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Mon Dec 23, 2019 2:42 pm

I found an old side draft motor the other day, and I need some help identifying it. It appears to be complete except for the exhaust. Its a bit crusty, and I'm having a hard time deciphering the serial number. It starts with a 06XXX, and i cant tell if there's a 6th digit or not - meaning i'm not sure if it s 6000 numbered motor or a 60000 numbered motor. I think if it was a 600000 numbered motor, it would be dual carb, so that rules that out.

With that being said, does anyone know the differences between a 6000 motor, and 60000 motor?

Or, will a 6000 series motor have two zeroes in the front?

Thanks in advance!! Wheelie Pete

Mon Dec 23, 2019 6:04 pm

O 1961-1965 1500cc

Wed Dec 25, 2019 7:43 am

Yep yep. I read that too.

Is there a link to a picture of the serial number to a 6000 series and 60000 series number? That would help. I looked and couldn't find one. Thanks! Wheelie pete

Wed Dec 25, 2019 8:31 am

A 60000 engine would have 2 zeros in front 0060000
Here's 0019885:

I believe a 6000 engine would have 3 zeros - 0006000

Since you say it's pretty complete, post some pics.
If it's still pretty original, we might be able to tell from some of the other attributes if it's super early.

Does it have the 2-piece oil cooler?
Like this:

Edit: This isn't the best check as this oil cooler was used until Engine #65xxx

Wed Dec 25, 2019 8:59 am

Thanks Everett! I'll post pictures in a little bit! Merry xmas

Wed Dec 25, 2019 8:05 pm

Wed Dec 25, 2019 9:48 pm

I can't read that serial number any better myself.
Maybe hit it with some steel wool?

I can see it doesn't have the early oil cooler.

It does look pretty original, you could look at the date stamp on the bottom of the coil and see the month/year on that and get another general idea of the date of the engine. Same with the generator.

Here's the coil on my '63

Date stamp thread with info
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=279505

For instance, mine above is 3U
From that thread above, 3U = March, 1963

Thu Dec 26, 2019 9:30 am

That engine looks to be from a 1965 model. It has the early fuel pump & fan housing that has a clip on belt cover. Also hard to tell in the photo but the cylinder tin is the longer version at the base of the intake manifold. '63 & earlier would have the shorter tin for the earlier engine compartment. I cannot read the # on the block either. The air cleaner will also have a stamped month & year on the side.

Thu Dec 26, 2019 11:05 am

rustyfastback wrote: That engine looks to be from a 1965 model. It has the early fuel pump & fan housing that has a clip on belt cover. Also hard to tell in the photo but the cylinder tin is the longer version at the base of the intake manifold. '63 & earlier would have the shorter tin for the earlier engine compartment. I cannot read the # on the block either. The air cleaner will also have a stamped month & year on the side.

The first two numbers are 06. That would put it at Aug 64 build for a 65 model year. All that makes sense! Thanks! Wheelie pete