Help dating an engine

[Kudlinski]

I’m having a few issues getting a date on the engine of my SuperMajor. I can’t seem to find the serial number anywhere (the aluminium bulkhead plaque is missing. I have found a casting code on the left hand side front of the block which reads 3d29. Can the engine be dated off this alone?

Many thanks

Paul

[Hair Bear]

Here you go...
Codes, https://www.selen.nu/cgi-bin/trnr.pl?lang=en
Serial nos., https://www.selen.nu/cgi-bin/trsnr.pl?lang=en

[Kudlinski]

Thankyou for the links. Does that make my engine a April 1963 build date?

[Billy26F5]

That means the block was cast on 29 April 1963, look for the serial number on the front RH side of the block just beneath injector no.1. The serial plate only had the serial number until the Power Major, later ones only have a statement. Lots of them disappear. Try finding more casting codes like the one you found on the block to confirm the age.
Sandy

[Hair Bear]

Well, that's what I made it but the disclaimer suggests otherwise. All the other castings will have codes as well so they should all come up with close comparisons.

Oops! Sorry Sandy, crossposted.

[Kudlinski]

The plot thickens. I’ve just cleaned the front right corner of the engine and found S320028 engraved. Would I be correct in assuming this is a replacement industrial engine? Does this number agree with the casting number?

[Hair Bear]

In my world it's generally rust that thickens...

[Billy26F5]

Your serial number is a replacement from May 1963, look for more casting codes to see the age of the tractor. As for the engine this is the most usual combination of only a few days from casting to assembly, although some could stay in the stocks for much longer.
Sandy

[Kudlinski]

That’s great, I’ll try and find some more casting codes tomorrow. It has pressed steel wheels would they be fitting for its age and what colour should they be? Sorry for all the questions it’s my first tractor and a bit of a rolling restoration.

[Billy26F5]

Pressed wheels were always available but they were only standard on the NP Super Major (July 63 to October 64). More casting codes will tell the age of your Major.
Sandy

[mathias1]

It's almost impossible to put a date on a replacement engine. What you can do is see for the casting codes on the lift cover, back axle, ..