Trying to identify 5.7 block

[1979 Quartermasters]

So far, in another thread, this is where we are.
And the winner is 14093638...350...87-95...2 or 4...Roller or flat tappet cam, one-piece rear seal.
This is a little confusing because this engine has a composite timing cover which wasn't used till 96.
DonS suggested we try the serial number located on the front, starboard side.....V0925UPN.
Wasn't getting response on other thread. Hope this helps.....

Ken

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Hi there, below should be one way to help narrow down the engine year.

http://www.marinemechanic.com/merc/distributors/mercurymarine/sterndrive/gmblockcodes.PDF

Good luck.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

VO925UPN

V = Flint
09 = Sept
25 = 25th day

Engine Suffix Code,
UPN = 1986 -350 Truck, 160 HP, LT-9, 4 Barrel carb in a C-20 or C-30 Van
UPN = 1990 - 350 Truck, 210 HP, L-05, TBI, All Models

Thats what they had it listed as on Chevy Mania.com

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Thanks guys. Now I'm really confused. Why would this engine have the composite timing cover. The bolts all fit but the O-ring on the cover doesn't match the casting. Its close, but its letting oil by.
Any ideas for a solution?

Ken

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Does anyone know if the bolt patern and timing systems are the same. Should I order a timing cover for a 1990 5.7. I hope I'm not going to need a different balancer....

Ken

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Not sure why you moved this thread. I have a leaking timing cover and we are trying to determine the year of the engine so I can REPAIR it. Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

I'm no moderator and don't know the ins and outs of the job, but it would be nice to know why the thread was moved and where it went!

Ken

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Ken is this the origanal motor?.......Or replacement motor?

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Thanks for your interest!!

It's a replacement motor. It has a tag on the block that says it was bored 0.030 over in 2006. I tried to locate the builder to no avail. The PO will not return my emails.

Ken

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Ken i just went back and found the first thread....I see Don S and Roger were involved.....If they cant figure it out...dont know what to tell ya.

Wish Don was still here..he'd figure it out.

I had just seen the post and looked up the numbers and thats what i found.......

Have you tried a steel cover yet for a 89 motor...i think rodger might be on to something

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

When I purchased the boat, the PO said that he kicked a jug of oil into the ski locker and that's why it was oily. Lol
Knowing what I know now, I believe this has been a problem since he replace the engine in (he said) 2008. The motor runs perfect, compression is 170-175 across the board. It just leaks oil around the timing cover.
Will that composite cover bolt on to a 1990 block where a metal on should be? I have the balancer with the timing marks on it and the notch in the cover.
I wold really like to resolve this problem as I have be chasing this for almost 2 years.....

Ken

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Oil can in the ski locker...what a joke!

Now this is just me....Here is what i think....the PO was trying to sell ya on a Vortec and swaped the tags and put the wrong timming cover on it....Or when he changed blocks he got snukerd thinking it was a vortec from someone else and did not know better.

With your casting #14093638 = 1987 to 1989
And with the front stamp suffix # VO925UPN.....Which is very definitive on the block

You have 1989 block......I might be way off base here

Id go to the auto store and get a timming cover for a 89 block and check it out and see if it fits right. All yer out it a gasket set.......better than oil all over the bilge.

Keep us posted....Good Luck!

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Typo - 1987 to 1995.....

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Not sure why you moved this thread. I have a leaking timing cover and we are trying to determine the year of the engine so I can REPAIR it. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm no moderator and don't know the ins and outs of the job, but it would be nice to know why the thread was moved and where it went!

Ken

Have you found where the thread went yet? Non-Repair I/O and Inboards

Pretty sure it was moved due to the title says Trying to identify 5.7 block with no mention of an Oil Leak until sometime later on. Identifying an engine typically would end up in the Non-Repair I/O and Inboards forum section. One section up from the Mercruiser I/O & Inboard Engines & Outdrives that covers repair advice.

Look for Non-Repair I/O and Inboards (? Viewing) Discussions not involving troubles or repair out on the home page.

Would you be able to take a few photos of your timing cover/engine? maybe someone will recognize something to offer some sort of better advice.

Once again, good luck.

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Thanks guys for your response.

For now, I'm going to reseal the intake and take care of those small leaks. Then I'm going to run it like it is for the last couple of outings (till the wife doesn't want to get in the water any more). Then I will pull the motor, again, and see if a cover from a 1989 or 1990 will fit. Hopefully I will still have enough time to water test it before winter.

Hopefully this will solve the problem.



This is the only picture I have with the timing cover exposed. When I have the engine out, I'll take a few more.....

Ken

 

[1979 Quartermasters]

Re: Trying to identify 5.7 block

Thanks 81, I think that's what I'm going to do.

I have to wonder, though, would there be a logical reason why someone would have put that cover on that block ( different crank, or different balancer)? Just thought I would ask....

Ken