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57Fireflite

Posted 2023-07-28 9:21 PM (#631025)
Subject: Parts Manual Decode

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I've decided to rebuild the original engine from a box of parts that came with the car when I got it. While I believe I have the big things - block, crank, cam, heads, push rods, etc., it's a daunting puzzle and I've hit a roadblock in figuring out the rest of it...

Now, I consider myself reasonably intelligent and after stewing on this for months, have mustered the courage to ask if anyone else has trouble decoding the parts manual?

More often than not, casting numbers on parts I have don't exist in the book but I'm reasonably certain they go with the engine I want to rebuild or at least SHOULD be in the book - examples: timing chain cover 1327 369-2 and water pump 1638 379-2
Or, my particular model (S26) isn't listed at all under some parts categories. - example: oil pump on pages 10-8 and 10-9

If there's no correlation of casting numbers to the parts manual, how does one know for certain? If there is a correlation, what am I missing? A secret decoder ring?

Once I figure out with ya'lls help, if what I have fits my engine, I'll then figure out what I need to cannibalize from the 330 that's in it now (if anything is usable from a '56). But that's a thread for another time.

Thanks for any insights so I can be a bit more self sufficient in this venture.

56D500boy

Posted 2023-07-29 3:33 AM (#631029 - in reply to #631025)
Subject: RE: Parts Manual Decode

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Location: Lower Mainland BC

.
Very few if any casting numbers translated to part numbers because as soon as a casting is significantly machined or an additional small component part is added to it, the casting number becomes mostly irrelevant because they assigned it a part number, maybe similar, but definitely NOT the casting number.

There are some exceptions, e.g. some 1955-56 V8 intake manifolds.

If I was you, I would definitely get a hold of the factory service manual for your car and also study the engine, water manifold and valve and piston diagrams in the parts catalogue. Between them, you should be able to identify the un-numbered parts in your box and where they *probably* go.

Having a more than a basic understanding of how the engine works and how it was originally assembled will help you.

I am sure that you have seen these diagrams but these are the ones that I *think* will help you figure out what part goes where.

Edited by 56D500boy 2023-07-29 3:36 AM

(Generic55-57DoubleRockerV8_ExternalParts_Diagram.jpg)

(Generic55-57DoubleRockerV8_InternalParts_Diagram.jpg)

(Generic55-57DesotoCoolingSystem_Diagram.jpg)

(Generic55-57DesotoCoolingSystem_WaterPumpAndManifoldDiagram.jpg)

Attachments
----------------

Generic55-57DoubleRockerV8_ExternalParts_Diagram.jpg (148KB - 355 downloads)
Attachments

Generic55-57DoubleRockerV8_InternalParts_Diagram.jpg (148KB - 350 downloads)
Attachments

Generic55-57DesotoCoolingSystem_Diagram.jpg (146KB - 380 downloads)
Attachments

Generic55-57DesotoCoolingSystem_WaterPumpAndManifoldDiagram.jpg (148KB - 280 downloads)

57Fireflite

Posted 2023-07-29 3:30 PM (#631035 - in reply to #631029)
Subject: RE: Parts Manual Decode

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Posts: 122
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Hi 56D -

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Sad news but yes, up until now that has been, and will continue to be the approach: study, study, study.

Fortunately, I do have an above average understanding of the ICE. The hemi is new and seemingly a bit more complex, though.

Thanks again,
Jimbo

56D500boy

Posted 2023-07-29 5:34 PM (#631037 - in reply to #631035)
Subject: RE: Parts Manual Decode

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Location: Lower Mainland BC

.
If you do NOT have a 57 Desoto factory service manual (FSM), there is a wide range of them available on eBay either as inexpensive (but well used) or more expensive (but new/repro). Check these out:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2510209.m570.l131...

You might want to also download and save the 1957 Dodge FSM pdf from MyMopar. I have a 57 Dodge FSM hardcopy (even though my car is a 56 Dodge) because it has information pertaining to the 325 double rocker D500 ("hemi") engine, similar to my 315 double rocker 56 Dodge D500 engine. I just paged the engine section and I think there is probably good useful info for you there.

https://mymopar.com/service-manuals/

But a 57 Desoto FSM is probably better (more exact) for your needs.

This one is probably the best deal (medium priced but new):

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264445686514

Powerflite

Posted 2023-07-29 7:18 PM (#631038 - in reply to #631025)
Subject: Re: Parts Manual Decode

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I would rather have a good used original copy of the service manual. I learned from experience that when people reproduce things, they tend to cut a lot of corners and the quality suffers.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/195907666543

ronbo97

Posted 2023-07-29 10:11 PM (#631040 - in reply to #631038)
Subject: Re: Parts Manual Decode

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Posts: 4251
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Location: Connecticut

Agree with Nathan. The repro copies that I've seen of the Factory Shop Manuals are poor quality. The illustrations especially lack detail. Find an original FSM and you'll see the difference.

Ron

57chizler

Posted 2023-07-30 2:15 PM (#631044 - in reply to #631040)
Subject: Re: Parts Manual Decode

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Location: NorCal

Even some of the scanned copies on mymopar.com are nearly unreadable. Original is best.

wizard

Posted 2023-07-30 3:23 PM (#631045 - in reply to #631025)
Subject: Re: Parts Manual Decode

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Posts: 13213
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Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island

I agree, I bought hardcover library versions of the '60-'62 manuals. Excellent quality.

57Fireflite

Posted 2023-07-31 7:39 PM (#631058 - in reply to #631025)
Subject: Re: Parts Manual Decode

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Thanks, Guys!
I do have an original FSM and Parts Manual -- let the fun begin!

57Fireflite

Posted 2026-09-22 12:02 AM (#644430 - in reply to #631025)
Subject: Re: Parts Manual Decode

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Posts: 122
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Hey Guys,

It's been about 3 years and while I've reasonably solved the water pump ID issue, I'm still churning on the timing chain cover and oil pump:

1. Timing Chain Cover - casting is 1327369-2; of particular concern because it doesn't look like the one in the illustration on page 7-5
2. Oil Pump - 1323 361 and 1327 _67-3 - are the two castings on the one that I think belongs to the 341.

Feeling a bit stuck here. Appreciate any assistance! Thanks!

Edited by 57Fireflite 2026-09-22 12:09 AM