Has anyone figured out how to read the engine serial number on the vertical rib on the left bottom of the engine? I can see 5 numbers but that is all up on a ramp.

Mirror? boroscope?

 

You are looking at the bearing numbers on that side of the block on the rib. The engine number is located next to the thermostat housing tower. It is etched into the block on a boss. I think it is on the driver's side. Yours will probably start with a 01..... or a 00.........

 

I cannot see anything next to thermotat. Anyone have a diagram showing where it is located?
thanks

 

found the diagram

 

Try this and start at page 3

Link http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto...sb_09_2003.pdf

 

Exactly

 

There are TWO places that the number could be depending on the manufacture date.

The EARLY engines have it at the top front near the thermostat housing.
The LATER engines have it on the left side of the block near the engine mount bracket.

CHECK BOTH PLACES.

bob gauff

 

The easiest place to read the engine serial number is on the computer screen at the dealer. They can pull a factory build sheet containing the number using the VIN. Unless you know or suspect a replaced engine that is the only way to go.

 

Thank you for sharing this information!! its good to know a car's original specification.

 

On my 2001 XJ8 it was on the left side of the engine block. The only way I could see it was with the left front wheel off looking in through the wheel well. On the XK that might be a pain unless you have the plastic inner fender out of the way.