Reply To: Engine identification

[Gregory Long]

Since the casting numbers will always show that the engine is not the original one for the ’34 836A, I do not think it is wise to stamp the block with a serial number from the 836A era or series. This would seriously raise some eyebrows when noticed by anyone researching the numbers..

To me, this ‘not original’ engine is a part of the normal service history of a car being used for transportation: Things wear out. So some things need replacing. The engine block without a stamped serial number, and with a later production date than the car’s production, implies that the car had a bum engine, and it was replaced with what was then an available replacement engine.

What did a Pierce Arrow dealership’s service department do when a Pierce’s engine had to have a new engine crankcase? Such as if the engine broke an oil line or fitting, and all the oil was pumped out while the car was out on the highway.. Then a connecting rod broke and knocked a hole in the crankcase ??

I’m sure new engine blocks were available to be used to build up a new engine. And they would not have any serial numbers stamped on the block. So the engine was rebuilt with a new crankcase.

I think it is perfectly OK to leave the engine serial number area blank on this engine. It certainly is more correct than having casting numbers and serial numbers from different model years.

Remember: our beloved Pierce Arrow cars went from being expensive, prestigious cars, to become just ‘old’ cars, selling for very little money. In the 1950’s, there are many stores of very nice Pierce Arrow cars selling for under $500, some for under $100 !! .

So, having a beautiful Pierce Arrow car, that was kept on the road and survived until today, by using a few years later Pierce or Pierce [by Seagrave] engine, is to me a natural and correct service history for a car.

Greg Long