Welcome JSV1956

[Forum Master]

Welcome to the CJ DJ 3A 3B Willys Community Forum JSV1956!

Tell us more about you and your Willys!

We love pics so don't be afraid to post pics of your Willys.
Here we like any kind of them!

You will find a lots of smart people here that are willing to help.
Enjoy your stay,
Pascal and all forum members

[JSV1956]

I purchased a 1951 cj3a recently and it has the wrong engine in it , it’s has a valve cover so someone cut a hole in the hood, for the carburetor I can see about 18 numbers and letters on the lower right side of the block and some numbers on the head above the water pump, I can’t seem to find any information about the numbers to determine the year of the engine. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I had a m38a1 about 40 years ago and had a lot of fun with it, I hope to teach my grandson a little bit about jeeps and have some fun trying to get it running and reliable condition.
Thanks

[Rus Curtis]

I purchased a 1951 cj3a recently and it has the wrong engine in it , it’s has a valve cover so someone cut a hole in the hood, for the carburetor I can see about 18 numbers and letters on the lower right side of the block and some numbers on the head above the water pump, I can’t seem to find any information about the numbers to determine the year of the engine. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I had a m38a1 about 40 years ago and had a lot of fun with it, I hope to teach my grandson a little bit about jeeps and have some fun trying to get it running and reliable condition.
Thanks

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JSV1956,
Welcome!  It's possible that you may have had an F-head swap for your L-head (assuming it's a jeep engine vs. other 4 cyl make).  IF it's an F-head the numbers just above the water pump is the serial number.   That serial number on the flat area just in front of the head (above the water pump) that can be referenced to get an idea.  Others are better at deciphering casting numbers than me.  You could start a thread in the "Engine" section with some images and it won't take long to narrow this down.

[JSV1956]

Thanks for writing, yes it’s an F-head the numbers on the head are 4J8 1968, I do appreciate the help. Thanks again.

[JSV1956]

I’m having a time trying to post pictures, and where to find things. I’ll keep looking and trying, I think this is a great fourm it may take me a little while to figure it out.

[Rus Curtis]

Yep.  That's a fine looking F-head.