How to find out a car's engine number

Why it might be needed

Abroad, the engine model by VIN code has never been considered important. In the West, the engine is a replaceable part, so its number is used only for maintenance. It is not included in documents and is mainly of interest only to car service specialists.

In Russia and the countries of the former CIS, until 2011, information about the power plant allowed the inspection to identify entire fraudulent schemes. In our country, the engine identifier was necessarily entered into the PTS. Along with the body model, it was used to identify vehicles. This made it easier to investigate cases of theft. In addition, if the engine and body codes did not match, one could judge that the design of the car had changed.

In 2011, they tried to improve the situation with unit numbers by adopting Western experience, that is, the VIN ceases to play an important role, and its entry in the registration papers is canceled. Now the traffic police cannot refuse the owner to register a technical vehicle due to the absence or even mismatch of the VIN code.

What did it give? In the Moscow region alone, a large number of refusals were registered when attempting to register a car without an engine number. And one can only imagine what traffic police officers did in remote areas of our country. The problem of unit numbers has become one of the most confusing and complex situations. As always, the best practices of Western countries were aggravated by two common legal blunders in our country: the tendency of the executive branch to interpret new legislation in its own way, vaguely and ambiguously, and a strong exaggeration by the masses of the permitted provisions.

The abolition of the mandatory reconciliation of unit numbers immediately solved the problems for owners of cars with unreadable wine, of which, according to former official Shevtsov, there were almost 95%. But on the other hand, this same provision simplified the registration procedure and activated shadow and fraudulent schemes for the sale of contract engines.

Therefore, in 2013, by the next order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the previous wording about the unnecessaryness of reconciling the number was canceled. Now it has been clearly stated that the inspector has the right to completely refuse registration if the body number and internal combustion engine number differ.

Therefore, today it is important that the internal combustion engine matches the original car model. The following data must be encrypted in the VIN code:

• year of issue;
• body number;
• engine data;
• information about the car model, manufacturer and exporting country.

The engine code is required not only to simplify various legal procedures related to the traffic police. At the first breakdown of a used car, there will be a need to select original parts. Without knowing the engine model, this will be extremely difficult to do.

Thus, the owner needs engine marking in order to:

• determine the “cleanliness” of the car;
• find out the actual power of the internal combustion engine, modification and other technical information.

And also in order to avoid problems with the traffic police during re-registration.

Why do you need an engine number?

Despite the contradictory information that is distributed on the Internet, the engine number is mandatory when selling a car and re-registering it with the MREO (read about how to restore a vehicle registration certificate).

This information is no longer indicated in the PTS, but the data is entered into the database, so it is important to know where the engine number is stamped and to have all the documents confirming the legality of its installation.

The VIN code rarely contains information about the engine, but almost all cars have information about the model and year of manufacture, making it easy to determine the engine modification. Some car brands immediately indicate information about the engine model in the VIN code.

These brands include:

• Mitsubishi;
• Toyota;
• Opel;
• Skoda

You can read more about how to check a car by VIN code on various resources in our expert’s article.

Additionally, we recommend reading the material on how to find and decipher a car’s VIN code.

When reinstalling the engine, it is recommended to install the same model and modification as it was before, due to the fact that when checking at the MREO, inspectors may have additional questions that will complicate the re-registration procedure.

The marking on the engine is the only code that cannot be destroyed or interrupted even if the engine loses its functionality. The code determines the owner of even burnt-out cars.

What the code looks like

The accessory number looks different depending on the specific car manufacturer. For example, the famous German concern Mercedes-Benz writes a code starting with the letters OM and the following three numbers. Volkswagen does the same, but instead of the letters OM it indicates EA.

The engine number can be other alphanumeric or simply digital indices. First, the year of manufacture is indicated, then the modification of the engine and at the end - data on climate adaptation.

Aggregate identifier VAZ 2112

Information about the engine is placed in the VIN - this is the serial code of the vehicle, which carries information about all components. Vin requires detailed decoding.

Interesting. On VAZ models before 1987, unit numbers containing a letter of the Latin alphabet were indicated, which indicated the year of manufacture. However, after claims from Europeans who confused the Latin alphabet with a modification of the main engine, on export analogues of the Zhiguli, the engine code contained only numbers. But for the domestic market, the so-called “letter” engines were still produced for some time.

Where is the car engine number located?

Finding the engine number can take a lot of time, especially on foreign cars. Due to the fact that Western concerns do not attach much importance to the VIN, it can be placed in various places, including those not protected from external negative influences. Therefore, often the aggregate identifier fades or disappears completely under the influence of precipitation.

On the engine itself

There are several common areas on the engine where the engine number is located:

• in the most visible place of the power plant - its upper part;
• on or near the cylinder block;
• on the left side of the unit;
• on the hole for the oil level dipstick;
• on the air intake;
• on the intake manifold;
• on the coolant radiator pipe;
• on the eye of the engine suspension;
• at the point of contact between the internal combustion engine and the gearbox.

