Head Casting Number

[113gray]

Hi Group- Can anyone tell me/us what the significance of this number is? Why is it supplied in addition to a part number? If one has to replace his cylinder head, is it necessary to duplicate the casting number if the PN matches? TIA.     -JP-

[rwmastel]

James,

I'm sure you saw this....

http://index.php?topic=1113,cast

Does it answer any of your questions?

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[ja17]

Hello James,
During the production of your car there were several versions and variations of cylinder heads made. These variations may be design changes or improvements during the model run. All of these heads could possibly be interchangable but some may be superior in design or improved. The casting number indicates which particular head casting is on your engine. However the correct replacement head may be an altogether different casting number. Hopefully it will be the latest new and improved version.
The dealer parts books will usually list the original numbers along with the numbers of the later replacements. Sometimes additional parts are needed for the later versions at times.  These parts will be listed also.

The dealer part number for a cylinder head identifies the "head assembly" which means along with the cylinder head casting, an assembly of other parts are included such as the valve adjusters, valve guides, etc.  So if you order a cylinder head you will get the latest head casting along with many other parts aready assembled on the head. This "assembly" is assigned a cylinder part number of its own.

Look at the "cylinderhead chart" on this website to see some of the many head casting numbers.


Download Attachment: Chart, cyl head and gasket 4-13-04.JPG
52.14 KB



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[113gray]

Joe & Rodd - Very helpful responses both. In essence, a higher casting # with the same part number designates some change or improvement. This might require additional or different parts than those with the lower casting #. For the first time, I feel a glimmer of understanding. Thanks so much.     -JP-

[Benz Dr.]

When you order a new cylinder head from MB that's what you get - a cylinder head. It comes with valve guides and seats but that's it. No valves, ball studs, rockers, springs or anything else - it's a bare head.
The casting number isn't the MB part number just like on a crank , block or camshaft. If you look in the parts book it will have a MB part number but it won't be the same as the casting number. Most of the parts books won't have change up numbers and most people won't understand what all the reams of different information is all about.
Sometimes the electronic parts catalogs will have the information you need but when it comes to building engines you're pretty much on your own. There are changes within the changes and knowing what parts to use out of a whole box of things ( often the way things show up here ) is why I'm paid the ' big bucks. '
There's 3 or 4 different pistons for a 230SL. The second or third version was only used on about 800  cars. If you have that kind I'd be inclined to change them to a more common type which might mean changing the conecting rods along with them. Sometimes this makes sense if some parts are really rare or exspensive.

Daniel G Caron

[ja17]

Hello Dan,
I believe a new head comes with the various mounting studs, (manifold, etc)also?

If much of anything is added at all to a part with a casting number, it becomes a new part number which is actiually an assembly of parts.

A good example of this is the oil pump. The pick-up, gear box, and the upper portion all have their own different casting numbers.  When put together into a finished assembly the oil pump  gets a completely different part number.

There is  a good reason here. The oil pump parts are used in many different engines. One part such as the pick-up may be changed. The pump then becomes specific to a certain model and must have a part number to identify this fact.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[113gray]

Tom Hanson recently reported that a head (for another model, 180) comes with valve guides & manifold studs. I assume valve seats are also included, don't know for sure.    -JP-

[ja17]

Hello James,
Yes the valve seats are included with the cylinder head.



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Benz Dr.]

That's right, the new head comes with all the manifold studs, valve seats and guides. This is for a car from the 60's as I 've seen many new ones. Anything else is probably a rebuilt or re- manufactured head and would be more complete.

Daniel G Caron