Im looking at changing out my engine (cracked block) Theres a pulled motor 80 miles from me which the seller claims is an 87 which is exactly what I'm looking for. I asked for the block number and it looks as if its certainly above the thin "prone to cracking" block era. The block number is 9D U2 U4 344521 Does that tell us anything about the year of the motor?

 

The IH casting number for a 6.9 is 1807996C1 which is an IH number. That number doesn't look like a Ford number either. I sure it is a date code of some kind that the original caster may be the only one that has that info anymore. The casting number I gave you is the number from 84 through out the engine life according to IH. The 7.3's had two different blocks, the non turbo and the turbo blocks, which are different.

 

Where is that number stamped?

 

6.9 blocks up to serial #u2u17900 had a thinner casting around the block heater. It is very common for these blocks to crack.


6.9L Old Style Block

Block Casting Number:


On left side of block (beneath oil cooler) 1805440C1
Note: Some 440 blocks are truly new style and must be visually inspected by raised donut around the block heater, frost plug (right rear). Old style below serial number 173828.
Visual Identification: *No counter bored area for block heater
*No defined area on side of block for dip stick
*Thickness of cast iron around block heater 3/8" (.375")
Head Bolts: *7/16, 12 point socket is used to torque head bolts
*Block tapped with 7/16-14 for head bolts

6.9L New Style Block

Block Casting Number: 1807996C1 Note: Some new style blocks have casting
number 440. Above serial number 173828.
Visual Identification: *Has counterbored area for block heater
*Very defined relief area cast in side of block for dip stick tube.
*Thickness of cast iron around block heater 15/32" (.470")
*Latest style (not all new style 6.9) has ribs around head bolts, rear two on left side go from head gasket surface to pan rail - same as 7.3
Head Bolts: *Same as old style 6.9

I meant to post that in the other thread.

 

Thanks Dave, that info is helpful. I was wondering if the number that I was given (9D U2 U4 344521)could verify the year of production. I don't want to make a 170ml round trip only to discover I will be looking at an early 85 with a thin block that came out of an 87 truck

 

If it is an 87, it will have the solid state glow plug system, ask him if he can take a pic of the back of the block.

It should have the glow plug controller/relay in the back under the air cleaner like this:

 

Thanks

 

344521 is well above 173828, so I would guess mid 87 for an engine year.

That has 170,693 6.9 diesels being produced between mid year 85 and that block.