- How to Tell if a Car Has Its Original Engine
- 1. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- 2. Check the Engine Serial Number
- 3. Check the Engine Block Casting Number
- 4. Check the Engine Head Casting Number
- 5. Check the Engine Intake Manifold Casting Number
- 6. Check the Engine Exhaust Manifold Casting Number
- 7. Check the Engine Valve Covers
- 8. Check the Engine Oil Pan
- 9. Check the Engine Transmission Bell Housing
- 10. Check the Engine Wiring Harness
- Conclusion
How to Tell if a Car Has Its Original Engine
1. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The VIN is a unique 17-character code that identifies every vehicle manufactured. The VIN can be found on the driver’s side door jamb, on the dashboard, or on the vehicle’s title. The 10th character of the VIN indicates the model year of the vehicle. The 11th character indicates the assembly plant where the vehicle was manufactured. If the 10th and 11th characters of the VIN do not match the model year and assembly plant of the vehicle’s engine, then the engine is not original.
2. Check the Engine Serial Number
The engine serial number is a unique number that identifies the engine. The engine serial number can be found on the engine block, near the oil filter. If the engine serial number does not match the engine serial number listed on the vehicle’s title, then the engine is not original.
3. Check the Engine Block Casting Number
The engine block casting number is a number that is cast into the engine block. The engine block casting number can be found on the side of the engine block, near the top. If the engine block casting number does not match the engine block casting number listed on the vehicle’s title, then the engine is not original.
4. Check the Engine Head Casting Number
The engine head casting number is a number that is cast into the engine head. The engine head casting number can be found on the top of the engine head, near the spark plugs. If the engine head casting number does not match the engine head casting number listed on the vehicle’s title, then the engine is not original.
5. Check the Engine Intake Manifold Casting Number
The engine intake manifold casting number is a number that is cast into the engine intake manifold. The engine intake manifold casting number can be found on the side of the engine intake manifold, near the throttle body. If the engine intake manifold casting number does not match the engine intake manifold casting number listed on the vehicle’s title, then the engine is not original.
6. Check the Engine Exhaust Manifold Casting Number
The engine exhaust manifold casting number is a number that is cast into the engine exhaust manifold. The engine exhaust manifold casting number can be found on the side of the engine exhaust manifold, near the catalytic converter. If the engine exhaust manifold casting number does not match the engine exhaust manifold casting number listed on the vehicle’s title, then the engine is not original.
7. Check the Engine Valve Covers
The engine valve covers are the covers that are located on top of the engine head. The engine valve covers can be removed by removing the bolts that hold them in place. If the engine valve covers do not match the engine valve covers listed on the vehicle’s title, then the engine is not original.
8. Check the Engine Oil Pan
The engine oil pan is the pan that is located at the bottom of the engine. The engine oil pan can be removed by removing the bolts that hold it in place. If the engine oil pan does not match the engine oil pan listed on the vehicle’s title, then the engine is not original.
9. Check the Engine Transmission Bell Housing
The engine transmission bell housing is the housing that connects the engine to the transmission. The engine transmission bell housing can be removed by removing the bolts that hold it in place. If the engine transmission bell housing does not match the engine transmission bell housing listed on the vehicle’s title, then the engine is not original.
10. Check the Engine Wiring Harness
The engine wiring harness is the harness that connects the engine to the electrical system. The engine wiring harness can be removed by disconnecting the connectors that hold it in place. If the engine wiring harness does not match the engine wiring harness listed on the vehicle’s title, then the engine is not original.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can determine if a car has its original engine. This information can be important for a number of reasons, such as when buying a used car or when trying to sell a car.
