Is it Worth rebuilding if not original engine on truck

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by Neto84, May 23, 2019.

  1. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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    Well I just found out I don’t have the original engine on my 54 Chevy 3100 series looks like I have a 58-62 engine 235 now is it worth rebuilding it I wanted to stay all original
     
  2. Bill Hanlon

    Bill Hanlon Member

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    You might as well just give the truck to me because finding the original engine will be almost impossible. ;)
     
  3. coilover

    coilover Member

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    The 54 engine is the least durable and desirable of the 235 full pressure engines. The head and lubricating system was by far better on the 58-62. Originality means zero to me so you may want to put this advice in the round file.
     
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  4. 52wasp

    52wasp Member

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    Considering that many can't tell the difference between a 216 and 235 (visually), and most probably can't differentiate between a Chevy motor and F**d motor, I'd say continue on with your efforts, and enjoy the truck. Back when these trucks were in service, they were TOOLS... like a circular saw. When they needed a new blade (engine), if the rest of the saw (truck) was in good shape, that's what happened.

    Build it. DRIVE it. Enjoy it.
     
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  5. Guest5979

    Guest5979 Guest

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    Where are you located?
    Complete in great shape replacement 235 engines are available just have to hunt a little
    A friend just got rid of one for a v8 swap
    Any pics of you truck ?
    Again welcome
    ROBERT
     
  6. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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    C09EEF26-E377-4BC7-B82E-E2D4EB76C348.jpeg Im in San Bernardino ca this the 54 3100
     
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  7. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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    Did he have that 235 running when he pulled it out
     
  8. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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    What is he going to do with the 235 engine did he ever rebuilt it
     
  9. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    WELCOME NETO ! .

    A nice looking rig you have there, unless you plan to restore it and make it a show truck you really don't want the original one year only 1954 engine .

    The '57 ~ '64 235's are vastly better and pretty much everywhere cheap or FREE ~ just keep asking everyone yo see with a ,1963 Chevrolet of any typ, what they did with the old 235, 90 + % of the time it's just sitting, they thought they'd get BIG BUCK$ for it then reality set in and five years later it's still cluttering up the garage....

    Don't pay more than $25 for one that's stuck ~ there are too many good running 235's yanked out for a chrome plated V-ate to ever pay much for one .
     
  10. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    By the way ~

    Unless it knocks or has a rod through the block it's a simple hing to overhaul the 235 engine in situ and cheaper too ~ these were designed to be FARM TRUCKS, easily and cheaply repaired in the barn or back yard...

    ? What's wrong with the engine it has now ? .
     
  11. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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    I just got the truck have been going thru the engine at first it started up and when come to a stop it shuts off oil was super black smush I decided to drop the oil pan and do a complete inspection of what was under their. Cleaned it all up it no cracks just black nasty oil.Rebuild the carburetor and a new fuel pump. After all that work I gave it a try to see if it started yes it did and it sounded better that what I first heard it running.
     
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  12. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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    Hello Vwnate1
    I don’t plan to make it a show truck anytime soon I want to get it going and drive cruise on a weekend
     
  13. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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    I removed the spark plug this is what I found black all around it and oil on the plug
     
  14. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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    This is my plug
     

    Attached Files:

  15. vwnate1

    vwnate1 Member

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    O.K., that's a slightly sooty spark plug .

    Before you do much else, go look up my older post on tuning the 216/235/261 engines and follow it exactly ~ no skipping steps or "the valves are fine" crap because they AREN'T .

    There's a specific order to how the engines are tuned and once you learn it your truck will run better than anyone else's and you'll be able to amaze your friends and make money tuning up their old poorly running i6 Chevys & GMC's....

    THE CARBY IS THE VERY LAST THING YOU SHOULD TOUCH ! .
     
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  16. Guest5979

    Guest5979 Guest

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    Sold it had less than 2000 miles on rebuild according to person he bought the truck from
     
  17. Guest5979

    Guest5979 Guest

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    Don’t forget to change oil with just 30 wt oil
     
  18. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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    Just 30 wt oil
    On the research I found said to use 10w-30 oil
    I’m going to do another oil change soon want to try to wash out all the black oil that was in their before
     
  19. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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  20. Neto84

    Neto84 Member

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    Ok thanks for all that info
     

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