desoto engine serial number...not a hemi!!!

my buddy just traded a P.O.S mustang for a 53 desoto, we are trying to figure out what kind of engine is in this desoto. i was wondering what the website is that you can check the engine serial numbers to tell you what the engine is. BTW the number he gave me is 1400228-1...see if you can crack the code...lol

 

flathead 6?

 

I belive it Should have a prefix like the hemi's unless that is a casting # which it kinda looks like

 

on 1953 Desoto's you had two choices of motor the Hemi and the Flathead six. . . Powermaster had the six banger and the Firedome had the Hemi. . .ofcourse the number he gave you sound like a serial number of an engine rather than the model type of car and engine e got. so I would say if it is an original motor this is your choices and if it is not original than it could be an SBC for all we know. . .

 

All DeSoto V8s were Hemis. In 1953 there were two models, the I6 Powermaster and the V8 Firedome with 276ci Hemi. I believe the I6 was 251ci. It may have been a 230 though.

 

Definitely need more info....however, it is pretty easy to distinguish inline 6 from a hemi V8.

 

i know it is the flathead six, it is defianately not a hemi. here is the link to the car. he just picked it up yesturday. i know some about cars not anything about desotos. he si trying to troubleshoot the carb and asking me for advice...im no help on these cars. here is the link http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/1297671676.html

 

once again i knew it didnt have a hemi in it, i just wanted to know where i could look up the block number so i could get more information on this type of engine

 

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Look at the engine picture directly above ^^^^^^^, now, just behind the battery ground strap on the side of the block is a machined pad, with the ID number. Now go here,
http://www.t137.com/registry/help/otherengines/sengines.html


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73rr where can i get the generator, starter, distibutor cap, and voltage regulator.

 

Gotgas is correct; it's a 251

 

I would take the gen and starter to a local elec shop and have them gone thru. You know they fit and have somebody to ask questions. There are a lot of good shops in the Houston area. The cap and regulator should be real easy to find .Those engines lasted for decades in countless forklifts and tow tractors. I had a bunch under care at one time,

 

geeez...go to a bookstore (used) and find a Motors Manual that covers cars from the early 50s....virtually everything you want to know, you'll find.

dj

 

I agree with Andy, have someone local rebuild the generator and starter. For tune up parts first check with you local parts store, IF they have some old parts books to check numbers...computers systems are not ideal for old parts...then check with Andy Bernbaum, Roberts Motors or Atlas Parts.
Holler if ya need help.


Gary

 

YUP! they are all right! its a 251 flathead six. I would highly recommend a shop manual and ASAP! it is hard to understand this cars and most of all some things are just down right impossible without the manual. He knows hes got an M6 semi automatic transmission with a fluid coupling right? is it still 6 volts or has it been upgraded to 12v? I would say get the carb rebuilt and make sure he does not throw anything away that he does not know what it does....example the safety switch harness that goes connected to the the carb....(ask me how I know that!) if I can help just have him or you PM me. Mackster

BTW: here is a good website to buy from. the owner is a snob but he know his Desotos!
http://www.oldmoparts.com/

 

mackster you are the man

 

So whats the thing down from the carb on the manifold that has got me stumped.

 

Contact George Taylor in Pasadena 713-472-5886 for parts for your car and identification of the engine. The number is on the pad on the block between the battery ground cable and the oil filler tube. It should read something like "S24-1234567".

 

Its what I was talking about! the safety switch for the tranny. . .

 

damn all the madness the motor is seazed!!!!!!! we are tryint to get a donor dodge

 

thanks for all the help but it seems the motor is locked so gonna switch it out

 

just a small FYI: the engine you have is a 251 and the lentgh of the engine is what is commonly called a long block 25" (measure the size of the head and you will see why its call a 25" long block). The Plymouth and Dodge engine is the short block only 23" long. . .so you will have to adjust some things to make it work and you will be loosing some power (which is needed to move this giant boat!) so I would suggest you look for a straight up bolt on 25" inch long block engine found in Chryslers or another Desoto...

Happy hunting! the hard part is not too hard if you find a straight up bolt on replacement.

 

well the reason we decided to look for a donor vehicle is because the guys wife will be driving this car...and if she breaks down on the side of the road it would be easier for her to get parts for the 383. and its probably better that it has less power. also we found the donor truck a 70 something powerwagon complete and in fairly decent condition for 300 dollars. so i think things will work out alright..what do you think mac?

 

You should be good...sounds like a great price!

 

here is a little tease! how about some dual intake and exhaust!!!!


I borrowed this picture from the P15 D24 forum...the best flathead six forum on the web!Im just trying to convince the new owner to keep the flattie!

 

it would be cool but as we all know afeter you get a engine unstuck without rebuilding it the rings will be wortheles in about 200 miles and it just needs to be a reliable car...i wouls just hate for his wofe to be stranded with an 18 month old... anybody want the flattie they can make an offer

 

how far are you guys from AZ?

http://forums.aaca.org/f119/48-mopar-engine-transmission-266605.html

 

we are in houston texas, but we have friends and family in pheonix but we are too broke for a road trip right now