Engine numbers, clarity please.

[Paul99]

I think I have asked this before but forgotten.  Bit confused around the engine numbers of my 1966 230. 

Have a look at the attached photo.  The engine was replaced with a Mercedes replacement at some time. Number ending 443.
But stamped on the engine block (above the plate) it shows number ending 084.

Why the difference, are they referring to different  things?

[stickandrudderman]

That's strange; I've not seen that before but unless you intend having the engine rebuilt it's of no real cosequence.

However, I'd be more worried about the orange gasket sealer poking out from between the head and the block.....

[Pawel66]

I have different names for the fields on that plate.

The upper field gives engine type and designation as for LHD/RHD and Manual/Automatic.

I would have guessed that the bottom field is just subsequent engine number of the engine that was the replacement.

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

Attached letter which may add to some info for you

jb

[Cees Klumper]

My guess is the top number in the actual block was punched in by the installing dealer to be the same as the original engine (ending in 084).
The number in the aluminum plate is the production number of the replacement block.
I have two replacement engines that are blank on the actual block, but do have numbers on the metal plates.
It is my understanding that the factory supplied the replacement engines without any number punched into the block, leaving it to the installing dealer to punch in the original engine number.
I installed one of these replacement engines in my 280 SL in 2003, and left the block bare, so as to not pretend the car has its original engine. 
If you have or obtain the data card for your car, you can check what the original engine number was. My guess is it will end in 084