The raised number is usually the gm block part number. The stamped number
will tell you how the block was built originally. Neither is much use to
you when dealing with mercruiser people because they want the merc serial
number and it was on a plate or on the cover for the spark arrestor of the
original engine. You don't need it for any of the stuff you want right now.

wrote in message
...
On Fri, 27 Oct 2006 21:26:29 GMT, "James" wrote:

You can probably do some searches on gm/chevy block numbers and find out
if
that number can tell you anything. If it is a cast in number, raised
numbers, it won't tell you as much. If it is stamped on a machined
surface
you might get more out of it. The parts are very common across a wide
range
of different years on these so you may need to know more. Also when the
engine was replaced they could have simply swapped over some of the parts
from the original engine so depending on what you are looking for you
might
need the 77 part or you might need the newer part.

What exactly are you looking for?

wrote in message
. ..
On 27 Oct 2006 11:02:33 -0700, "jamesgangnc"
wrote:

Is there some reaosn to think it is not a 1977? If you can find the
merc tag with the serial number on the engine that will help you. If
you think the engine has been replaced at some point and there is no
tag then you may be able to find a number stamped in the block that
would give you an idea. It's usually really hard to find these except
with the engine out of the boat though. The 3.0 is a gm 4 banger and
is relatively unchanged over the years if you are looking for parts.

wrote:
How do I determine the engine year?
It's a i/o with a 1977 pre alpha outdrive.
Engine is a 3.0L 140HP.
Thanks
Yes Engine was changed about 3 years ago by
previous owner.Only serial # I could find was on
the flame arrester,but how accurate is that. Anybody
can change the flame arrester. Yes it is for ordering
parts.On engine block all I see is:
14097080 GM HECHO EN Mexico
Thanks for help.

Yes its raised #'s. Been searching about 2 weeks without
any luck.Really would like to find out serial#.Seems all the
part dept. asks is for the serial # then the year. I know neither.
Basically all I need right now are maintainence parts.(fuel filter,
carb filter,belt,and would like to replace thermostat.) Just would
like to know for future problems.
Thanks again.