1939 cad lasalle 322cu in oil pan gasket

[ricardo_padilla]

I have a 1939 cad lasalle, with head stamp 322 - 625 (see picture). I ordered a Victor pan gasket OS-30601 for 39 - 40; however, when I fit the gasket to the pan, gasket is smaller (see picture).
Found that 1938 cad have different gasket. Maybe I have a 1938 engine in my 1939?
I welcome advice, so I can finish my oil change. Thank you!`

[Tom Boehm]

To make certain what engine you have you have to find the 7 digit engine serial number. This is stamped on the driver side, on the slanted surface between the back of the head and the bell housing. The number is parallel to the firewall. Post that number and someone here will tell you what year your engine is.

[Robert LeCoque - #1283]

Ricardo,
The pan and gasket you show are correct for the '39 LaSalle engine. The problem is that the gasket you have looks to be a fairly old new stock gasket that has probably shrunk. Even the new 4 piece gaskets do not fit very well and will be prone to leaking. I use a one piece gaskets and get them at Olson's Gasket in Port Orchard, WA. (See their ad in the Self-Starter). The same gasket is used from 1939-1948 both on the 322 and the 346.
Hope this helps.

Robert LeCoque
37-48 Flathead V8 Tech

[ricardo_padilla]

Got the number from the back of engine, 2302544, it is the VIN 2302544 number, same as on the frame.
There is another number 2D12718, wonder what it means.
The top of the head reads 322 - 625, should be the correct engine number.
We are going with Olson Gaskets, it should be new material production.
Thank you for your help and clarification!

[Tom Boehm]

If the 7 digit number on the frame and the engine match then for sure it is the engine installed at the factory. I don't have to look it up. The 7 digit number is the VIN number. The other number with a letter is called the engine unit number. It was stamped on the engine at the time it was built but before it was installed in a car on the assembly line. I don't know if it can be decoded. It is on the build sheet for your car if you acquire it from GM. The "322  6.25" Means it is a 322 cubic inch engine with a 6.25 compression ratio. That number is on all 1939 Lasalle heads.

Concerning your VIN number: 230 means 1939 Lasalle and 2544 means it was the 2544 th Lasalle made in 1939 out of a total production of 23,002 cars.

[Poncholover]

You don't know about "shrinkage"?