The identifier is simply stamped by the manufacturer on a certain part of the engine, without a plate. Over time, such a code quickly fades, fades, and it can be very difficult to distinguish the numbers on it. For an effective search, it is recommended to organize preparatory activities - arm yourself with a flashlight, rust remover, and gloves. In some cases, you may need a mirror on the handle to be able to read the inscription marked on the reverse sides of the internal combustion engine.

On the plate under the hood

Some automakers additionally indicate the unit identifier on a metal plate, which is fixed with rivets or soldered under the hood of the car. For example, Volkswagen does this on the panel above the radiator. On some modifications of Audi and Volkswagen, the code plate is located on the engine valve cover or cylinder head.

Mercedes-Benz wine plate

Also, the identifier, in addition to the hood, can be located in an aluminum VIN plate knocked out inside the glove compartment, on the doorway, timing belt cover and other places.

How to find engine number

In most cases, manufacturers stamp the engine number on one of the engine parts. But each manufacturer places the number on the engine in the place where it considers it necessary. In other words, there is no general standardized location for the engine number.

Each motor is equipped with technological instructions , which specify the parameters and markings of the unit. But not all cars are purchased in specialized showrooms; they are also bought from private individuals. How to find the engine number in this case? You need to go to the global network and find the appropriate instructions that will help answer the question: Where is the engine number, how can I find it?

The Russian automobile industry always places engine and body markings in one place:

1. The VIN is imprinted on the right side of the front fender;
2. The left side of the cylinder block is marked with engine numbering.

In Russia there is a law that prohibits changing the design of a machine without agreeing on all innovations with the manufacturer. Therefore, the marking of the unit installed in the car must match the license plate specified in the instructions, unless another engine was installed.

Explanation of the designation

The number is deciphered according to the international standard ISO 3779. Each VIN symbol symbolizes a specific characteristic of the car. Determining car parameters by VIN code is easy and simple.

WMI

Occupies 1-3 positions in the general VIN code. Indicates the world manufacturer index. Under the first sign there is often an indication of the country, under the second – the automaker and under the third sign – a division or branch of the company. Examples of WMI decryption are given in the table below.

VDS

A symbol describing the engine model and other characteristics of the vehicle. Occupies position 4-9 in VIN, consists of 6 characters. Japanese and American manufacturers almost always indicate a control mark in the last position of the code, confirming the authenticity of the marking.

VIS

Index part, the last combination of numbers and letters. Here the manufacturer marks the model year, assembly site, and serial number of the vehicle.

Location of the engine number on the VAZ-2112

It happens that unknowing car enthusiasts are able to spend more than one hour under the hood of a car looking for the required identification number. The thing is that during operation, some of them can become covered with a thick layer of dirt, which makes them simply unsuitable for visual perception without prior preparation.

Layout of identification numbers under the hood

The photo below shows schematically where all the identification numbers are located under the hood.

The numbers indicate the location of the ID numbers.

1. The car number marking ( VIN code ) is located here.
2. Under the number two, all the installation passport data.
3. The engine number is located under the thermostat housing, on the cylinder block . For convenience, you will have to move the air filter housing to the side.

Engine number here!

In order to check the engine number, you need to have a wire brush and WD-40 on hand in advance to make it easier to read dirty or corroded symbols.

VIN code

The vehicle identification number, in addition to being on the support cup under the hood, is also stamped in the niche for the spare wheel in the trunk . As a rule, they are always readable after a little cleaning with a rag.

Engine number on 16 valve

They changed the thermostat and checked the engine number!

The same cannot be said about the engine number, since its location is subject to constant exposure to road salt, reagents and high moisture. To make it easier to clean and read this number, you need to remove the air filter housing with the corrugation and you will see 2 rows of numbers on the block.

Clean numbers are much easier to read.

The top row indicates the engine model, and the bottom row directly indicates its number.

What to do if there is no number

Oxidative processes have a destructive effect on certain areas of the metal car body. Corrosion can completely or partially “destroy” the place where the manufacturer applied the engine code. When the unit identifier is barely visible, you can advise car owners to clean the surface of rust themselves. It is advisable to use not very strong concentrates so as not to damage the remaining inscription. Some people recommend using sandpaper, but this is prohibited! Then you can’t prove to the traffic police that the ID was erased due to natural reasons. If you don’t have special solvents on hand, you can moisten a rag in clean kerosene and wipe it off.

Is it possible to drive on public roads in Russia if you have lost your engine number or VIN, or is this subject to a fine? The law states that the operation of cars with problematic markings is permissible only in one case - the number plate is damaged as a result of natural wear and tear (corrosion). If the car has been repaired, the frame or body has been replaced, which is why the unit identifiers have disappeared, you need to inform the MREO, where they will conduct additional tests.

Rust has eaten away the engine code.
Even if the engine identifier is not listed anywhere, it should be in the traffic police database. However, before buying a used car, you need to carefully look for the VIN code or serial number. If they are not visible, it is better to refuse the purchase.

