I have a spare 235 that appears to be a 55 year model and if I checked the numbers right it came out of something with a powerglide. I didn't get a transmission with it so I dont know and I don't trust my research on the engine number. So the question is "Is there an easy way to tell if you have Hyd or Solid lifter cam and lifters without tearing down the engine?
You should be able to remove the lifter cover on the distributor side of the engine and pull out a lifter.
Craig, check the serial number stamped into the block just behind the distributor. The last 4 numbers would read "T" or "F" depending on whether it was built in Tonawanda or Flint followed by "55" and "Y" if it was a 235 with a powerglide tranny. If that combo matches, then it is a passenger car engine originally equipped with a powerglide and would have come from the factory with hydraulic lifters. Now, with that said, it does not mean that it has hydraulic lifters now. A lot of things can happen to something that is 59 years old.
You're off by 1 Bill! Hit the big 6-0 back in April! OT: Don't want to steal the thread, but did you get your seat on Thursday?
Old guys rule Okay, I'm in the middle at 65. Nice to have company in the SS office line I'll check the numbers again. I know it's F and 55 by not sure about the Y. Or like bill said I can pull the side cover and look at a lifter. I'll let you know either way. Thanks Oldtimers!!!
Machine Works Never , EVER trust any stamped or casted numbers ! . Take a look . that's the only way you'll know . If it has a hydraulic cam , toss it away and use a 261 cam from a '62 C/50 with solid lifters , it'll run better and idle like a Caddy .
Hi Ken, Checked the number and it F255X. What does that convert to. I see the F for FLINT but there's a 2 infront of the 55 which is followed by the X. I"ll do as Nate, et al, suggest and pull the side cover and check for sure but would sure like to know what the numbers mean.
I think it's solid! Okay, still don't know what the F255X means but I pulled the valve cover and the side cover and found the following: Valve cover - The center oil tube thing on the rocker shaft looks like it might be broken. anyone have a picture of what a 55 235 oil tube installation should look like. Two valves have different size adjusment nuts - probably replaced at the last rebuild. One way out of adjustment. Side Cover - found a worn valve retainer lodged behind the last pushrod and the block. Finally, pulled a lifter out and it's a solid lifter I think. It has a machined end for the pushrod and I couldn't push in on it like with a v8 engine lifter. The push rod is also solid unlike a v8 which is hollow. I don't have any expierence with these older 6 cyl engines. So any help with that oil thing on the rocker shaft area would be appreciated.
