Just today I acquired a very cool piece of Buick literature. As I flipped through it I noticed a few charts for references. Particularly one that explains the markings (put on by the assembly line workers) that are on or around the engine. Here are a few, as there are quite a few pages on it. I'll try to get some scanned so its easier to read. Anybody got markings on a low-mile car they dont know what it means? o No:
Here's the marking on my vac advance can. I don't know what the 14 means, though. I guess it doesn't really jive with what the sheet says there.o No:
Didnt find anything yet but this is a 1975 book. But I did find something cool. When they painted the engines they had a special plastic cap for the carb, water outlet, water inlet, fuel pump (bowl only), distributor, crankshaft, and oil pressure switch. Also there was special cardboard cover for the fan hub and card. Then just a cap(not plastic) for the front heater nipple (on T.C.C. or water pump) I also found a chart that tells what sealeants they used and specifically where on the applications they would use them. Very cool book. :bglasses:
Interesting that Mike's chart says "Distributor HOLE" Maybe earlier engines were painted before the distributor was installed?
Nick, You are correct, the engines were painted differently for different years. I have quite a few copies of original "Buick Engineering" engine books and they list the paint masks/mules used to paint the engines. Someday I hope to get a copy of each year to answer the painting questions. Duane
The top photo shows that the distributor was not in when this engine was painted.. Look at that painted red oil filter, you don't see many restored cars with a painted filter...
Very interesting guys! I wish that someday,I can find out what markings originally came on my car and then I would like to duplicate them.