Engine production question

[Elp_jc]

Hey gang, just saw today a square label with a QR code at the back of the left (driver's side) valve cover on my engine, when checking oil level. It has a date of May 28, 2019, while my car was built in August 09, 2019. Is that the engine build date, or just the valve cover build date? Never seen something like that for any other part, so it might be the engine build date. Just curious if that's the case or not. If it is, surprised how 'old' the engine is compared to the car. Thank you.
JC

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[Thub]

It's likely the valve cover. A lot of suppliers are moving to serialized parts so they can tie inspection data to a specific part to have some evidence that what they ship is good in case there's an issue later. (I work at an inspection equipment manufacturer)

 

[Elp_jc]

Makes sense, but then why just ONE such label??? I haven't seen another like that anywhere else, including the other valve cover. Hopefully one of the Ford techs can chime in, and set the record straight . Thanks for your input.

 

[ice445]

Makes sense, but then why just ONE such label??? I haven't seen another like that anywhere else, including the other valve cover. Hopefully one of the Ford techs can chime in, and set the record straight . Thanks for your input.

The labels are everywhere, you just didn't look hard enough. Ford actually etched a QR code into the metal parts including the block, water pump housing, etc. If you look with a strong light you can see most of them.

I think the sticker you're talking about is for the engine assembly itself though since it says Essex on it, but who knows. Could just be the valve cover supplier specifying where it goes.

 

[BrianH87]

It is indeed the build date of the entire engine.

 

[Thub]

Makes sense, but then why just ONE such label??? I haven't seen another like that anywhere else, including the other valve cover. Hopefully one of the Ford techs can chime in, and set the record straight . Thanks for your input.

The QR codes aren't a requirement, just a helpful 'cover your ass' for the supplier in most cases. Could be that the other valve cover doesn't have one, or it might be in a different location, possibly inside the valve cover. You'll find QR or other 1D or 2D codes all over the car though.

 

[Elp_jc]

It is indeed the build date of the entire engine.

That's what I thought when I saw it, since I haven't seen a build date of a valve cover prominently displayed before. Thank you for confirming that .

What doesn't sound right in times of 'just in time' car manufacturing is to build an engine 2+ months before going into the car. Is there a logical explanation for that?

 

[BrianH87]

That's what I thought when I saw it, since I haven't seen a build date of a valve cover prominently displayed before. Thank you for confirming that .

What doesn't sound right in times of 'just in time' car manufacturing is to build an engine 2+ months before going into the car. Is there a logical explanation for that?

I honestly don't know. But I'm sure there's some time between Essex and Flat Rock. Probably not 2 months, but who knows? Unless they just want a steady inventory of engines to make sure they keep the plant rolling. It's a good question.

 

[ice445]

Probably has something to do with the Bullitt engine being slightly different, as well as the specific production dates since its a special edition with much fewer builds than normal GT's. My engine is dated October 7th 2019 which is about a week before the car was finished.

 

[Elp_jc]

Probably has something to do with the Bullitt engine being slightly different

That makes perfect sense. But still baffled why 2+ months. Oh well. At least it was past the cam chain tensioner TSB . Also crossing fingers it doesn't develop the dreaded tick. The infamous 2K rattle is there, but I can live with that.

 

[ice445]

That makes perfect sense. But still baffled why 2+ months. Oh well. At least it was past the cam chain tensioner TSB . Also crossing fingers it doesn't develop the dreaded tick. The infamous 2K rattle is there, but I can live with that.

Mine still doesn't tick, just shy of 5000 miles now and one oil change down already.

 

[Elp_jc]

Mine still doesn't tick, just shy of 5000 miles now and one oil change down already.

NICE. If it doesn't tick by the second oil change, I'd say you're home free with that crap . I'll find out next week if I pass the 1st oil change test. Ha ha. Have almost 1,100 miles now, so to get the oil hot, it'll be just above that when it gets done.

 

[ice445]

NICE. If it doesn't tick by the second oil change, I'd say you're home free with that crap . I'll find out next week if I pass the 1st oil change test. Ha ha. Have almost 1,100 miles now, so to get the oil hot, it'll be just above that when it gets done.

Hoping it stays tick free! My oil consumption also dropped to almost nil after changing the PCV so thats cool too.

 

[WD Pro]

Just been working on my grill, noticed the date codes and thought of this thread :

Car build date = 26th June
Grill moulding date = Jan 2020
Grill paint date = 21st Jan
Grill production date = 28th Jan (I assume that’s when it got its badge added and QC’d)

WD

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