Identifying Cylinder Heads Without a VIN: A John Deere 310C Case Study

[MikePhua]

The Challenge of Missing Identification
When dealing with older or secondhand heavy equipment, missing identification plates can turn routine repairs into detective work. This was the case with a John Deere 310C backhoe whose cylinder head had cracked beyond repair. Without a VIN, sourcing the correct replacement head became a complex task—especially since the 310C model spans multiple engine configurations and head variants.
Key Terminology

• Cylinder Head: The component that closes the top of the engine cylinders, housing valves and passages for fuel and air.
  
• Casting Number: A unique identifier molded into the metal during manufacturing, used to trace part specifications.
  
• Engine Serial Number: A stamped number on the engine block that helps identify the engine model and production batch.
  
• Remanufactured Head: A factory-rebuilt cylinder head restored to OEM specifications.
  
• Bare Head: A cylinder head without valves, springs, or other internal components.
  

Understanding the 310C Engine Variants
The John Deere 310C backhoe was produced with two primary engine models:

• Engine Model 4239
  • Serial numbers below 299999
    
  • Non-turbo head casting: R54560
    
  • Turbo head casting: R56790
    
  • Both sub to complete head part number RE56307 or remanufactured SE501590
    
• Engine Model 4039
  

• Serial numbers above 300000
  
• Head casting numbers: R111949 or R97628
  
• Both sub to complete head part number RE48615 or remanufactured SE501585
  

In both cases, bare heads are no longer available from John Deere, making remanufactured units the only viable OEM option.
Alternative Identification Methods
When the VIN plate is missing, technicians can rely on:

• Engine serial number: Usually stamped on the block near the injection pump or valve cover.
  
• Casting numbers: Found on the cylinder head itself, often near the intake or exhaust ports.
  
• Turbo configuration: Whether the engine is turbocharged affects head design and part compatibility.
  
• Visual inspection: Comparing physical features like coolant passages, bolt patterns, and valve layouts.
  

Field Anecdote: The Backwards Head Gasket
In one case, a technician discovered that a previous repair had installed the head gasket backwards—blocking coolant flow and contributing to the head’s failure. This highlights the importance of not only sourcing the correct part but ensuring proper installation. A misaligned gasket can cause overheating, warping, and eventual cracking.
Historical Perspective: The Rise of Remanufactured Parts
In the 1990s, OEMs began phasing out bare castings in favor of remanufactured assemblies. This shift was driven by cost efficiency, environmental regulations, and quality control. Today, remanufactured heads are pressure-tested, machined, and fitted with new components, offering reliability comparable to new parts—often at a lower cost.
Case Study: Florida Contractor’s Dilemma
A contractor in Florida purchased a used 310C for site prep work. After a few weeks, the machine lost compression and showed signs of coolant leakage. The mechanic found a cracked head and a missing VIN plate. Using the casting number and confirming the absence of a turbo, they identified the correct remanufactured head. The repair restored the machine to full operation, saving the contractor from sourcing an entirely new engine.
Best Practices for Head Replacement Without VIN

• Document all visible casting numbers before disassembly.
  
• Photograph the head and engine block for reference.
  
• Consult parts diagrams based on engine serial number and casting codes.
  
• Avoid mixing components from different head variants.
  
• Use torque specs and gasket orientation guides during reassembly.
  

Final Thoughts
Replacing a cylinder head without a VIN is a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. With careful observation, knowledge of engine variants, and attention to detail, technicians can navigate the maze of part compatibility. The John Deere 310C may have seven head options, but each tells a story—etched in casting numbers and shaped by decades of field experience.
As one mechanic put it: “The VIN’s gone, but the engine still speaks—if you know where to listen.”