Please help identify engine by Date Code

[HandBuiltXJ]

My buddy got a rebuilt engine for his 98 grand cherokee 4.0L. However the Date code he gave me off of it is 8IICL23. I understand the 8 is the year, the II should be Nov, the 23 is the 23rd day of the month. However, I thought the CL should be MX for 4.0 FI. Does anyone know for sure what CL means? Been googleing it for 2 hours. C used in a 6 digit date code used to mean carbureted, but this is a 7 digit date code still located under the spark plugs. He can not find a casting number on the block.

Any assistance on decipering CL would be greatly appreciated.

JOhn

 

[Tim_MN]

The casting number should be on the drivers side, next to the motor mount.

Why does the date code and deciphering it matter ?

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[HandBuiltXJ]

The 5th and 6th digit will tell if it is 4.0/4.2. He says there is no casting number

 

[Tim_MN]

He says there is no casting number

I find that difficult to believe. There should be a casting number, block size, and casting date on the drivers side under the front middle and rear frost plugs.


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[HandBuiltXJ]

I agree, but he also noticed that there is a mechanical fuel pump attached to the side of it.... sounds fishy to my like he got sent an older 4.2 model, I never heard of a 4.0 with a mechanical fuel pump. All mysteries will be solved tomorrow night when he brings it over to my house. Likely it is a 4.2L, if so good for me since I just picked up a 4.0L today and I will have most of the stuff necessary to put together my next stroker engine since my last one has about 6 years on it, it probably needs refreshed.

John

 

[Tim_MN]

I agree, but he also noticed that there is a mechanical fuel pump attached to the side of it.... sounds fishy to my like he got sent an older 4.2 model, I never heard of a 4.0 with a mechanical fuel pump.

Mechanical fuel pump attached to the side of it would explain a lot. Sure seems like a 4.2L



The 4.2L block casting # should be just below the center frost plug.

1975-79 258 4.2L 1/2" Head bolts

Blocks: 3227445 and 3224098
Head: 3227258
Crank: 3214723


1980 258 4.2L 1/2" Head bolts

Block: 3235077
Head: 3227258
Crank: 3214723


1981-85 258 4.2L 7/16" Head bolts

Block: 3235444
Heads: 3933000, 3224480, and 3241656
Crank: 3235477


1986 258 4.2L 1/2" Head bolts

Block: 3227444
Head: 3933002
Crank: 3235477

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