on the sparkplug side of the cilinder head it only says 5H, for now that is all I have.
Were should the head number be?

This particular engine was used as a stationaire engine, it has one center carb, stromberg on aloy inlet manifold and a cast iron exhaust manifold.

It still has clean oil in the sump, no water ingress in the cilinders only the ignition is messed up and the thermostate housing/neck has frost cracked.
I do need to clean the carb and rebuilt the waterpump, I hope to get it running before I tear it down..

[Bob]

Head casting number would probably be under the valve cover.

[suntreemcanic]

Just a thought, engines assembled to be stationary engines generally ran at one speed, so distributor weights could be different and the camshaft is ground to develop maximum torque at a certain RPM. An engine is a car is designed to produce power over a brood RPM range.

[Muley Gil]

"I purchased a L8..."

I hate to nitpick, but No, you didn't buy an L8 Buick engine.

Buick used overhead valve engines (OHV). An L head engine is a flathead. Some Olds and Pontiacs had flathead straight eight engines, but not Buick.

Climbing down from my soapbox now.

[bob k. mando]

yeah, OHV is a piece of Buick tech from the get go, back when they were building two cylinder engines. they got it from steam engines.

except for a few flatheads on the economy models during the depression, all Buick engines for the entire history of Buick engine design have had OHV.