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techtalk:ih:engmech01b [2021/10/27 02:20]
hippysmack [Engine VIN Numbers]
techtalk:ih:engmech01b [2023/12/19 22:49] (current)
hippysmack [1975-1985 Belly Numbers]
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 [[:​techtalk:​menu|{{ ​ :​techtalk:​gototechnicalmenu.jpg|}}]] [[:​techtalk:​menu|{{ ​ :​techtalk:​gototechnicalmenu.jpg|}}]]
 ====== IH: Engine Mechanicals - Sub-01B ====== ====== IH: Engine Mechanicals - Sub-01B ======
 +[[techtalk:​ih:​engmech01c|Click Here]] to reference the Ironhead Engine Case Identification page in the Sportsterpedia. \\
 +\\
 ====== Engine Case Numbers ====== ====== Engine Case Numbers ======
 The engine VIN, also called engine number or serial number, and can be found on a pad in the "​V"​ between the cylinders. \\ The engine VIN, also called engine number or serial number, and can be found on a pad in the "​V"​ between the cylinders. \\
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 But if your frame and motor were born together the numbers will match (and possibly save you title hassles). \\ But if your frame and motor were born together the numbers will match (and possibly save you title hassles). \\
  
-There are also casting numbers as well as stamped numbers in various places on the engine and frame, but they are not motor numbers. \\ +There are also casting numbers as well as stamped numbers in various places on the engine and early frames, but they are not motor numbers. \\ 
-Casting numbers do not indicate the year of your bike, only the date the cast was made. \\+Casting numbers do not indicate the year of your bike, only the date the part was cast. \\
 For instance, on a 70s bike, there are still quite a few -52 (the first year of the K model) numbers. \\ For instance, on a 70s bike, there are still quite a few -52 (the first year of the K model) numbers. \\
 (leading the uniformed to advertise all sorts of later model parts as K model parts) \\ (leading the uniformed to advertise all sorts of later model parts as K model parts) \\
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 The casting date simply tells you the month the part was cast. This is not the same as the day the assembly was made. \\ The casting date simply tells you the month the part was cast. This is not the same as the day the assembly was made. \\
-Casting dates can help confirm that cases on a 1976 motor were not cast in 1978 for instance. \\  +Casting dates can help confirm that factory ​cases on a 1976 motor were not cast in 1978 for instance. \\ 
 + 
 +**1975-1985 various engine number locations**:​ \\
  
 1975 model casting and stamped engine numbers: ((photos courtesy of Carson S)) \\ 1975 model casting and stamped engine numbers: ((photos courtesy of Carson S)) \\
 {{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1975_sportster_various_engine_numbers_-left_case_by_carson_s.jpg?​direct&​300|}} {{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1975_sportster_various_engine_numbers_-right_case_by_carson_s.jpg?​direct&​300|}} {{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1975-e1984_sportster_various_engine_numbers_-right_bottom_case_by_carson_s.jpg?​direct&​300|}} \\ {{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1975_sportster_various_engine_numbers_-left_case_by_carson_s.jpg?​direct&​300|}} {{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1975_sportster_various_engine_numbers_-right_case_by_carson_s.jpg?​direct&​300|}} {{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1975-e1984_sportster_various_engine_numbers_-right_bottom_case_by_carson_s.jpg?​direct&​300|}} \\
  
-=====Engine Serial Numbers ​======+===== 1957-1969 ​Engine Serial Numbers =====
  
 Noted serial numbers with their respective dates as stated in service bulletins. Noted serial numbers with their respective dates as stated in service bulletins.
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   * 69 XLH 9070, produced January 3, 1969 (timer weight springs changed) ((TSB# 562A dated May 1, 1969))   * 69 XLH 9070, produced January 3, 1969 (timer weight springs changed) ((TSB# 562A dated May 1, 1969))
  
