Engine number query

[onlybayinthevillage]

My block has AS051629 on it.
I think AS is a 1600 engine but what year is this, as my van is a 1972.
Do the 6 numbers mean anything?

 

[sparkywig]

My block has AS051629 on it.
I think AS is a 1600 engine but what year is this, as my van is a 1972.
Do the 6 numbers mean anything?

Yes, for a start it means that the original engine has been replaced with one from a 1974 MY van.
It's the 51,629th AS engine produced, and was originally built between 1st August and 31st December 1973.

 

[onlybayinthevillage]

Thanks Sparkywig. Interesting as I have lots of history on this van but none about an engine change!