Perkins Serial & Model Number Guide

Every Perkins engine carries a model/serial label. Here is where to find it, what each part of the number means, and how to use it for parts, service and age.

Where to find it: a metal plate on the cylinder block (usually the left-hand side; on some series the right). It carries the engine's model/type designation and the full engine number (build list + serial). If the plate is missing, the number is also stamped on the block.

What the number means

Worked example — Model 1104C-44TA · Engine No. PJ12345U123456P:

Part	Meaning	Detail
`1104`	Series & cylinders	1104 = 1100 Series, 4-cylinder.
`C`	Generation	Design generation of the series (A, C, D…).
`44`	Displacement	4.4 litres.
`TA`	Aspiration	T = turbocharged, A = aftercooled/intercooled (NA = naturally aspirated).
`PJ12345`	Build list	A SEPARATE 2–4 letter + 4–5 digit code for the exact family/application spec — this is what Perkins needs for the correct parts.
`U`	Country of manufacture	The letter before the serial: U = United Kingdom, N = USA.
`123456`	Serial number	The individual engine's 6-digit sequence number.
`P`	Year of manufacture	The FINAL letter encodes the build year (Perkins year-letter code).

Using the serial number

Quote the FULL engine number — build list + country letter + serial + year letter (e.g. PJ12345U123456P). Unlike some makes, Perkins DOES encode the build year: the final single letter is the year of manufacture and the pre-serial letter is the country. The build list (the leading letters+digits, NOT the 1104C-44TA model name) identifies the exact application spec Perkins needs for parts.

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Decode rules verified against: Perkins engine identification (b2b.perkins.com) + Foley Engines serial guide. Figures are for reference; confirm against the official documentation for your exact unit.