I was wondering how to go about verifying the year of my 2.8 engine block. I have the code off of the engine but don't know what to do with it.

The problem is I keep ordering the main bearings and keep getting the wrong ones. From my understanding there are a few types of mbs you can get for these blocks. I was told the earlier models had a smaller main bearing than some of the older ones. I'm not too sure about that but I keep getting the small bearings but I need the set with the larger rear mb.

Can anyone help me out with this. I'm getting confused.

Thanks,

Derickab

 

whats the engine code?

 

Sorry I meant the serial number off of the block. Wrong choice of words.

 

hmm, couldn't help you their, take the serial number into a gm dealership, they should be able to tell you, what letter is on the side of your block btw?

 

There's only two sizes of main bearings and they were changed as a complete change-over in mid 1985.

Are you saying that when you order bearings, there is only one that doesn't fit?

 

I believe there is an E on the side of the block if I'm not mistaken. This is the serial number I got off of it: 14100695M. This came off of the left or passengers side of the block.

Like you said though there was a letter on the side of it which I didn't copy down. Is that significant?

 

On the first set I ordered only the front mb would fit. The other 3 were too small. This set I just got in today might work but I have to get over to my dads tomorrow and give them a shot.

 

hmm, i was asking because my 3.4 has an f and a 2.8 that i have has an l on it its supposed to be an 88 block, so maybe you have a 85 or earlier block.

again i never verified what year the 2.8 was

 

Didn't the bearing change come along with the internal balance?

Should be pretty easy to tell them apart.
External balanced with the flywheel, or internal balanced on the crank. Making it necessary for bigger bearings.

 

Grumby,

I think that is my issue. I never did specify weather it was internal or externally balanced. It is internal though so I think you have just solved my problem. Never thought of it until I read your post.

Thanks,

Derickab

 

No, the main bearing size changed in mid '85, the change to internal balance happened in '87.

 

Thanks for the info everyone the bearings I picked up the other day(friday) work out for me. Looking to be back on the road soon.

 

Well eveything is good now so I have started reassembling my engine today. The mains are 40 over and the rods are 30( bearings).
Going to take a while since I have to travel out of town this week but hopefully I will be back up and running in about a week or two. Will keep you all posted.