Have I found the engine number?

This is stamped in the RHS engine mount bracket:





To get the van complianced for use in Australia I must produce a photo of the engine number, I looked online to find the location and it said two things - on a raised pad near the pan line at the front of the engine, no sign of that. On a Moparts thread there's said to be an etching at the top of the back of the block on the LHS. Other answers come up, most relating about impossible to read etching.

I must photograph this thing and I need to know where it is.

Next problem:

The key won't turn in the ignition any more. It's been getting to be a bit of a lottery when tried lately, now it's either impossible or it might work again if I live long enough.

Is this a common problem? Am I missing something?

 

Is the key worn? If you rock the steering wheel, will the key then turn?

 

Nothing seems to enable it to predictably turn. I've only got it to turn once out of about a thousand tries today.

Two different keys...

 

There was something I found somewhere about the engine number being on the rocker covers...

Is this it?



Mind you, even if it is, it's unacceptable. It has to be stamped (or etched) into the block - no questions asked!

 

There's nothing in that location on the back of the block...

 

Here's a decent video showing engine block ID number locations.

 

Thanks for that.

Unfortunately that doesn't cover the Magnum blocks...

I'm still at a loss with this, though I've now seen videos (and eBay listings) which indicate that the problem with the ignition barrel is not uncommon. I've yet to find the elusive little press-in thing, the cover is now off and the barrel is surrounded with what appears to be largely 'move this at your peril' wiring and stuff.

 

I've been reading threads and trying to follow useless leads from Google for a day now, it seems to me nobody is fully understanding the problem I am having, and anyone else in Australia would have.

Without the engine number being properly established we cannot get the vehicle complianced or registered. The engine number is actually more important than the VIN here, though the VIN is always cross-referenced. Not only that, the engine number has to be integral to the block. It can't be a bolt-on or rivet-on plate*, it has to be stamped in there and readable. Theoretically, at least, it has to be inspected and proved any time the vehicle comes up for registration. THESE ARE THE RULES IN AUSTRALIA.

Many mentions are made of a 'raised pad near the engine mount' on the left side. 'Near' doesn't tell you much - above? Below? Behind? Towards the front?

And because there are so many replies which are at cross-purposes, I'm wondering if the old type number at the front of the block just below the left-bank's head is still likely to be there. I have no idea how I would get in there to find it, but is it there?

I really do need help with this - it is a 1999 RAM 1500 van, the engine is a 5.9 magnum and I'm sure it's never been changed.


* Riveted on - Renault used to do this, but when they came to Australia they were made to stamp the engine into the block anyway.

 

I know I'm being particular here, but I have to be due to our registration requirements.

 

I think the only thing you will find on the side of the block, is the little star feller for when it was cast, and a part number for the engine, which is pretty generic. There is not a number specific to an individual engine that I am aware of.