Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

Need help identifing engine block

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04-26-2009, 11:04 AM
  #1  
doc
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
 
doc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Mims, Florida
Posts: 2,149
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: '87 IROCZ
Engine: 395 ZZ4
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.70s
Need help identifing engine block

This is not necessarily a Chevy or Pontiac engine block, but I was hoping that someone could help me with the block ID and info on the engine thats in my boat. The engine block number is V10186VJ. This appears on a boss at the front end of the block on what would be the passenger side, but on the front surface of the block. The date codes are probably on the back side, but I can not see back there due to the position of the engine.

Its probably a Mercury Marine engine from around 1996. This block is crack from freezing over last Winter. I am researching whether I could use a ZZ4 4 bolt main block as a replacement.

I bought the boat in 2004. I know that someone was into the engine at one point because of the way the intake was sealed; red Permatex (I dont think thats standard issue from GM or Mercury Marine).
Old 04-26-2009, 11:39 AM
  #2  
Moderator

 
AlkyIROC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Posts: 17,108
Likes: 0
Received 120 Likes on 101 Posts
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: Need help identifing engine block

I don't see a listing for 6VJ as being out of any production vehicle so it's probably a marine block.
Old 04-26-2009, 01:28 PM
  #3  
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
 
tony_cogliandro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: sunny so cal.
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1990
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Need help identifing engine block

i looked on http://www.96976000.dk/block.html and cant find it. i also ran a google and cant find it. i even went here http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm and its not there.
but there are others you cant try http://www.aacncclub.com/ or http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/a...p/t-98780.html where they talk about old merc engines. i did not look that those but you might want to see them.
good question - i just could not find the answer easily.
Old 04-26-2009, 11:04 PM
  #4  
Member
 
basiccamaro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Need help identifing engine block

The Mortec information is for the casting numbers (numbers only) at the left rear of the block "V" at the bellhousing mount. The numbers from the front pad are the actual vehicle/engine application numbers. For example, in the MOTORS manual for whatever year is appropriate, the letters will tell you something like- 1974 Chevelle 350, 2 barrel carb, automatic transmission. Sometimes part of the car or truck VIN number will also be on the pad. But you have to find the MOTORS manual that is close to whatever year your engine actually is. There are date codes on the right rear of the block.

Usually marine engines or warranty/service replacement engines, or engines that have been decked at the machine shop will not have the front pad numbers and letters.
Old 04-26-2009, 11:06 PM
  #5  
Member
 
basiccamaro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: Need help identifing engine block

I forgot- you can also take those number/letters to a Chevy dealer parts department (quick, while they are still in business, SAD!). They should be able to look up your engine info for you.
Old 04-27-2009, 02:38 AM
  #6  
Member

 
Nub383's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Madisonville, Ky
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 94 Silverado
Engine: 383 Vortec TBI
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: Need help identifing engine block

I am not 100% sure on this but, If it is a Mercruiser I/O with an alpha or bravo outdrive, you can put in whatever will fit under your hatch. You just need to make sure your motor mounts fit and the peices that bolt to the back of motor are for a chevy if you want that zz4.The outdrive is the same whether a ford, or chevy is bolted in front of it. I am guessing it is a chevy block if it is a mercruiser from the mid 90's. I rebuilt a 78 formula with a 3.7l all aluminum 4 cylinder ford. The transom plate was the same for the ford and chevy. The "bell housing" and slip shaft to flywheel adapter were different.
Old 04-27-2009, 07:15 AM
  #7  
doc
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
 
doc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Mims, Florida
Posts: 2,149
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: '87 IROCZ
Engine: 395 ZZ4
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.70s
Re: Need help identifing engine block

I want to thank all of you guys for your replies. I am going to have a marine mechanic come over to the house tomorrow and remove the outdrive unit, then we are going to pull the motor. He says that he can find out exactly want the block is. I suspect that its a Mercruiser, 4 bolt main, single piece rear main seal. When I clearly see the back of the motor, I should be able to determine if the ZZ4 block is a suitable replacement.
Old 04-30-2009, 09:31 PM
  #8  
doc
Supreme Member

Thread Starter
 
doc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Mims, Florida
Posts: 2,149
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: '87 IROCZ
Engine: 395 ZZ4
Transmission: ProBuilt 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9 bolt 3.70s
Re: Need help identifing engine block

Now that the motor has been pulled out of the boat, I can read the numbers on the back of the engine block.

I have 10243880 on the passenger side. On the driver side is; GM 5.7LG 5GI with the 5GI molded below the 5.7LG.

EDIT: I found this on Mortec:

10243880...350...95-00...2 or 4...Vortec truck, Gen.I crate motors and "ZZ4", roller cam, one piece rear seal.

So I am thinking that the ZZ4 block is a proper replacement.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jake_92RS
Tech / General Engine
8
01-28-2020 10:37 PM
theshackle
Tech / General Engine
4
03-05-2017 06:37 PM
Reddeath210
Firebirds for Sale
14
10-06-2015 08:20 AM
lakeffect2
Cooling
11
08-23-2015 08:44 AM
bradleydeanuhl
DFI and ECM
4
08-12-2015 11:48 AM



Quick Reply: Need help identifing engine block



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:38 PM.