-=====Engine VIN Numbers ​======+===== 1970-1985 ​Engine VIN Numbers =====
   * A new numbering system was issued for both the engine and frame. \\ (first year referred to as a Vehicle Identification Number or VIN) \\ The same VIN number is stamped into both the engine and frame. \\ It consists of a model code, a serial number, a manufacturer'​s identification,​ and the model year. \\ The factory VIN (serial number) on the engine does not have anything to do with nor is it used for the title / registration. \\ It did serve at one time as warranty information. However, now it does suffice for at least one point of engine identification. \\ Due to folks altering these numbers from time to time, the number alone doesn'​t always mean anything toward the actual year/model (unless factory stamped).   * A new numbering system was issued for both the engine and frame. \\ (first year referred to as a Vehicle Identification Number or VIN) \\ The same VIN number is stamped into both the engine and frame. \\ It consists of a model code, a serial number, a manufacturer'​s identification,​ and the model year. \\ The factory VIN (serial number) on the engine does not have anything to do with nor is it used for the title / registration. \\ It did serve at one time as warranty information. However, now it does suffice for at least one point of engine identification. \\ Due to folks altering these numbers from time to time, the number alone doesn'​t always mean anything toward the actual year/model (unless factory stamped).
   * Motorcycles were produced in batches and the VINs were consecutive thru the different batches of different models. \\ There were no set number of same model bikes in a batch (no 50 or 100 XLH models per batch deal). \\ For instance, Service Bulletin M-736 reveals a long list of VINs produced from June 7, 1978 to June 14, 1978. \\ Also revealed in that bulletin is the fact there was a year model change within that 8 day time frame. \\ So the year model change for case production was the 2nd week in June, 1978. \\ A few numbers in-between were left out of the bulletin but the VINs start at (FX) 2A**75920**H8 and end at (XLCH) 4Al7621H9. \\ In those 8 days (6 work days) and in this order per the VIN sequence, produced were;   * Motorcycles were produced in batches and the VINs were consecutive thru the different batches of different models. \\ There were no set number of same model bikes in a batch (no 50 or 100 XLH models per batch deal). \\ For instance, Service Bulletin M-736 reveals a long list of VINs produced from June 7, 1978 to June 14, 1978. \\ Also revealed in that bulletin is the fact there was a year model change within that 8 day time frame. \\ So the year model change for case production was the 2nd week in June, 1978. \\ A few numbers in-between were left out of the bulletin but the VINs start at (FX) 2A**75920**H8 and end at (XLCH) 4Al7621H9. \\ In those 8 days (6 work days) and in this order per the VIN sequence, produced were;
-    * 17 FLH 1200 (2A75921H8-2A75943H8+    * 17 FLH 1200 (2A 75921 H8-2A 75943 H8
-    * 1 FX 1200 (2C75961H8+    * 1 FX 1200 (2C 75961 H8
-    * 5 FLH 1200 (2A75969H8-2A75975H8+    * 5 FLH 1200 (2A 75969 H8-2A 75975 H8
-    * 38 FXE 1200 (9D75983H8-9D76025H8+    * 38 FXE 1200 (9D 75983 H8-9D 76025 H8
-    * 3 FLH 1200 (2A76027H8-2A76030H8+    * 3 FLH 1200 (2A 76027 H8-2A 76030 H8
-    * 1 FLH–80 (3G76036H8+    * 1 FLH–80 (3G 76036 H8
-    * 38 FXS 1200 (2F76040H8-2F76102H8+    * 38 FXS 1200 (2F 76040 H8-2F 76102 H8
-    * 34 FXE 1200 (9D76103H8-9D76142H8+    * 34 FXE 1200 (9D 76103 H8-9D 76142 H8
-    * 12 FLH–80 (3G76143H8-3G76160H8+    * 12 FLH–80 (3G 76143 H8-3G 76160 H8
-    * 2 FXE 1200 (9D76173H8-9D76174H8+    * 2 FXE 1200 (9D 76173 H8-9D 76174 H8
-    * 9 FXS 1200 (2F76180H8-2F76199H8+    * 9 FXS 1200 (2F 76180 H8-2F 76199 H8
-    * 11 FLH 1200 (2A76201H8-2A76226H8+    * 11 FLH 1200 (2A 76201 H8-2A 76226 H8
-    * 30 FXE 1200 (9D76227H8-9D76350H8+    * 30 FXE 1200 (9D 76227 H8-9D 76350 H8
-    * 5 FX 1200 (2C76352H8-2C76380H8+    * 5 FX 1200 (2C 76352 H8-2C 76380 H8
-    * 20 XLH (3A17392H8-3A17497H8+    * 20 XLH (3A 17392 H8-3A 17497 H8
-    * 1 FLH 1200 (2A17501H9+    * 1 FLH 1200 (2A 17501 H9
-    * 94 XLH (3A17502H9-3A17737H9+    * 94 XLH (3A 17502 H9-3A 17737 H9
-    * 17 XLCH (4A17404H9-4A17621H9)+    * 17 XLCH (4A 17404 H9-4A 17621 H9)
    
