How to find engine code (16v)

[Sweeper]

Hello guys!

Not so long ago i got a mk2 gti 16v -89 (awesome car) but it sounds strange lately, the ticking sound in engine. The engine went through 17.000 miles (Swedish miles, 10km/mile), not so much in my opinion. Im not sure if the person who sold it to me changed to another (worse) engine so i wonder where to find the engine code?

People say its on the block but they arent sure where. The engine is supposed to be PL version with CIS-E aka KE-jetronic, and it looks like it. The seller said they changed the intake to large version (from KR engine) but later i found out it also had KR cams!

So im beginning to think its a KR engine with a PL setup.

I checked the block and found the item number for it (027 103 021) and and another number 21D88, which i dont know what it means. The numbers were behind the water pump.

I also found a stamped ring on the head, it looked like this:
what is it and how do i read it?



Help is lots appriciated!

[mattkh]

..... the ticking sound in engine.

When do you get the ticking sound ?

[Sweeper]

When it gets warm.

[Reasty]

Mines a kr and I've had it for seven years and I've never seen a round plate like that on mine

[rubjonny]

just a casting date plate, assuming it means head was cast sometime in 88?  either way the base engine pl and kr are the same, only diffo is the cams and managment

[Sweeper]

Yeah, thought so too but do you know where the engine numbers are typed on the block? i know on 8v engines they are supposed to be right below the top between cyl 3&4, is it same on 16v?

[jezza16v]

Its on a flat part of the block about 3in long and 1/2 in wide above the 8v dizzi blanking plate near to where the head joins the block. Its a bu**er to read because its only very lightly imprinted into the block, you need to give it a good clean off & wire brushing and then if you shine a torch sideways across it you might just be able to read it. The letters and no's are quite large and thin..........best of luck with it chap!

[Sweeper]

Good news is that i found the code! bad news is that its a KR engine!!! it supposed to be PL engine according to car registration. This means those assholes tricked me. Who knows how many miles the engine went now....  

Heres a pic