Aluminum and Magnesium - difference?

[Fishcop]

Without finding engine numbers, how do I identify or tell the difference between a magnesium and aluminum engine case?

Cheers

[Wayne 962]

Mostly color - magnesium is darker, also much lighter...

-Wayne

[kellzey]

Try lighting the magnesium.... The magnesium will create nice sparky things!

no just kidding... don't try it...

[Chuck Moreland]

Just look for the pulled head studs, that's magnesium.

[Fishcop]

Thanks guys... It's just that I've found some anomalies with my engine that are inconsistant with the engine number. I am getting ready to make some changes (2.7) and was going to replace it as I believed that it was a magnesium case, but now I think it may be aluminium and in this case (no pun intended) I will consider rebuilding it to 2.7 specs.

Early 1969.... should it be aluminum or magnesium?

[Early_S_Man]

John,

All '69 engines were Mg.

[obrut]

John

If you're looking for an engine then let me know. I'm building a new mag-cased (the famed 7R) engine and my existing Aluminium-cased 2.7 will shortly be for sale.

Cheers - Ryan

ps: Ditto to all the other Aussie pelicans...tell your friends...

[Fishcop]

Thanks Warren, I'll assume it's magnesium.

Ryan, definitely interested but have just bought a house (today). I bought Wayne's book and was going "fiddle" over a few months. However depending on how much you're chasing I'm keen... Feel free to email or PM me.

Cheers

[obrut]

John

OK, I'll let you know when my new engine is near finished (prob at least a month) and I've got a clearer idea of when my present one will no longer be required.

Cheers - Ryan

[Randy Webb]

Spectrophotometer.

Seriously, I'd ask a machinist -- they have all sorts of clever ways to do this type of determination.