Engine Numbers

[SamsBus2012]

I have known for some time that the engine in my van is not the original - I have a scrap of paper from a previous owner indicating that it was replaced in 2002 with a lump from an 88 model. Can I tell if this is accurate from the engine number?
I can clearly see the number below the breather tower DG followed by 6 digits and a *.
Can anyone point me in the direction of engine numbers? (Im off to buy my anorak now ).

[ermie571]

That is the engine number you are looking at. DG is a 1.9. The numbers follow the engine code and the star indicates that it has been reconvened by vw at some point I think xx

[SamsBus2012]

Yep thanks. If VW are like other manufacturers, you can tell the age of the block from the 6 digit code. My old landrover was similar to this.

[bigherb]

If it was from 1988 the engine number will be between 143441-155759.

[SamsBus2012]

If it was from 1988 the engine number will be between 143441-155759.

Ok, so mine is 167656 so assuming later than 88?

[bigherb]

March 1990

[SamsBus2012]

Thanks