I had purchased a replacement block for a 1948 Cub that had a block beyond repair. The serial number is FCUBM274374. Having trouble trying to figure out the year it was made or put in service. Looking through several lists available none of them seem to go to this high of a serial number. When I received it the starter and hydraulic pump holes had plates over them. Also, there were "L" brackets mounted to the bottom of the block. It looks like it may have been used as a stationary engine. The casting number is 251341R8 with L3. There is also a circular date code with 12 over 3 and an 8 3 horizontal. There are two photos attached that are not the sharpest but show the numbers cast in the block. Any help to know the year it is would be appreciated. Thank You
Cub Engine Date Code
- Thread starter F.POLLIO
- Start date
Your number 274374 is an engine number, not a tractor serial number. So, looking for it in a tractor serial number list is going down a wrong track. That engine number is from 1970. You may be able to find a casting date code that ends with an "R".
The original serial number lists from the factory included engine numbers for some years but not all. The Cub Database on this site has gathered quite a few engine numbers.
Hi,
The 251341R8 engine block is the newest block number IH used on the Cub. On the Cub, it is made for the 12 volt Delco starter. They are a slightly bigger diameter than the Delco 6 volt starter, and the block was changed to make more room for the 12 volt starter.
The original lower water elbow also has a change, a small cast in dent, to make room for the bigger diameter starter. If the engine was used for stationary power, I don't know if this is correct, or what lower elbow it has. Jim B. probably knows.
