How to find Engine number from VIN or Rego
In this article, we will refer to the car’s motor as an engine. They are essentially the same thing. While this guide is tailored for Australian readers, much of the information is relevant worldwide.
What is an Engine Number?
Similar to a VIN number on a compliance plate, an engine number is a unique identifier stamped onto an engine and linked to a car via the VIN number. This number does not change unless the engine itself is replaced. In some special circumstances (e.g. the engine number has rusted off, it is damaged or is just unable to be located or unreadable) the states transport authority may allocate a new engine number to the vehicle and it will need to be stamped on.
Why Do Cars Have an Engine Number?
The engine number is crucial for identifying the origin of an engine. In cases where a car is stolen and then sold for parts, the engine number can be used to identify the engine and the car it was stolen from, helping to prevent and solve crimes.
How Do I Find the Engine Number?
The engine number is stamped somewhere on the car’s engine block. Its location varies depending on the make and model of the car. Some engine numbers are in plain sight, while others are hidden in difficult-to-reach places, requiring components to be moved to see them. In older, well-used cars, the engine number might be obscured by oil and dirt and may need to be gently cleaned to be visible.
What If I Can’t Find It or Don’t Have Access to the Car?
There are several alternative ways to find the engine number if you can’t locate it on the engine block or don’t have access to the car:
- Registration Papers: The engine number is typically recorded on the car’s registration papers.
- Service Books and Manuals: These documents often include the engine number.
- Dealer Assistance: By providing the VIN number, the dealer can usually retrieve the engine number as it was when the car was new.
- PPSR Check: A Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check will reveal the last engine number the vehicle was registered with. This check will include all the car’s identifiers in the search results. For more info on the PPSR visit this page PPSR checks. The PPSR will require you know the car’s VIN. If you don’t have the VIN number you can find the VIN from Rego using the tricks on this article.
Remember:
Finding the engine number information from sources other than the engine itself can sometimes be inaccurate. The reliability of these methods depends on why you need the engine number. If you only need it for registration purposes and the last recorded number suffices, these methods should be fine. However, for a thorough investigation of a car, you might need to take it to a mechanic who can lift the car on a hoist to locate the engine number accurately.