 In an effort to date (somewhat) factory issued engine VINs, a list is being compiled below of engine numbers verified through service bulletins. \\ In an effort to date (somewhat) factory issued engine VINs, a list is being compiled below of engine numbers verified through service bulletins. \\
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 ====== Belly Numbers / Line Bore Numbers ====== ====== Belly Numbers / Line Bore Numbers ======
-The numbers on the bottom of the cases are commonly called the "​belly"​ numbers or "line bore" numbers. ((Moon Wolf of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=575658&​page=2)) \\+The numbers on the bottom of the cases are commonly called the "​belly"​ numbers or "line bore" numbers. ((Moon Wolf of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​79283-case-numbers-not-vin?​t=575658&​page=2)) \\
 If your bike has "born together"​ cases, the numbers on each case half should match. \\ If your bike has "born together"​ cases, the numbers on each case half should match. \\
 These numbers have nothing to do with your gasket set or anything else. \\ These numbers have nothing to do with your gasket set or anything else. \\
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 Belly numbers have no relationship to the Serial number (or VIN number respectively) located on the side of the engine. \\ Belly numbers have no relationship to the Serial number (or VIN number respectively) located on the side of the engine. \\
 Belly numbers are stamped the day the case halves are machined (line bored) and paired up. \\ Belly numbers are stamped the day the case halves are machined (line bored) and paired up. \\
-The motor serial number or VIN respectively happens ​much later after engine assembly. \\+The motor serial number or VIN respectively happens later after engine assembly. \\
 These two have absolutely no correlation to each other except they can be a dead give away on bogus numbers when they are out of the realm of possibility with each other. \\ These two have absolutely no correlation to each other except they can be a dead give away on bogus numbers when they are out of the realm of possibility with each other. \\
 For instance, if you have an early 77 VIN, the bike would have been assembled in late months of 1976. \\ For instance, if you have an early 77 VIN, the bike would have been assembled in late months of 1976. \\
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-==== 1957-1974 Belly Numbers ====+===== 1957-1974 Belly Numbers ​=====
 Belly numbers were coded beginning with a model digit (7) for Sportsters, year and 4-5 running sequential numbers for the year model: \\ Belly numbers were coded beginning with a model digit (7) for Sportsters, year and 4-5 running sequential numbers for the year model: \\
 Model (1 digit)-Year (last 2 digits)-Sequential No (4 or 5 digits) \\ Model (1 digit)-Year (last 2 digits)-Sequential No (4 or 5 digits) \\
 Each set of belly numbers is stamped on the bottom of each case half and the numbers should match if they were factory issued. \\ Each set of belly numbers is stamped on the bottom of each case half and the numbers should match if they were factory issued. \\
  
