Hi there i would like to have some help with this tread;235 CI 1955 Belair engine;[/U] Short water pump from classic parts of Am. New 12 volt generator with the small belt/235 bracket. Original Pully below Fan original Radiator standard Information;I did mount the 235 CI engine a week ago but i think that the distanse between the fan and the radiator is guite small, aprox. 1cm. The fan goes free from the pully below 1/2 cm in frontof it. Questions?Should i use the original 235 CI pully/balanser or do i have to change to another one ? Will a smaller pully give a bad engine balance? Does Patrick`s or other Compagny have the right pully in case ? Regards Martinius/Norway
Martinius, The short shaft water pump is going to bring the fan very close to the radiator and will also leave the fan very low on the radiator as well when putting a later 235 into an early truck. It will work, but the clearance may be a problem. I put a 1957 235 in my 1955 1st series truck. I used an adapter plate that allows me to use an early type pump from a 216 on my 235 engine. This brings the fan (the 216 fan) up higher on the radiator into the correct position and allows plenty of clearance from the front of the fan to the radiator. I did notice that the fan was very close to and would hit the balancer pully when the engine revved above 2200 rpm. I made a 1/4 inch shim to place between the water pump and fan and now it works perfectly with no clearance issues at all. The adapter plate is available from many vendors. The only issues with the installation were the need to drill and tap two hole into the engine block for mounting and finding the correct sealant to ensure no leaks. I used Permatex "The Right Stuff" for sealant. It is my new favorite gasket goop. Andy
Hi , Andy Thank you very much for the answer i got from you. I understand that you have been out for the same kind of problem, but that you did found a good solution for it. Is it possable that you could send me a picture from the adapter plate and the vendor where its possable to buy one? Sinc. Martinius
Martinius, Click this link. http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2791080470090459121eqMixe This will show you the adapter plate in position on an engine with the needed holes to be drilled started to show position. This picture http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2779392370090459121cEuFsP shows the adapter plate, water pump and fan mounted. Look closely. You will see the plate and the water pump is mounted HIGH on the engine, right under the thermostat housing, exactly where it should be to position the fan correctly as far as height is concerned. You must use an early pump ('47-'53 for a 216 engine) and the original 216 fan. I bought my adapter plate from these guys http://www.oldchevytrucks.biz/47_55/full.asp?page=91 Jim Carter. Part number MEE390 Andy
Adaptor plate Re: "short-shaft waterpump" Save your money; as was pointed out before, the adaptor plate moves the fan up on the radiator, eliminates alignment issues with your harmonic balancer, allows you to use a 6 blade 15" fan for exceptional cooling, as well as letting you purchase an "early" Chevy 6 cylinder water pump at about 1/3 of the price of the so-called short pump. I've got some pics of the pump installation and the installation instructions in my webshots "shoebox" album on page 11-12. You will need to click on "full size" to be able to read the information. Drilling and tapping the block was done with a battery powered drill motor and you didn't drill into the water jacket. I'd suggest using a new tap or one that was in good shape. The install is easy if you follow the instructions to the letter and the vendor touchs upon which harmonic balancer is recommended. Dave
Wow. I was only seeing a few of your pics about something (can't remember now,lol) spent the next hour, looking at and reading about each pic. Fantastic job, my man!! I just got my hands on a sweet 1950, 3100 & am reading a lot.. Thanx for sharing
Great Webshots picture sites, thank you for sharing these. Thank you aswell Dave for outstanding help. Is it possable that you could send the installation instructions for the 55-62 waterpump conversion to my home e.mail adres martinius.berg@bluezone.no ? Did i understood it wright that it is not possable to use the harmonic balancer from a 1955 6 cyl. 235 engine? Regards Martinius
After doing some research on this, the adapter plate seems like the way to go. From what I gathered you need a 216 or an early 235 water pump and the adapter plate. My question is about the harmonic balancer. Will i need to use a 216 balancer or can I keep my stock 235 balancer and will I need the smaller 216 fan with this setup?
