Where is the engine number?
4 Answers
The engine number is usually found on the outer surface of the engine block, or on the vehicle's nameplate or the nameplate inside the engine compartment. The simplest and most direct method is to check the vehicle's administrative green book or the vehicle registration certificate. The engine number, like a person's ID number, represents each vehicle and contains very important information about the vehicle. Engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with relevant regulations, enterprise or industry practices, and engine attributes, to a batch of identical products. It indicates information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, characteristics, technology, purpose, and production batch of the engine, including fuel type, number of cylinders, displacement, and static braking power, among others. Engines installed in passenger cars or multi-purpose passenger vehicles are required to display the professional manufacturer, model, and production number of the engine. It is important to note that the engine number is not the same as the engine model. The engine model refers to the specifications and size of the engine within the manufacturer's product line, and engine models can be the same. The engine number, however, refers to the production number of the engine, where each engine is assigned a unique number that differs from all others. Composition of the vehicle engine number: Front part: Includes the product series code, generation symbol, and regional or enterprise code, which are selected by the manufacturer as needed and must be approved and filed by the industry standard's regulatory body. Middle part: Consists of symbols representing the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement, stroke, and cylinder diameter. Rear part: Composed of symbols indicating structural features and usage characteristics. Tail part: Differentiation symbol. When differentiation is needed due to improvements or other reasons within the same product series, the manufacturer selects appropriate symbols to represent this, with the rear and tail parts possibly separated by a hyphen (-).
I'm a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, and I prefer doing my own car repairs and maintenance. Finding the engine number is quite simple—it's located on the engine block itself, most commonly on the side of the cylinder block or the front of the engine block. You can see it once you pop the hood. It's usually laser-etched or machine-engraved on the metal surface, and the markings might be covered by oil or dust, but a gentle wipe with a cloth will make it clearly visible. For example, on my old car, the engine number is on the right side of the block near the radiator. This number is crucial for insurance transfers, vehicle inspections, and other formalities, so I recommend taking a photo and saving it on your phone for easy access. If it's hard to locate, try shining a light from different angles or refer to the illustrations in your owner's manual.
I enjoy helping friends with car-related issues and often discuss this topic. The engine number is typically stamped on the engine block, with its exact location varying by vehicle model. It's usually found on the front or left side of the engine block. After opening the hood, bend down and carefully inspect the metal surface to locate it. Remember to find a well-lit area or use a flashlight for better visibility to avoid missing it. This number serves not only as the car's ID but also for anti-theft and warranty purposes. Just the other day, I helped my neighbor sell his used car when he couldn't find the number. I taught him to use his phone's camera zoom feature, and he found it quickly. Always prioritize safety—avoid touching hot metal parts when the engine is running to prevent burns.
After buying a car, I often get caught up in small details like the engine number. It's usually directly engraved on the engine block, typically located on the front or side of the block. Open the hood and carefully inspect the metal components – the engraving might be quite small, requiring a close look. If you can't find it, don't worry; check the owner's manual or consult a repair shop. This number is crucial for vehicle identification and transactions. When searching, make sure the engine is cool for safety. I recommend taking photos as a backup just in case.
