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Engine number 8 G-U-H 25079

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jjbunn

jjbunn

Jedi Knight
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This is the number stamped on the side of my engine. Based on information in Haynes, Bentley etc. I was expecting to find a "1" in the first position, but I'm pretty sure it isn't there.

Also, the rest of the number doesn't look like the examples in the Haynes or Bentley books.

Is this a non-original engine in my '73 GT?
 
It should be on a plate riveted to the block, mid-engine just below the head on the dizzy side... That seems like a "newer" number than '73 but the missing "1" is strange.

BTW: You've got Private Messages /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Assuming there's a "1" before the 8 somewhere, I'd think it would be earlier than 1973 since according to VB's engine chart 18V started in 1972
 
[ QUOTE ]
Assuming there's a "1" before the 8 somewhere, I'd think it would be earlier than 1973 since according to VB's engine chart 18V started in 1972

[/ QUOTE ]

It's possible that the "1" is underneath the rivet.

Assuming it's there, and the engine is "18GUH 25079" does that make sense for a '73?
 
if 18V's started in '72, it sounds possible that your car had a 18GUH engine swapped in at some point.

I know it's not ~always~ correct, because it relies on it's users to provide the information, but this is what Wikipedia says about the B-Series Engine(B-Seires Engines):

18 = displacement
G = MG
U = central gear change (other letters were A=Automatic, N=column shift(?), O=Overdrive)
H = High Compression (alternatively L=low compression).

From the '73 model year on, the numbering scheme was simplified to just 18V; 18=displacement, V=vertical layout (front engine rear drive).

Thinking more about your engine and the model year of your car, it might be possible that you're car was registered as a '73 and still have an earlier 18G engine as the correct engine, if the manufacture date is before August '72.

Then again, I've read many posts on these forums where there have been criss-crossing of parts (from the manufacturer) during those 'cross over' years. So, it may be possible that you fall into one of those categories too.
 
Julian -

For what it's worth, my '73 roadster has the following numbers (build date of 11/72):

Car # (on plate under windshield): GHN5UD303847G
Commission # (on plate near radiator): G23N066926
Engine # (on plate riveted on side of block): 18V673ZL1046

All these are confirmed by the British Motor Heritage Industry Trust.

18GUH would be pre-72, according to Clausager's book, Original MGB. In fact, if I'm reading this correctly, it would be a very early 3-bearing engine, between '62 and '64.

Mickey
 
Hmmm, my 76 (GHN5UG....) does not seem to have the proper plate on the motor.

I am guessing it is from a rebuild.

BHM1111 ET4401
AD

I have no idea what that means.

Rob
 
Hi Mickey,

Thanks. My build date is 4/73. I've just sent off to the British Motor Heritage Trust for a certificate, and also asked for an engine search.

I don't like the idea of having a 3 bearing engine :-(
 
Julian -

Just looked at the pix of your carbs on the other post and your website. They are definitely earlier than '73. The '73 carbs were HIF models - the fuel bowl is directly underneath the carb body - whereas the HS models (the ones you have) have the fuel bowls to the side. That alone won't determine the year of your engine, as they could have been swapped, but that and the numbers you gave indicate an earlier engine than a '73.

Mickey
 
My 72 also has HIF's and I believe that was the first year for them. I had a friend with a '71 and his had the side bowls.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Julian -

For what it's worth, my '73 roadster has the following numbers (build date of 11/72):

Car # (on plate under windshield): GHN5UD303847G
Commission # (on plate near radiator): G23N066926
Engine # (on plate riveted on side of block): 18V673ZL1046

All these are confirmed by the British Motor Heritage Industry Trust.

18GUH would be pre-72, according to Clausager's book, Original MGB. In fact, if I'm reading this correctly, it would be a very early 3-bearing engine, between '62 and '64.

Mickey

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Mickey and everyone else who responded. My commission number (on the plate on the wing by the radiator) has a completely different format from yours. Mine is:

GBD 004/94P

and, just for the record, my VIN is:

GHD5 UD 319063 G

Curioser and curioser. I'm most interested to get the reply from the Heritage people.
 
Your VIN shows that the car itself is a '73, at least /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
and the engine plate shows that the POs in the cars history were careful enough to at least put another MG engine in it. Imagine the fun you'd be having if it was a Ford four pot under that bonnet /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
HEY! I got Fords in TWO of my LBC's! "EnFo!" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif
 
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