I am currently cleaning, painting and checking the transmission from my 1927 Chevy in preparation to put it back into service. The part numbers on the transmission parts don't seem to correspond with the parts book. The number cast into the main transmission body is 590279. The number cast into the U-joint housing is 590182. The number cast into the input shaft plate is 590211 and the number cast into the shifter plate is 590281. Is this really a transmission from a 1927 or is it possibly from a different year.

The second thing that I would like to find out about is the lubrication of the U-Joint ball. Reading in the "School is in session" indicates that the Alemite Fitting was removed from the U-Joint housing as being the way to lubricate because of problems it caused using high pressure lub guns. The fitting was removed and replaced with a pipe cap. My 1927 Chevy U-Joint housing has the Alemite fitting! How is this fitting and hence pipe cap installation done? Is the Alemite fitting pressed in or does it screw into the housing? Can you get small pipe caps that will fit or does it have to be drilled out and tapped with a larger pipe cap? Any recommendations and/or procedures to modify this would be greatly appreciated!!!

Hi 27Chevy,

Casting numbers are good information, however they rarely match the numbers in the parts book because those numbers are for replacement parts.

It is sometimes more accurate to go by casting dates. There should be a date on your case and if posted here we could identify it for you.

As to the lubrication of the U-Joint, a combination of grease and heavy oil are the recommended solution. You can remove the plug by unscrewing it. Once the lubricant is placed in the housing you can just replace the plug.

Edited: Several gears and in some cases the case are interchangeable with 6-cylinder parts.

Hi,

I have a list of casting numbers that I have collected from various sources on the net and verified with a few actual vehicles. According to it, the transmission case 590279 is a late 1928.

I don't know if this helps.

Hi DaveT,

We are short with numbers for the 4-cylinders. If you would permit, I would like to have your casting number list to post under Tech Talk.

I'll take a look for the date codes. What do they look like. I remember that there is a single number under the part# casting number or would it be stamped in somewhere else on the main body?

Hi 27Chevy,

On the right side of the engine, and behind the distributor, you will find a pad with a stamped motor number. Below this pad you will find a date code such as: D 16 7. D=April, 16=day of month, 7=the year 1927. Find those numbers and post them here.

On the head you will find a date code also. Post it here.

Date codes are NOT stamped, but cast in the object that has the code.

The head is from a 1927 but I don't have the date code. The block is from a 1928 Chevy and the date code is Feb 7, 1928. Block casting number is 348532. All of this is in a 1927 Chevrolet Capitol serial #186680. The serial number stamped into the transmission is W74705. The only other numbers cast into the Transmission are FE, 5, 2, 9 all in different locations.

Hi 27Chevy,

Since you have a mixture of components, if the transmission works, don't worry about what year.

You have a bad combination of block and head. If you replaced the head with one from a 1928 you would notice a definite improvement. The 28 block needs the 28 head to enhance the capabilities of a complete 28 engine.

Hi 27 chevy
I have a 27 trans. here and the cast no. on case is 590279 that case was used 27-30, the top is 590281 this was used 27-31.
hope it helps