-{{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1974_xl_belly_numbers_by_ironheadjunkie.jpg?​direct&​400|}} ((photo by ironheadjunkie of the XLFORUM)) {{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1974_xlh_belly_numbers_by_the_doctor71.jpg?​direct&​400|}} ((photo by The Doctor71 of the XLFORUM ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=2080305&​page=2)) \\ +{{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1974_xl_belly_numbers_by_ironheadjunkie.jpg?​direct&​400|}} ((photo by ironheadjunkie of the XLFORUM)) {{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1974_xlh_belly_numbers_by_the_doctor71.jpg?​direct&​400|}} ((photo by The Doctor71 of the XLFORUM ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​203115-1974-sportster-vin-issues-what-the-heck-did-i-buy?​t=2080305&​page=2)) \\ 
-==== 1975-1985 Belly Numbers ====+===== 1975-1985 Belly Numbers ​=====
 For convenience,​ [[techtalk:​miscres:​miscres70|Click Here]] to see the Julian Day Calendar page in the Misc Resources section of the Sportsterpedia. \\ You can open a pic of a full per-year calendar thru 1985 there and match your belly numbers to find the day your cases were machined. For convenience,​ [[techtalk:​miscres:​miscres70|Click Here]] to see the Julian Day Calendar page in the Misc Resources section of the Sportsterpedia. \\ You can open a pic of a full per-year calendar thru 1985 there and match your belly numbers to find the day your cases were machined.
  
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   * The model designation for 1000cc Sportsters was (7).   * The model designation for 1000cc Sportsters was (7).
-  * The right case belly number ​is stamped on the bottom ​and the left case is stamped on the outside primary wall. \\+  * Location of numbers: 
 +    * 1975-E1984: \\ The left case is stamped on the outside primary wall. \\ The right case is stamped on the bottom ​under the flywheels. 
 +    * L1984-1985: \\ The left case is stamped on the outside primary wall (unchanged). \\ The right case is stamped on the right side of the case (sump) below the cam cover starting with crankcase #784 044001. \\ Per TSB M-885, the locations of the right crankcase numbers were changed to aid the stamping operation. \\   ​
   * The Julian Day starts over on every January 1st.   * The Julian Day starts over on every January 1st.
     * Example January 1st = Julian Day #1. December 31 = Julian Day #365 of a non leap year, December 31 = 366 of a leap year. \\ This is verified thru Service Bulletin numbers 744 and 760.     * Example January 1st = Julian Day #1. December 31 = Julian Day #365 of a non leap year, December 31 = 366 of a leap year. \\ This is verified thru Service Bulletin numbers 744 and 760.
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 |{{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1975_xlch_belly_numbers_pic1_by_carson_s.jpg?​direct&​400|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1975_xlch_belly_numbers_pic2_by_carson_s.jpg?​direct&​400|}}| |{{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1975_xlch_belly_numbers_pic1_by_carson_s.jpg?​direct&​400|}}|{{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1975_xlch_belly_numbers_pic2_by_carson_s.jpg?​direct&​400|}}|
  
-|  1975-1985 belly numbers on right case bottom ((photo by paulc of the XLFORUM, labeled by Hippysmack ​http://​xlforum.net/​forums/showthread.php?​t=1792269)) ​ |+|  1975-1985 belly numbers on right case bottom ((photo by paulc of the XLFORUM, labeled by Hippysmack ​https://www.xlforum.net/​forum/sportster-motorcycle-forum/​sportster-motorcycle-era-specific-and-model-specific/​ironhead-sportster-motorcycle-talk-1957-1985/​166796-left-case-belly-number-location?​t=1792269)) ​ |
 |{{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1976_xlch_belly_numbers_by_paulc.jpg?​direct&​400|}}| |{{:​techtalk:​ih:​engmech:​1976_xlch_belly_numbers_by_paulc.jpg?​direct&​400|}}|
 +
 +====== Case Match Numbers ======