Engine Numbers

***********************************************************************
Occasionally a question arises about identifying a Jaguar engine, for example
if it has been swapped. The purpose of this list is to identify swapped, used
and orphan engines. Information is still lacking on a few models where
indicated by a ? question mark. Perhaps others will provide the numbers for
those last few, or let the list administrator know if any have been missed or
anything stated incorrectly.

***********************************************************************
The initial letter or letters of a Jaguar engine serial number generally
indicate what model car the engine was made for.

For sidevalve engines the number may have been taken directly from the series
used by the Standard Motor Co., which supplied these engines. The number is
located on a raised pad in the center of the engine block just below the head
gasket surface on these engines. The SS-90 had head modifications by Harry
Weslake.

Early 2-1/2 Liter pushrod engines also appear to have a Standard number. These
have the Weslake designed OHV head.

The number for the pushrod engines is found stamped on a machined boss on the
right hand side of the block near the rear above the drain petcock; there is
no serial number on the pushrod head. Pre-war engine blocks had the SS hexagon
logo cast into the block on the right hand side; post-war this was changed to
a Jaguar logo.

The number of the XK engine block for earlier models is stamped on the
horizontal shelf above the oil filter, or for later models on the left on the
bell housing flange; on the earlier cylinder heads it is on the vertical face
in front of the front spark plug. If there is no number on an earlier head it
is probably a replacement head obtained through the Jaguar Spares Department.
The practice of numbering heads was discontinued at some point in the late
1960's. Following the initial letter(s) there are generally four numbers
followed by /7 or /8 or /9, which indicates the compression ratio.

The number of the V-12 engine block is stamped in the Vee between the heads at
the rear. There is no serial number on the heads.

For the AJ-6 engines the engine serial number is on the right hand side of the
block next to the distributor.

For V-8 engines the engine number is located where?

In the following list the format is the initial letters followed by xxxx
indicating three or four or five numerals for the sequential numbering, or
alternatively 0001> indicating engines were numbered sequentially from this
point.

If you have any questions or comments send e-mail to: ted@jag-lovers.org
Main Page	Back to the Library