I am a model T man since long, but now I seek information on early Chevys. Reason is that I found ,together with a 1922 T engine, two early 4-cylinder Chevy engines, complete with radiators, hoods and gearboxes.One seems to be an openvalve, the other seems to have arrangement for covered valve top.
I would like to identify them and my question is if the chevy engine has a serial number, where it is to be found and how to interpret it.
Can someone tell me where to find information on the net on these questions?

Hej Magnus,

Here's a forum on old Chevies: http://vcca.org/forum/

In one of the threads I learned that they have casting dates on the carb side of the water jacket on the block that can look something like this: G 17 7, where "G" is the month, in this case July (seventh letter = seventh month) "17" is the day of the month and "7" is the year, where you have to decide if it's 1917 or 1927, which isn't hard to determine. 1925 was the last one with the distributor in the generator, but the first with a true flywheel housing.

I've read that organized import of Chevrolet to Sweden didn't start until 1920, so few earlier cars ended up over here.

As I recall '27 was the last year for open valves, '28 had covers.

Rocker arm covers came before 1928, in about 1928 they came with the covers over the push rods on the side of the block. Roger beat me to the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America's web site. I have used it a few times. While not as active as this site they are helpful in getting things figured out.

The 27 was also the last of the single exhaust port.Chevy also shared a 4 cyl with Olds that had a head with 3 exhaust ports.Bud in Wheeler,Mi.

The Vintage Ford did a good story on the Chevrolet during the Ford T era several years back. I would have to add the issue when I get home if interested.

I am interested to learn what issue told the Chevrolet story!

Magnus,

There was never a Chevrolet 490 made with a valve cover. They all had exposed valves, rockers and pushrods. There is a date on the top of the cylinder head and on the left side of the block behind the carb. The numbers are for month, day, year. If it has a Mason cylinder head that will be different and I can't help you with that. If the rockers have adjusters on them then the engine is 1918 or later. If the adjustment is on the pushrod down by the lifters then the engine is 1917 or earlier.
Hope this was of help.

Cheers,
Willis

I had a 28 with a valve cover and a friend has one also.Bud.

My 27 roadster had valve covers.

A 28 is not a 490 which ended in late 22 or early 23 depending on which side of the Chevrolet fence you are sitting on! From 1923 to 1928 it would be a Superior. The Superior came in several different Series like K & V.

To be clear, the Chevrolet 490 was only made from 1916 to 1922. The Model that replaced it was called the Superior beginning with 1923.

Willis

The story in the Vintage Ford first appeared in March-April 1972 and was repeated in May-June 1985.
1919 to 1928;
1919
490 171ci 4
D 288ci 8
FA 224ci 4
1920 to 1922
490 171ci 4
FB 224ci 4
1923
Sup B 171ci 4
1924
Sup F 171ci 4
1925
Sup k 171ci 4
1926
Sup V 171cu 4
1927
Cap AA 171ci 4
1928
Nat AB 171ci 4
The stroke in the FB was increased 1 1/4 inches over the 490. 4 inchs vrs 5 1/4

I have two 1928 chevy engines that are for sale. Send me a private message if interested.

Magnus,
I am not sure if anyone mentioned that the serial number is located under where the exhaust manifold attaches. It is very convenient since that part already had to be machined Also on the fly wheel there is a serial number. Since the 490 has an exposed flywheel that may be easier to read.

BTW I have a 1916-17 Chevy 490 for sale. It is a complete car, but needs new wood and upholstery. The engine turns and has compression. Let me know if anyone is interested. I am on the left coast.

Matthew

The Chevrolet 490 was replaced by the disastrous Series "C" / Model M air cooled Chevrolet engine in February 1923. When that fiasco played itself out the Superior series engines were quickly brought out to replace the recalled "copper cooled" Chevrolet engines.

I have a couple of 490 motors actually used in Oldsmobile trucks with 3 port heads. I plan on mounting one on a model t pan and using a planetary transmission with the 3 port head a magneto ignition and pressure oil from the cam driven oil pump(standard equipment on Oldsmobile).

I will install it in a single man sprint car from the 20's I plan on restoring.

just sayin'

brasscarguy