How can I find out what kind of engine I have?
August 6th, 2011, 03:51 PM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 10
How can I find out what kind of engine I have?
I don't know a lot about cars, so this question may be kind of stupid, I don't know! I'm trying to learn, though.
I have a 1975 Cutlass Supreme that has a lot of problems. It runs well but needs work that I am planning to do myself. I've been told that a Haynes manual is a good place to start, so that's what I intend to do.
Anyway, the person we got it from got it from his grandfather, the original owner, I believe. This guy put in a different engine and worked on it for some automotive class or something. I figure I need to know what kind of engine he put in because I figure that will be the manual I need, right?
So is there any way to tell by looking? I'd prefer not to take it to a mechanic if I can help it because it's not technically insured right now, so if there's anything I can do to find out myself that would be best.
I have a 1975 Cutlass Supreme that has a lot of problems. It runs well but needs work that I am planning to do myself. I've been told that a Haynes manual is a good place to start, so that's what I intend to do.
Anyway, the person we got it from got it from his grandfather, the original owner, I believe. This guy put in a different engine and worked on it for some automotive class or something. I figure I need to know what kind of engine he put in because I figure that will be the manual I need, right?
So is there any way to tell by looking? I'd prefer not to take it to a mechanic if I can help it because it's not technically insured right now, so if there's anything I can do to find out myself that would be best.
August 6th, 2011, 06:02 PM
#3
Connoisseur d'Junque
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
Just take a picture of the engine, and of the number above, and find and write down the number here:
(which may take some disassembly), and then we'll have enough information to go on.
And though the Haynes manual has some good "beginner" hints, you NEED to get the Chassis Service Manual for your year. Believe me.
Why, here's one now!
- Eric
(which may take some disassembly), and then we'll have enough information to go on.
And though the Haynes manual has some good "beginner" hints, you NEED to get the Chassis Service Manual for your year. Believe me.
Why, here's one now!
- Eric
August 6th, 2011, 06:08 PM
#4
Just join Wild About Cars. They have electronic versions free for memebers.
http://www.wildaboutcars.com/
http://www.wildaboutcars.com/
August 6th, 2011, 06:15 PM
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Southeast Michigan
Posts: 1,224
Just join Wild About Cars. They have electronic versions free for memebers.
http://www.wildaboutcars.com/
http://www.wildaboutcars.com/
He'll have to go Eric's route.
Last edited by starfire; August 6th, 2011 at 06:18 PM.
August 6th, 2011, 06:16 PM
#6
Connoisseur d'Junque
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
Just join Wild About Cars. They have electronic versions free for memebers.
http://www.wildaboutcars.com/
http://www.wildaboutcars.com/
- Eric
August 7th, 2011, 09:35 AM
#10
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August 7th, 2011, 09:35 AM
#11
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I *know* it's not the original engine. I'm almost sure it's not even an Olds engine. Would that number still be useful in figuring out what kind of engine it is?
August 7th, 2011, 09:48 AM
#13
Old(s) Fart
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 47,310
Welcome, but do not waste your money on a Haynes, Chiltons, or Motors manual. They are all poor subsets of the factory Chassis Service Manual. You can get CSMs on ebay for about what you'll pay for a Haynes.
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