Auto Parts: vin number on block, carfax report, timing chain cover

Question
i was wondering where the vin number is on the engine block that matches up to the vin number on the vehicle it came from on a 2002 ford 5.4 in a super duty truck   i am trying to do a carfax search on the motor to find out the mileage on the engine when it came out of the vehicle but i dont have the vin number from the vehicle

Answer
    There is a serial number on the block (actually on the cylinder head).  I think it is hidden behind the timing chain cover.  It does not, however bear any relationship to the actual VIN number of the vehicle that it was installed in.  When engines are manufactured these days, they are not intended for a specific vehicle.  Ford does make a record of which engine goes in which vehicle, but I never heard of anyone trying to recover that information.  If you bought an engine at a salvage yard, they should have been able to supply you with the VIN of the donor vehicle.  I can't, for the life of me, figure out what useful information could be gleaned from a Carfax report on the donor truck.  Carfax is primarily a repository of insurance information, what accidents were had and what repairs were done.  It does contain factory service records, but they are only useful if all of the service was done at a dealer.  Any service at an independent garage, or body repair that was done without filing an insurance claim, will not show up on a Carfax report.  As far as the mileage goes, you either trust the guy at the salvage yard or you don't.  If you don't, you shouldn't buy an engine from him.  And the mileage doesn't tell you whether or not the engine was properly cared for by the previous owner.  At a minimum, you should do a compression/leakdown test on every cylinder, and a mechanical check of the oil pressure at different RPMs.  This info will tell you what you've got and how long it should last.  The bottom end of these engines is almost unbreakable, it's the head gasket sealing and valve gear that you have to worry about.  And, of course, all of the electronics.  Were you able to hear it run before you bought it?  Did it sound fairly quiet?  If so, it's probably OK.  Most yards will leave the engine in the wrecked truck so that they can let you listen to it before you buy.  That is a good time to get the VIN, if you want it.