340S Engines

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:35 am

The three 340RS/2 engines I have in my possession are serial numbered as follows:

4200270

4200666

42X0002

That last one doesn't seem to fit in does it? Came with a 00 series base plate on it, and a Salsbury clutch like they used on the '72 and '73 440s.
Possible it was something the Horicon boys were playing around with?

HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:06 pm

Brian,

I don't know much about the Deere race engines. My thought would be the X could mean "Experimental" and the fact that it is serial#42X0002, the second one made, would lead you to believe that some kind of testing and experimenting had to go on. If you have the paperwork that shows how to upgrade these engines to get more horsepower then somebody somewhere was playing with these. If you tear this engine down it would be interesting to compare different components with the other two engines you have. You might be surprised in what you find. Another thing to consider might be where this engine came from. If it came from an ex wrench or known hot spot for Deere race goodies you might have an oddity. Just my thoughts.

Post by **guitardude081** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 4:47 pm

Brian,
Is it possible that this was a factory reject or a reworked engine. My experience with guitars has taught me that (in the Fender guitar world) when a serial number is X'ed out or has X's in it that means that it was a reject sold at a lower price or a piece that was reworked to meet specs and then sold from the factory at a discount. This is probably not the case in small engines being that if it doesn't work in the factory, usually it is scrap, but it might be a factor to look in to.
~Jack