Where to Find the Complete Engine Number?
3 Answers
The engine number is generally located on the outer surface of the engine cylinder block, or on the vehicle's nameplate or the nameplate inside the engine compartment. You can also find the engine number on the car purchase invoice, the factory certificate of compliance, the operating permit for commercial vehicles, the vehicle purchase tax payment certificate, the registration records at the public security authority, the vehicle insurance card, or the simplest and most direct method is to check the vehicle registration book or the vehicle's driving license. The engine number is like a person's ID number, representing each vehicle. It contains very important information about the vehicle. The engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer according to relevant regulations, corporate or industry practices, and the attributes of the engine. It represents information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, features, technology, purpose, and batch of the engine, including fuel type, number of cylinders, displacement, and static braking power. Engines installed in passenger cars or multi-purpose passenger vehicles are required to indicate 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 range, and engine models can be the same. The engine number refers to the production number of the engine, with each engine having a unique number that cannot be duplicated. Composition of the vehicle engine number: First part: Includes the product series code, generation symbol, and local or corporate code, which are selected by the manufacturer as needed and must be approved and filed by the industry standardization unit. Middle part: Consists of the cylinder number symbol, cylinder arrangement symbol, stroke symbol, and cylinder diameter symbol. Rear part: Composed of structural feature symbols and usage feature symbols. Tail part: Distinguishing symbol. When differentiation is needed due to improvements or other reasons within the same product series, the manufacturer selects appropriate symbols, and the rear and tail parts can be separated by a hyphen.
I'm a car enthusiast who often tinkers under the hood. The complete engine number is usually engraved on the engine block, on a flat metal surface at the front or side. You'll need to pop the hood and use a flashlight to spot it. For older models, it might be covered in grease or rust, requiring a quick clean first. Additionally, the vehicle's registration certificate or logbook clearly prints this number for easy reference. If the engine has been replaced, check maintenance records or ask the previous owner. Knowing this number is crucial—for insurance claims or resale, it must match the actual vehicle condition. The engine compartment is tight, so always wait for the engine to cool to avoid burns. This habit, honed over years, proves highly practical.
What I've learned from years of driving. The easiest way to find the complete engine number is to check the vehicle registration certificate or license document, where it's directly printed. If you don't have the documents with you, lift the hood - there are usually engraved numbers on the engine block, located at the front section. You can feel the raised numbers by hand, though you might need to wipe off dust for better visibility. The vehicle identification plate by the door frame might also show partial information. Safety first - never attempt this while driving; if the numbers appear worn, consult a professional mechanic. I find it useful to save this number in my phone's notes - it comes in handy during emergency breakdowns or annual inspections.
