25hp engine number 440556

[Terry Gaudet]

Hi there,

If anyone can help me with this engine number, it would be very much appreciated. The engine numbers in the Technical chart above only start in late 48. I presume this engine would be early 48? Please help.

_________________
Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[Bengt H]

Its from june -52

[h~moto]

Why does the engine number not start with 1-0?

[nlorntson]

The square stamp says it's a replacement engine so could be anything.

[sotos]

You can check the engine case for casting dates, here is a link with more info :http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=430442
and another one...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=380362&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
_________________
http://www.komenda-porsche-designer.at/
Oval53 (June)
Beetle 1.3 1966
New beetle 1.6 2003

[nlorntson]

[sotos]

[Terry Gaudet]

Thanks for the info everyone. I will check the casting dates and advise.
_________________
Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[2003nbc]

If the number stamp shown is a KD engine number sequencing (VW exchange engine serial number) then based upon the list found in the June 2001 VVWCA newsletter it was rebuilt in August 1960.

[nlorntson]

[EverettB]

[Terry Gaudet]

So how did the factory remove the original stamped numbers to put in new ones? Machine the surface down?
_________________
Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[2003nbc]

It seems your engine rebuild was based upon a new replacement case, its life started in the Kassel rebuilding works rather than in a new car. As seen in your photos the stamp pad has never been machined. If it had been a used case it would have retained the original S/N with the KD rebuild number stamped on the side of the generator stand or possibly another place. Example from the photo gallery.

The case casting marks described by Sotos above will tell the date of casting.

Some Background:
In the June 1960 edition of FOREIGN CAR GUIDE has an article about VW’s Kassel rebuilding works. It tells the history and details the engine rebuilding process with text and photos. The facility is described as a special factory for rebuilding everything from windshield wiper motors to engines and transmissions. The article states that VW's from the early 50' s are now in need of rebuilt engines. It states that the plant opened in June of 1958 and produced 88,000 engines in the first 13 months along with 26,300 transaxles. (the 88,000 is a close match to the 13 month sequence of serial numbers found in the VWCA article). It goes on to state that the daily average for engines was 430 along with 130 transaxles. The cost was $247 for rebuilt engines as compared to a new engine cost of $440; rebuilt transaxles were $219 and new were $299. It includes 9 photos of factory workers performing various tasks and one interesting photo of the ultra-rare 36 HP with the generator pedestal on the left (photo image reversed!).
The article says approximately the same number of used engines enter the plant each day as are produced each day, it goes on to say “ Rebuilts for export are packed in full crates with weatherproof wrappings. A block which started life in Wolfsburg and traveled to Australia may find itself starting life again in Africa, Sweden, or anywhere else.”
It details why purchasing an exchange can be more economical and timely as compared to a local rebuild.

[pastellgreen]

The number area from op does not look machined to me? If it was a exchange part it would have two numbers, the old one remains at the old place, the second new number from rebuild would be stamped on the rihght side in vertical position as shown on the picture. Is that the case with the op engine the question was about?

[Terry Gaudet]

Hi Pastel,

The case I'm inquiring about is the photo in the top of my post. #440556.
_________________
Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[2003nbc]

Some KD rebuilt engines had a new case rather than a used one. Thus as it appears to be the situation for 440556 only one number stamp is found, positioned on the front. See excerpt below from 1960 article previous mentioned.
Terry, check and see where the oil drain plug located?

[nlorntson]

[2003nbc]

KD engine rebuilding article: