Number welded over the engine block code: does it indicate a rebuild, junk yard pull, or warranty service?

[ChxrlieRxe]

I have the original owner and shop manual for my 1987 laredo 4.2L, which means this engine was built 02/05/1988....the "8" indicating it was built in the year 1988, and since the jeep is an 87 I am assuming this is not the original engine; but what the heck is the additional number that is welded on top of the engine block code?? This was my grandpa's jeep, I know he was super frugal and often frequented the local junk yard..so possibly a salvage pull or warranty fix? It's like a treasure hunt trying to figure out what he did with this lol

 

[dieselearl]

have you checked the VIN, what does it state?

 

[dieselearl]

follow-up, if you put the question about" 991165" in google, you will come up with a lot of information, not only about the brass plate, but also the red paint marking, the way it reads, i guess that the 1987 models had a lot of eng problems, it either a reman, or a warrant fix, good luck

 

[ChxrlieRxe]

have you checked the VIN, what does it state?

Yes, the VIN shows that it is 'Model Year 1987'- which I now know doesn't necessarily mean that was the year it was built, and since this engine was built 02/05/1988 it could be the original engine - thank you!

 

[ChxrlieRxe]

thank you - I am really going on a stretch to see if the engine actually has 264k miles or if it was rebuilt at some point

 

[dieselearl]

be sure and let us know.