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I have a new Packard 120 owner who has registered his 1936 Packard 120 Convertible Sedan with me. However his engine number doesn't make sense. I am sure it is a replacement Packard engine, but what year and model is a mystery. The serial number is located behind the distributor and is 3234173C (maybe the C is a Q). As you know, Packard automobile engines had the letter before the numbers, not after.

Does anyone know what year/model this engine could be from, or do you know anyone in the club who is an expert on Packard engine serial numbers that could solve this mystery?

I have attached a file with a picture of the number. Sorry for the poor picture.

Thanks for your help.

Joe Hopkins
1935-1937 Packard 120 Roster Keeper

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Let me correct your understanding; Packard motor numbers came in all flavors; depending on year and model, not all began with a letter, many were 6 characters, all digits. This is especially true for most prewar senior engines.

And many motor numbers used suffix letters (after the #) to identify running changes in motor specs, "C" was a very common suffix, different meaning in different years. If you search this site for motor number suffixes you should find a lot of detail info.

What's really curious about your number is not the suffix "C" but that it has two many digits, should almost certainly be 6, some had 4, not aware of any that had 7. One might suspect a factory service replacement motor which at least in some years were supplied without numbers, leaving the choice of numbering to the installing dealer.

Dave (O_D), it is the leading 3 which marches to a different drummer. A usual 3 should be straight on top.

Could that first one be a 'B' Dave???

Quote:
Joe (packick), Dave (Owen_Dyneto) is referring to

-> #1

-> #2

-> #3

Hi Gusha! And yes - the first digit is the "odd man out".

And Chris, if it were a "B", it still doesn't decode for me.

PS. Fred Kanter just suggested to me that the first character is probably a "G" which would make it a 22nd Series 288 motor G234173C, and the suffix C would denote the improved pistons and rings. As I look again, I believe he may be correct, a better photograph sure would have helped. Should be easy to confirm with the head off, different bore and stroke than the prewar "120" motor.

I don't remember where I saw it, but updated parts were being distributed with instructions to add digits to the motor number. As well, replacement blocks were marked with a code on the deck indicating bore oversize.

That should open some route to follow, but the additional digits were added by dealers and open to much variation.

Thanks for your replies. I have asked the owner if he could get a clearer picture of the engine number. If he can, I will post it. So far, to me, Fred's interpretation seems likely.

The casting date on the block could also provide a clue

Manipulating the image with irfanview, this is the best I can get it. Looks possibly to be G234173C.

Steve

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