VIN/Serial Number questions

[Don]

Last year I bout a 3a out of state, which requires me to get a VIN inspection.  Unfortunately the title and VIN plate don't match.  (Lesson learned, always check the title to the vehicle BEFORE you leave!)

After doing some reading, it looks like an engine number that is listed on the title.  3J35926.  While the VIN tag show 35626.  And of course the engine number is completely different at U52862, as stamped on the block just above the water pump.

Biggest question is, that seems like an odd engine number?  If I look at serial numbers online, that would be a 46 model?

Don

[athawk11]

In this day and age, it is not unusual to find an older L-134 engine in a newer Willys.  Your existing engine could have been a perfectly good engine that ended up on the shelf at a salvage yard...waiting for your original engine to seize.

I have a GPW engine in my '49 CJ3A.

Hawk

[mbullism]

...the engine number is completely different at U52862, ...� If I look at serial numbers online, that would be a 46 model?

Don

It's my understanding that the "U" designation is "utility", used in trucks and wagons... a 46 would be a 2A, and that would start with a "J"

.02

[Mark W.]

Does your engine have a vacuum advance distributor? How about a PCV system. How about a Skid plate on the Oil pan? The wagon and pickup engines had the vacuum advance but then also had a draft tube instead of a PCV system. Of course that could also be all changed.