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MG MGB Technical - MGB Engine number

Can anyone please shed light on what the origins/meaning of this number on the engine block of my May 69 mgb roadster are. The number is stamped directly on the block where the plate should be located and not on an aluminium plate. The number is 1040 MGF 03123 however the F may well be a B. I have the original 18GGWE***** engine number from the log book. Am I right in thinking that the different number on the block denotes that this is a non-original engine to the car? Could it be from a Morris or is it a Goldstar? The block is painted green which is out of sync for the age of car as it is quoted on the net as being Maroon that year. The Original engine number plate may have been removed during a re-build by a PO. I have looked all over the net and in my copy of Clausager with no joy. It’s not a life changer but enquiring minds just want to know!
Albert Gate

Hi Albert,

This may have absolutely nothing to do with your engine, but back in the late 60s, there was a BMC distributor, in Melbourne, that tuned Austin 1800 engines to MGB specs. As the 1800 engines were painted green, your car may somehow have acquired one of these engines.
However, a quick web search does not show Austin numbers corresponding to those you have.

Herb
Herb Adler

Could be a Gold or Silver Seal, factory re-built unit.
Allan Reeling

Almost certainly is a replacement. Late Gold Seal numbers for the MGB were 4 digit i.e. 1074, 1105 and 1111 but they should have BHM *before* that number. It's possible yours is a Gold Seal for some other 18V application. Mine is a Gold Seal albeit with the earlier 48G prefix and has the rivetted tag as originally.
PaulH Solihull

Hi Paul,
Thanks for your comments. I have receipts from PO's way back but no mention of an engine change. Only a head change about 15 years ago. Should my V5 reflect this engine number as it still has the original engine number on the V5 historicaly? Any other ways to tell its a Gold Seal? I have heard they were better made engines than the originals. Thanks
Albert Gate

Strictly speaking the V5 should show the current engine number, but then mine doesn't. Gold Seal engines were originally painted gold, so you may find that under the green. According to legend Gold Seal engines were rebuilt engines returned under warranty for some reason, completely dismantled and every component checked for tolerance etc. before reassembly. As opposed to new engines which were simply assembled from components out of the box without being checked i.e. the assumption that they were good. Whether any replaced components on a Gold Seal were similarly checked, or simply fitted as per new engines, is another matter.
PaulH Solihull

Thanks everyone for your comments. I will look for some gold under all the green paint and oil!
Albert Gate

This thread was discussed between 23/02/2011 and 25/02/2011

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