Strange Engine Number

[psherlock]

Hi guys - not sure if I am interpreting something wrong here but when I try to find the engine number on my 1969 280SL all I can find stamped into the block casting below the 5th and 6th spark plugs is a 10 digit number 130 010 2650. Does this make any sense to anybody? I always thought the numbers stamped on the engine block were 14 digit?
Cheers
Peter

[Benz Dr.]

I think you're seeing a casting number which not a part number or a serial number.

[psherlock]

OK - thank you for the feedback. I will have a proper look this weekend with a torch! The Vic Roads (our registration body) have taken this number as the engine number for registrations purposes and it does sit where you would expect to see the engine number. Will let you know what I find.

Kind regards

Peter

[Eminent]

A130 010 2650 is a partnumber for a short block used on the Japanese and European130.981 engines.
Well, thats what EPC says.

[psherlock]

Hi Eminent - thank you for that. I guess I can safely assume that I no longer have the original engine but rather a reco at some point? I was hoping that I may still have a car with all the original components and that the engine may have been rebuilt rather than replaced........I still love it though and it runs like a dream.

[Eminent]

I don't know how far EPC is correct with the information.
It should be, i know. But i have seen more faults.
I think you should take a closer look to find a engine number.
Mine became visible after cleaning the surface where it is stamped in.
Did you read the information of engine numbers in the technical manual?
It's located here

[Garry]

Peter,  

Did you have any luck finding the engine number.  The number that VicRoads have used is not the engine number and you would want to ensure that the right number is recorded for future sale etc as murphy's law will apply.

Have you had a good look below the alloy head, in my car there is a 280 casting in the alloy below the 5/6 plug on the passengers side and then below that in the body of the engine block is a flat area with the engine number stamped in it. See photo right below No. 6 plug.  It is quite hard to see the flat area let alone read the stamped number.  A torch is definitely needed.  Where are you in Melbourne.  I am in South Melbourne most mid weeks if you want me to help.

Garry

[psherlock]

Hi Garry - yes. It is exactly as I mentioned and located exactly as per your image. Doesn't appear to have been filed or scrubbed in any way, but with the exception of the 130 commencement, clearly doesn't follow what would be a normal sequence.

Everything else seems to make sense and nothing stands out at all as being from anything other than a 280SL. Very puzzling and would love to know the reason/history. The rest of the vehicle seems to match up with its datacard.

Cheers

Peter

PS Thanks to those guys who put up the note about how to fix wiper issues. Mine decided to stay on and refused to go off until I took out the fuse. Cleaned up the wiper relay as suggested and works like new!