Engine Identification

[nellis003]

Hi all,

I just purchased my first Stag, a 1972 which has been sitting for a while with bad head gaskets. Trying to educate myself as much as possible before tearing into the engine.

I've no idea if this engine is original to the car. Is there a way to identify the engine to a) find out if it's truly a MK I engine (not sure if there are differences in the generations and b) determine if it's the car's original engine?

I'll probably be puling the heads soon to send them to the machine shop to be resurfaced, and I want to try and track down the correct specs. If the heads have been skimmed already I don't want to have them done past usefulness.

Thanks for any guidance.

Nick

[dasadrew]

Hi Nick and welcome to the Stag asylum!

It sounds like you've got a good handle on how to approach things - especially concerning over-skimming the heads.

There are dozens of resources about for the Stag, to get you started Rimmers have quite a good section on Stag data

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/content--name-Triumph-Stag-Vehicle-Information

You need to determine the engine number on your block - there was a recent thread on this forum about finding that number:

http://www.stag.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?16211-Engine-Number&highlight=engine

The engine number does not exactly match the commision number but should be in the same ball park numerically. The Triumph Parts manual indicates a change in engine internals (pistons) from LE/LF 20001 on; so this would indicate an engine number of 20001 and higher would be a Mk2 engine, I guess.

To find out if that was the engine originally fitted to your car, there is (in my opinion) no better way than to apply for a Heritage Certificate. This lists the configuration of your vehicle when it left the factory and includes things like original tyre (tire!) sizes and key numbers.

http://www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk/store/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=169

I'm sure plenty of further help will be following soon, just fire away with your questions!

Drew

[jleyton]

I'm sure plenty of further help will be following soon, just fire away with your questions!

Drew

I reckon your reply was so comprehensive Drew that you haven't left anything else for us to say Drew

But Nick, as Drew says, just fire away with questions.

Cheers

Julian

[peterrc]

Hi Nick, welcome to the Forum. As Drew says lots of information on here. Have a look at http://www.stagbytriumph.co.uk/ under Specification.
It will let you know whether the engine no you have is correct for a MK1.
You will find information on head thickness in this thread

http://www.stag.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?15318-Cylinder-Head-Thickness&highlight=thickness

Peter, Cupar

[jleyton]

I reckon your reply was so comprehensive Drew that you haven't left anything else for us to say Drew

Ok, between Drew & Peter, you've not left us anything to say

Cue someone else coming on here with something else useful.......

Cheers

Julian

[nellis003]

Wow, thanks to everyone who responded. Quite a wealth of information, it's much appreciated.

Here are the numbers, in case anyone is interested:

Commission: LE12240UBW
Engine: LE10033UEBW
Paint: 23
Trim: 43

There are actually two tags at the front of the engine bay - is that normal? The tags themselves are identical but the stamped numbers are different:

T6273LD
6325LD

I see from the Rimmer site that the numbers don't offer any direction toward parts, but I am curious as to why there would be two different tags.

I've already placed an order for replacement badges and brake rebuild kits from Rimmer, and as I find out more about the state of the engine I'll most likely be getting my gaskets and such from them as well.

Thanks so much for all the help so far. I doubt it'll be the last time I ask. I'll post pics of the Stag's progress as I make her roadworthy again.

Cheers,
Nick

[jleyton]

The plates at the front of the engine bay serve little or no useful purpose For a full explanation, look at the very last post on here: http://www.stag.org.uk/forum/showthread.php?9766-I.D.-Plates-on-front-bulkhead-passenger-side&highlight=body+number

Cheers

Julian