Use of engine no. when installing reconditioned engines and factory-new replacement engines or crankcases - AH01.10-P-0001-01A

All engines

The engine number has a different legal significance in individual countries. In the Federal Republic of Germany, for example, it has been classified by the legislative authorities since mid-1972 as "insignificant in terms of traffic legislation". It is therefore no longer included in the vehicle title document and vehicle registration document.

Practically all other countries continue to require the indication of the engine number on motor vehicles which are registered in such countries. In dealing with international traffic, the authorities proceed on the basis of the provisions of the country in which the vehicle is register.

In order to avoid any problems on the occasion of vehicle checks or when crossing international frontiers as a result of the lack of or incorrect engine number, the following directives have to be observed when carrying out repairs.

Directives for vehicles which are registered in the Federal Republic of Germany
1. In the case of vehicles for which no engine number is indicated in the vehicle registration document (first registration after approx. mid-1972), it is not necessary to stamp or revise an engine number if a replacement engine or crankcase of the same type is fitted.
2. If an engine number is indicated in the vehicle registration document , it is possible, if an engine of the same type is fitted, to transfer the number of the removed component to the new engine, or the appropriate authority (vehicle inspection authority, vehicle registration authority) should be requested to delete the engine number in the vehicle title document or registration document. The German Federal Minister of Transport has issued appropriate ministerial orders in Transport Gazette 1973, p. 66.
Vehicles which are registered outside of the Federal Republic of Germany
If a reconditioned engine or factory-new replacement engine or crankcase is fitted and this is of the identical type, it is then necessary to adopt the engine number of the engine removed and to transfer it to the new engine or crankcase.

NOTE: It is possible in the case of various engines only to stamp the engine number in place when the engine is removed.

For this reason, pay attention to the particular directives stated in Para 3 for the installation of reconditioned engines, crankcases and shortblocks.
Special directives

3.1 Installation of factory-new replacement engine of identical type
1. If a factory-new engine is installed and an engine number is required (e.g. vehicle registered outside of the Federal Republic of Germany), the number of the factory-new engine must be ground off and the number of the originally installed engine of identical type stamped in its place.
2. If the factory-new engine is fitted with an engine type plate (older car engines) and it is necessary to indicate an engine number in the vehicle documents, in this case take the engine type plate off the engine removed and affix it at the same point on the engine of identical type to be installed.
3.2 Installation of reconditioned engine of identical type
1. The RECONDITIONED ENGINE PLATE must not be removed either from the reconditioned engine to be installed, nor from the engine removed, if the latter was a reconditioned engine.
2. If the engine removed is fitted with an engine type plate (older car engines) and it is necessary to indicate an engine number in the vehicle documents, the engine type plate then has to be taken off the engine removed and affixed at the same point to the reconditioned engine to be installed. This plate should be affixed in addition to the reconditioned engine plate.
In the event that a vehicle owner has problems on the occasion of vehicle checks or when crossing international frontiers because of the lack of an engine number, the workshop in question may in certain circumstances be held liable.

After replacing an engine, the engine number has to be altered in the vehicle maintenance booklet and on the vehicle data cards as well as in the repair customer file. These documents should clearly show which engine is installed in the vehicle in order to ensure smooth parts service.

In addition, the copy of the vehicle data card which is held at the Parts Department of the relevant Branch or Importer should also be altered.
3.3 Model designation identification of crankcases and shortblocks
Crankcases and shortblocks available in the parts sector are not provided with an engine model designation identification and also not with an engine number.

To make it possible to identify the engine on the occasion of vehicle inspections (e.g. by an inspection authority when a vehicle is taken out of service or at the Customs on the occasion of importation of vehicle), the workshop carrying out the repairs has to stamp the engine model designation in the crankcase or the shortblock in the space provided for the engine number.