serial numbers

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

My most recent purchase has no data plate, but the engine serial is FCUBM 2611. Which would make me think probably 1947. the casting code on the engine however is 8*3*S, which would indicate 1949. The engine serial is stamped quite clearly with no indication of a possible light stamp or missing numbers. Any thoughts?

[Jim Becker]

Here are 3 possible explanations:

1) Engine number poorly stamped/misread. The real number would have to be something like 7611x, requiring a misread first digit and a lost last digit.
2) Date code poorly cast/misread. Since engine 2611 was probably put in a tractor in July, 1947, it would require misreading both the month and year.
3) A replacement block with no serial number was installed. The shop that installed it also stamped the original numbers into the replacement block. I would generally consider this the least likely explanation, but in this case maybe not.

Are other date codes in agreement with the serial number or the engine date code? (or neither?)

[George Willer]

My most recent purchase has no data plate, but the engine serial is FCUBM 2611. Which would make me think probably 1947. the casting code on the engine however is 8*3*S, which would indicate 1949. The engine serial is stamped quite clearly with no indication of a possible light stamp or missing numbers. Any thoughts?

\

John,

Your engine must be parts of a '47 and a '49 block stitched together!

[Lurker Carl]

It took me several trys to get the correct serial numbers off the blocks. The years have not been kind to the engine blocks or my eyes since they were created.