Tech Tip #43: GM 4.3 V6 Industrial Engine Identification Made Easy

Helpful guide to identifying your GM 4.3 V6 Industrial Engine

Over the years General Motors has made many versions of the GM 4.3 V6 industrial engine, leading us to put together these Industrial Engine ID steps. So many variations that without knowing the good information it can be difficult to exchange a failed engine with the correct new or remanufactured 4.3 Industrial engine assembly. The wrong engine can easily get shipped. But not to worry, Dr. Diesel™ has worked up a Tech Tip to help people identify which 4.3 industrial they have.

1. Year of manufacture. Locate the GM 4.3 engine serial number on the left (remember, engines are always viewed from the rear; if the engine were in a vehicle, the left side is the driver’s side) front bank under the cylinder head. Record the last two letters of the number.
2. Is the bolt pattern where the governor mounts to the intake manifold three or four bolts?
3. How many bolts hold the intake manifold to the block? 12 (1996 and later) or 8 (1986 –1995)?
4. Are the valve covers and timing cover plastic (1990 on up) or sheet metal?
5. Are the mounting bolts for the intake manifold straight up and down or at an angle?
6. Is the water pump belt a V-belt or one large serpentine belt?
7. Are the motor mounts positioned in the shape of a cradle, with the supports located close to the lube oil pan?
8. Is there a provision on the block for a mechanical fuel pump?
9. What is the engine used in that you are using this industrial engine ID sheet for? If a marine application remember to change to brass freeze plugs, if in a Hyster check the oil pan. If you are going to change the Hyster pan, check your pick-up tube. Hyster can supply a new one. If in a Tennant, is it a “LT” version?
10. Is the GM 4.3 industrial engine oil pan ribbed aluminum or made from stamped sheet metal?

Want to learn more about industrial engine ID? Foley Engines has GM industrial engine workshop manuals covering the GM 4.3 industrial engine ID process, ready to ship. Please call us with any questions or if you would like to contribute to this Tech Tip with another distinguishing characteristic that we haven’t listed. We recognize that we have the responsibility of passing on to the larger engine community information that we have developed over the years. If this Tech Tip is helpful and raises the level of professionalism in the engine industry we will be gratified.

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Written by Dr. Diesel

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