MF 231 Engine Number Messed Up -- what is C/I?

Rford · Mar 6, 2012

This should not be so difficult. I've found lots of engine ID sources, but none that match up with what I have.

I can't find any reference to a MF 231 engine (Perkins 3-152) with an engine model with a "C/I" designation. The engine has these numbers:

3778643 C/I next to the lift pump under the "Perkins Engines" tag. This is stamped upside down (Polish built

).

There is P195330Y stamped lower on the block.

The cover plate over the battery area has "5681" and then Serial No. C41087.

I think the "P" means Poland since it was made there and that is what the manual says. But it might mean it was built in 1987 because P also mean the year of manufacture is 1987. But since they didn't make them in 87, the "Y" must be the year and that means 1994. So I;m betting on 1994.

I'm trying to make sure I have the right info so I can order the correct parts, and even though I have all the numbers, they don't match up, unless I ignore the I in the C/I and then I guess its just a C.

Any tips

pjbci · Mar 6, 2012

Check on the intake manifold for the engine serial number plate. Im not sure about the 231 but both my 135 and my friends 240 engine serial numbers are located there.

Rford · Mar 6, 2012

My plate just says "Perkins Engines" and then under it, off to the side, was the upside down number.

pjbci · Mar 6, 2012

I think that may be the block number. Any MF service dept should be able to steer you in the right direction over the phone.

Jerry/MT · Mar 6, 2012

Rford said:
This should not be so difficult. I've found lots of engine ID sources, but none that match up with what I have.

I can't find any reference to a MF 231 engine (Perkins 3-152) with an engine model with a "C/I" designation. The engine has these numbers:

3778643 C/I next to the lift pump under the "Perkins Engines" tag. This is stamped upside down (Polish built).

There is P195330Y stamped lower on the block.

The cover plate over the battery area has "5681" and then Serial No. C41087.

I think the "P" means Poland since it was made there and that is what the manual says. But it might mean it was built in 1987 because P also mean the year of manufacture is 1987. But since they didn't make them in 87, the "Y" must be the year and that means 1994. So I;m betting on 1994.

I'm trying to make sure I have the right info so I can order the correct parts, and even though I have all the numbers, they don't match up, unless I ignore the I in the C/I and then I guess its just a C.

Any tips

If there is an Agco dealer near you, you might consider asking them for help.

Travis_R · Mar 6, 2012

I will take a look at my '98 MF 231 tomorrow evening when i get in from work. I'll let you know something. Im almost certain the 231 was made from '89 to '99. Mine is a '98 because of the letter "G" in the serial number. I have the "shell" top fenders, not the flat top ones that was used on earlier production models. Mine has 995 hours on it and all i've had to do so far is replace a broken fan belt.