Dating Engine for SVA

[lambostylus]

(Sorry - This should prob be under the SVA section but I'm hoping it will get a better response here.)

Anyway, I can't think how to go about this one -

History: I started with a 1.8 zetec from a scrapped orion (J-reg) but no paperwork available. Unfortunately the crankshaft seized after half-a-dozen revolutions the first time I started it (much waliing and nashing of teeth). Short story - the bearing shells disintegrated and I bought a new short motor (ie. only block crank and pistons). I've skimmed and re-used the head, valves and all other parts.

Current Problem: Prior to SVA I will need to prove the age of this contraption, and I do not know how to. The new short block has its own ID tag but no other paperwork and I can't understand the code stamped on the head. I can't get a response from any ford dealers or support websites I have contacted. How do I prove that this is a pre-cat engine, or do I have to redo everything and add a cat to the exhaust? What paperwork will satisfy SVA?

Specs: 1.8 Zetec 135PS, weber-alpha 'gold' injection system (complete), SSC provided exhaust and silencer (no cat). I have what I think is the chassis number and old engine number from the orion if this helps.

Any advice greatly appreciated.
Mark

[stylussprinter]

As mine was SVA'd years ago I'm not fully conversant with the 'cat' rules. However , I believe they will date the engine on the block , regardless of head age . That number should be stamped into the block where the engine bolts up to the bellhousing and just above the crank sensor. If there isn't a number on it then I'd get onto the sylva chat list and ask the same question. There are hundreds of guys on that list with all sorts of varied experience.

[Werner Van Loock]

Don't worry mate, look here:

http://www.toyne.org.uk/docs-age.html

Straight forward, for the site itself: http://www.toyne.org.uk/zetec.html

[kevp]

My SVA was in Southampton

They sent me off to get a letter from Ford addressed to me stating the age of the engine.
You can tell the age of an engine from the engine no & look it up; this was not good enough for them.

I will find the contact details & post them.

Kev

[Werner Van Loock]

Kev,

It's also on the site:

Technical Information Centre
Ford Motor Company
PO Box 300
Walsall
WS5 4QH

Fax: 01922 725 266

[kevp]

Found them already.

Ford Motor Co Ltd
Fax 01922 725266
Phone 0906 5533447 Was in 2004 £1 per minute.

I faxed them the engine number as I was unsure of the cost using a mobile in the day. The fax as free. They replied in writing very promptly.

I had problems as my engine number had a digit missing. So I faxed a photo to show them.This was good enogh for Fords to date & satisfied the SVA & MOT requirments, (of which I have had several issues with. due to the ignorance of the testers).

Kevin

[kevp]

Hey Werner you were quick.

[lambostylus]

(if this thread is still active?)
Does anyone know if a fully reconditioned block is regarded as aged at time of original manufacture or at time of reconditioning. The company I have my engine from has given it a riveted tag over where the original engine stamping should be. I haven't lifted this off yet to see if there is anything underneath.

[kevp]

(if this thread is still active?)
Does anyone know if a fully reconditioned block is regarded as aged at time of original manufacture or at time of reconditioning. The company I have my engine from has given it a riveted tag over where the original engine stamping should be. I haven't lifted this off yet to see if there is anything underneath.

Intresting. I would have thought that the origonal date & engine number would stand throughout its life. Its strange that someone has fitted a stamp over the top of the manafacturers ! Its like puting new number plates on top of the old ones.
Anyway the older the engine, the more tolarent the SVA standards are. So I would try the origonal number. Unles its stolen.