Where is the engine number located?

The engine number is stamped on engine parts or on a specialized plate attached to the engine body. There are no unambiguous standards based on where the code is placed. Therefore, each manufacturer chooses the location for application at his own discretion.

There are different models of the same car brand, the numbers of which are located in different places on the engine. On most cars, the place where the engine number is located is:

• On the top or side of the cylinder block;
• At the junction of the motor and the gearbox;
• Below the hole for the dipstick;
• On the cylinder block body, at the attachment point of the intake manifold;
• At the point where the power unit is attached to the elastic cushions;
• On the timing belt housing.

On some car models, you can see the engine number under the cooling system pipe.

In order to view it, you must first clean it of dirt. A soap solution and a rag are suitable for this. For severe contamination, you can use specialized products to wash the engine or remove corrosion. To clean the surface from rust, use a wire brush.

ATTENTION: Using a wire brush is only possible if the code is stamped on the power unit housing. Brushing the sign with a wire brush may damage it.

After cleaning, you can see the number applied by the manufacturer. If it is located in a place that is difficult to see, use a mirror. To facilitate access, the mirror is equipped with a handle of the required length.

Table: where and how the engine number is located on famous foreign cars

Where is the Frame Number on the Gazelle Photo

Gazelle frame number?

It was not lucky for you to put snow-white paint on the frame.

What is written in the Gazelle books (published ZA RULEMB 2006): The chassis identification number is stamped on the outside on the right side member of the frame in the middle part. And note: for cars of previous years of production. On some cars in this place, the VIN can be duplicated without the help of others to update it - in general, falsification of identification numbers, right up to the criminal level, there is no Gazelle with a van, the fact that in the title the frame number is most likely essentially the number of the body, tin. On old ones it is stuffed on the pseudo-spar to the right of the engine, on new ones - at the top where the hood fits. In principle, there was never any number on the gazelle frame, it’s not uass.

Just checked at my old junkyard (also ’98, 27057) the same thing - the body is missing, but the chassis (frame) is indicated - that number is on the body side member, not the frame. That is, this means that then it was not the cops who were idiots, but the plant.

Passport data of the Gazelle car with the UMZ-4216 engine

The vehicle's passport data includes vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and identification numbers of the cabin or all-metal body, engine and chassis. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is printed on cars with an all-metal body on the outer front panel under the hood on the right side in the direction of travel of the car ( see Fig. 1.1, view along arrow A). Rice. 1.1. A - place of application of VIN of cars; B - place where the identification number of the cabin or body is applied (vehicles with all-metal bodies)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) on vehicles with a platform is placed on the right frame side member in front of the front rear spring bracket (Fig. 1.2).
Rice.
1.2. Place of application of the VIN of vehicles with a platform and the chassis identification number: Example of application of the VIN of a vehicle:

• X96330200 VO 140794, where
• X96 - international manufacturer identification code,
• 330200 - car index,
• B - model year code (B - 2011, C - 2012),
• 0140794 - vehicle serial number.

Model year

- a period equal to an average calendar year during which cars with the same design features are produced.

Frame number cannot be read, attempt to restore

auto truck 4 years old license plate

the rear one was completely rusty ((located behind the rear wheels) the front part.
The identification number of the cabin or body
is applied under the hood on the outer front panel on the left side in the direction of travel (see Fig. 1.1, view along arrow B). An example of applying the body number (cabin ):

• 270500 - body index or
• 330200 — cabin index;
• B - model year code;
• 0100125 - serial number of the body (cabin).

Chassis identification number

applied only to chassis vehicles intended for delivery to other enterprises for the manufacture of special products.
The chassis identification number of onboard vehicles is marked on the right frame side member in front of the front rear spring bracket. The chassis identification number of buses
is placed under the hood on the outer front panel on the right side. Example of applying a chassis number:

• 330200 — chassis index;
• B - model year code;
• 0102526 — chassis serial number.

Engine identification number

stamped on the cylinder block on the left side. An example of applying the engine identification number:

• 4216СР — engine index;
• B - year of manufacture code;
• 0901271 - engine serial number.

The engine configuration option is indicated by an alphanumeric code (the last two digits of the engine index). Vehicle registration details

are also indicated on the nameplate (Fig. 1.3), located on the rear pillar of the right side of the cab.Fig. 1.3.An example of a nameplate with nameplate data, where: a - vehicle type approval number; b — identification number of the vehicle (vehicle); c - maximum permissible total weight of the vehicle; d - maximum permissible total weight of the vehicle with trailer; e — maximum permissible load on the front axle; f — maximum permissible load on the rear axle; g is the engine index.

A list of international certificates applicable to your car is given in the service book. Chassis passport data supplied to other enterprises for the manufacture of special products includes identification numbers of the chassis, cab and engine. The GAZ nameplate is not installed on the chassis and the vehicle identification number is not applied.

Table: decoding of the WMI designation of foreign cars assembled in the Russian Federation

Table: examples of decoding VIN codes of famous foreign cars

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them