CE decode please

[Ray G.]

Hello;
Anyone know what "CE36120" on a 3999290 402 block means outside of a sequence number?
Thanks.
Ray

[John H.]

Re: CE decode please

Hello;
Anyone know what "CE36120" on a 3999290 402 block means outside of a sequence number?
Thanks.
Ray

Ray -

That's a "CE" replacement block, generally used as a 5/50 warranty replacement; they were furnished as either short-blocks or "fitted" blocks.

There should be one more digit in that number sequence - Tonawanda was allocated the number block from 50,000 to 79,999 for their "CE" blocks, and the first digit after "CE" is the calendar year it was made (1973 in this case); there should be five digits after the "3".

There is no way to tell the exact configuration of the engine from the "CE" number.

[Ray G.]

Re: CE decode please

Thank you John.

[Tom L.]

Re: CE decode please

While there is no way to tell from the number on the stamp pad, were the CE blocks correct replacements when used under warranty? Meaning the internals were correct for the application; LS-5, LS-6, Lt-1, etc... and if so how were they identified by the dealer?

[John H.]

Re: CE decode please

While there is no way to tell from the number on the stamp pad, were the CE blocks correct replacements when used under warranty? Meaning the internals were correct for the application; LS-5, LS-6, Lt-1, etc... and if so how were they identified by the dealer?

Lynn -

"CE" short blocks were ordered by the dealer from a chart, which assigned a part number to each unique application so the block assembly would arrive with the correct crank, rods, and pistons for the original application. That application-specific part number only appeared on the shipping paperwork and on the crate the block came in. Everything else was to be transferred from the failed engine or ordered separately.