Cylinder I.D.

[Chris Haynes]

Sorry Chris but I have a different theory on these codes. It is basically the same one in use in many industries today. 22-2 would stand for the 22cnd week of a year ending in 2, 1952 in this case as the cylinder markings were changed by 62. The J is the letter that represents the mother used to make the sand mold the part was cast in, since it is fairly obvious that it was not changed. There was really no need to know what day a part was made, for most non-critical parts just the month will do. But on high stress parts ( most notably cylinders and flywheels) that may be involved in a recall or other warranty repairs the week and which tooling used would be necessary. I suspect that records of this were kept attached the the VIN and Line Bore # so that if a defect developed due to tooling wear or damage they knew which bikes needed fixed.

Mine is not theory. It is fact as told to me by the maker, Motor Castings Company. Their phone number is(414) 476-1434. Call them and explain your theory to them.

http://www.motorcastings.com/

[BigLakeBob]

When did the date codes on cylinders 1st appear? I have a set of Pan EL cylinders with no code. Bob AMCA#6738

[c.o.]

I decided to dig out the books and have a closer look at this cylinder ( I probably should have done that before firing up the thread, but then again it's made for some interesting points!) It's got the oil hole in the base and the oil feed hole inside the bore. Now, am I incorrect in saying that this jug is correct for '55-'62? If that is so then it's got me wondering about these date codes.....

[Chris Haynes]

I decided to dig out the books and have a closer look at this cylinder ( I probably should have done that before firing up the thread, but then again it's made for some interesting points!) It's got the oil hole in the base and the oil feed hole inside the bore. Now, am I incorrect in saying that this jug is correct for '55-'62? If that is so then it's got me wondering about these date codes.....

The date codes do have their flaws. You have to know what you are looking at to determine if J-22-2 is 1942, 1952, or 1962. With the original photo I couldn't determine if it was cast in 52 or 62.

[c.o.]

O.K. fair enough so now armed with more info is it likely a jug for a '62?

[Chris Haynes]

When did the date codes on cylinders 1st appear? I have a set of Pan EL cylinders with no code. Bob AMCA#6738

Do they have the Motor Castings Company logo on them? In not, probably reproductions.

[panz4ever]

So Chris what do these represent. There are three others plus me who have front cylinders with this code stamped on the front cylinder. Two are on 48 pans; two on 49 pans.

[cdndewey]

O.K. fair enough so now armed with more info is it likely a jug for a '62?

If you decide it's a 62 and you want to part with it, I am looking for a barrel for my 62.

[Jerry Wieland]

Panz

That type of marking is commonly found on 1948 only front cylinders. Do not recall it ever being on the rear like that. Jerry

[upsrod]

If you decide it's a 62 and you want to part with it, I am looking for a barrel for my 62.

Dewey,
If I remember correctly your 62fl is an early one. I have a front cylinder dated A-4-1 that
would be closer to the right date.........Rod

[panz4ever]

Panz

That type of marking is commonly found on 1948 only front cylinders. Do not recall it ever being on the rear like that. Jerry

Jerry that is correct about no number on the rear cylinder. My 49 is early (below 500) and came with this type. As of yet I have not seen any cylinders with a 49 date code.

[Chris Haynes]

So Chris what do these represent. There are three others plus me who have front cylinders with this code stamped on the front cylinder. Two are on 48 pans; two on 49 pans.

That is a part number. Not a date code. Is that a raised block with front written on it?

[BigLakeBob]

Do they have the Motor Castings Company logo on them? In not, probably reproductions.

I bought this 50EL in about 1989 with the front cylinder completely frozen on the piston. The motor had laid in water for years, so bad the flywheels were rusted(corroded) to the inside of the cases. I bought a set of cylinders at a swap meet about the same time .020 over. I just looked at the front that was on the motor when I bought it and at the set I bought at the meet and none have any markings. Seems odd for all to be aftermarket. Do you know when Pan EL cylinders started to be reproduced? I just looked at some other FL cylinders I have and it seems almost all fronts are marked but only some of the rears. I have had these for years, some .060-.070 over, hard to believe all are aftermarket. Any insight? Thanks. BobAMCA#6738

[bmh]

Do they have the Motor Castings Company logo on them? In not, probably reproductions.

No early pan cylinders have the MOCASCO logo on them. All the ones I have seen through 55 any way. Date codes don't even appear until very late 50 models. Unless you say all the original machine I have photographed at meets over the years have had aftermarket cylinders put on them.

[bmh]

Mine is not theory. It is fact as told to me by the maker, Motor Castings Company. Their phone number is(414) 476-1434. Call them and explain your theory to them.
http://www.motorcastings.com/

So how did they change that letter???? different set of mothers for every month? I seriously doubt it, that makes no sense from a production stanpoint. And I really don't expect anyone at that company today to know what was done in the 50's any more than I expect a HD employee today to know what was done on the assembly line in the 50's. Ever buy a tire? Ever check the DOT madated date code? Same code, week-last digit of year.