The date code is on the passenger side of the engine, on the block, just forward and up from the distributor on a machined flat surface.
The digits of the code identify:
- 1st Digit-The year (8 = 1998).
- 2nd & 3rd Digits-The month (01 – 12).
- 4th & 5th Digits-The engine type/fuel system/compression ratio (MX = A 4.0 Liter (242 CID) 8.7:1 compression ratio engine with a multi-point fuel injection system).
- 6th & 7th Digits-The day of engine build (01 – 31).
FOR EXAMPLE: Code * 801MX12 * identifies a 4.0 Liter (242 CID) engine with a multi-point fuel injection system and 8.7:1 compression ratio that was built on January 12, 1998.
Revised 1-31-2016
Cruiser,
Just wanted to thank you for all your work on this site. I have a 87 Cherokee and I’m currently going down your list as we speak. Your a jewel of knowledge sir!
Glad you like it. Thanks.
Found the code on my supposed Wrangler motor. 303MX11
Assuming the ‘3’ at the front is for 1993? You responded to my post on CC that a TJ 4.0 L from 2001 would not work in my MJ. Curious though, how do you tell which decade to put the first digit in? Learning a lot here and appreciate all of the work you and some other folks have put in!
The absolute best way to determine the block ID is to get the 10 digit part number embossed on the driver’s side.
Cruiser-I thought I posted this question the other day but I don’t see it here. I finally got a picture of the number on the block of my 4.0 L. The leading number is an 8. Ho do you know if that is 1988 or 1998? Since the motor is not original to my 1987 MJ I’ve just been a little curious about how to determine the decade of manufacture.
Thanks
Get the part number off the block on the passenger side. 10 digit number.
Thanks. Hope to visit my MJ in February and will check then. Is it passenger or driver’s side?
My # is 53010449 AA??? What the… I think it would be 10-30-95 but that would be backwards..
That’s the block part number. The date code is near the distributor.
I am trying to determine if my engine is a 4.0 or 4.2, I have a 1989 YJ. The block number is 906CL28 Can anyone help me?
http://cruiser54.com/?p=129
I have a 4.0 and its starting number is 0 so that 2000 right it’s 02/01/2000 002mx01
Hi Cruiser, what’s the first digit for XJ years 87, 88, 89, and 90? (The Renix years.) Did they use 7, 8, 9, and 0 for both the 1980s models and the 1990s?
I’m not sure. can you get the part number of the block on the driver side?
I currently have a 97 xj broke piston skirt and damage…swapping out…I have another 4.0 with 53010449 (not AA) build stamp 101mx24. I’m getting all kinds of conflicting reports. I need to know if the swap motor will work and how much extra work needs to be done to make it work.
99 and earlier will work.
I have a 802cc8..what’s the cc? 4.2 or 4.0
MX is 4.0
My date code is 3iimxi8 did they use Roman numerals for the #1?
Take a photo with your phone and look closer. I’ve never seen Roman numerals in a date code.
bought a 1984 CJ7
seems to be a YJ head
block #808CL28
what’s the number on the head?