7 replies to this topic

[MiniJosh92]

Sorting out lots of engines which I will be selling and come across this number - DBL70-3017. Thought maybe a goldseal or similar number but not been able to find anything like it listed anywhere. It is a pre-A+ 1275 with rod change box. Looks to have been blue at some point so did think maybe a unipart exchange unit??

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[FDW]

Could be possible if there's no other explanation that someone once bought the engine with no number, so made up their own for the V5

[Spherix]

Seeing as there was someone else with a similar number, I doubt it's home fabricated: https://www.theminif...de-help-please/

[MiniJosh92]

Has been suggested that it is a Delta rebuilt engine, have not heard of them before.

[Shed Racing]

Interestingly the DBL engine numbers have come up on MGB 1800s (I've spent the last 15 years immersed in them, although with a V8 fitted!).

 

In the case of the B-series engine it would seem to be DBL 230.

The DBL acronym being suggested to mean "Delco British Leyland".

 

The following thread shows that they haven't a real clue either!

http://www.mg-cars.n...01025175531.htm

[MiniJosh92]

Seems it may well just be one of life's mysteries then! 

 

I think I will whip the head off and see if it has been re-bored.

[iain1967s]

Seeing as there was someone else with a similar number, I doubt it's home fabricated: https://www.theminif...de-help-please/

Second photo there shows DELTA red sticker on the rocker cover.

DBL = Delta Remanufactured Engines per this:

https://mgbforum.mgb...f=3&t=494#p2202

Edited by iain1967s, 25 February 2021 - 12:14 AM.

[Itsaminithing]

Oh no not another DBL engine

I've spent hundreds of hours researching these blasted lumps without finding any logic in their numbering system or definitive proof as to why they crop up in cars occasionally....

 

One more thing to confuse matters even more is that your engine number should end with an E (the E denoting a rebuilt engine).

Post Script: It seems the offset stamped number isn't unusual....

http://mk1-forum.net...php?f=5&t=30782

The following information is mostly from the MG-Cars link that Shed Racing has also come across.

The DBL engines were BMC engines rebuilt at Morris Engines no2 works, Durbar avenue in Coventry alongside the RKM range of siver (short) engines & goldseal engines (this was the old Riley Factory)

They were painted a (slightly) metallic Blue & were destined to be marinised by BL recognised firms such as Calcutt and Thorneycroft -British Waterways was a big customer for theses engines but others somehow found their way into cars.

 

 

EDIT: I've since found this information is incorrect, these DBL Mini engines are nothing to do with BLMC (or Unipart).

iain1967s has found the correct answer : They were done by Delta Remanufactured Engines And Gearboxes.

Despite far too many hours researching i can't find any references to this company -so any information will be gratefully appreciated.

Edited by Itsaminithing, 26 February 2021 - 04:35 PM.