In the process of overhauling the engine for my '30 Phaeton, I decided to double check all the casting numbers. Bad (or good?) idea. I've discovered that while the block is the correct one 835501 (which I'd checked way back when), the head is casting number 836718, which is for a '32 I believe. The switch was probably was done at the same time the car was converted to a W-1 carburetor which it came to me with. The bad news is that I've already boiled out, bead blasted, magnafluxed, resurfaced, ground valves & seats, new springs, etc, etc. While I want it all to be correct, I hate to redo the whole thing, and I don't have a known good '30 head to start with. I've gotten the right '30 manifolds and '30 carburetor and they're all rebuilt and ready to go.
I'm also unsure now whether I've got the right valve cover, too. I have two of them: One is more square on top and has two vent holes (I think it's for a late '29), the other is more rounded on top and has three vent holes (I hope it's for a '30).

So: Four questions, please:

(1) Please confirm that casting number 836718 is a 1932 head.(Out of curiosity, there is also "A13 SPECIAL" cast into the underside of the water outlet boss. What does that mean?)

(2) Will the '32 head mate up OK with the '30 manifolds and be compatible with the rest of the engine? (It's been running that way for at least 35 years)

(3) Since the casting number is hidden by the valve cover, does the '32 head look identical to the '30 head when installed? Any real reason not to just press on with what I've got?

(4) Is either of the valve covers I've described above the correct one for 1930?

Thanks in advance for any help / advice. I've read all the previous threads on these topics, but I want to be sure it's necessary before I go out and try to find a good restorable 1930 head.

All the Best, Chip.

It is a 1932 head
1929 through 1933 manifold gaskets are the same so it will "match-up" OK.
Not sure about the "looks" but any difference will be slight.
If it were my car I would use it and not tell anybody. I would be that it will never be noticed.

The "squared" valve cover with the vents is late 1929. The "round top" valve cover with the three vents was used in 1930 through 1932, however the 1930 valve cover is different from the 1931-32 valve cover in several respects. One of the differences is in the reinforcing used inside of the 1930 valve cover. External appearance wise......they look almost the same.

Thanks, guys! Appreciate the help -- saves me a lot of hassle.

Anybody have any idea what the "A13 Special" casting mark on the underside of the water outlet boss of the 1932 head means? I'm just curious.....

Again, thanks.

All the Best, Chip.