VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Mechanical - Engine, Trans, etc Info on head for 35-36 engine

I have a ‘36 pickup with a cracked head. Doesn’t seem repairable. My head part # is 837682. Block # is 837591-9.
I think the engine is actually a ‘35.
Found a head 837853 35 on ebay. Anyone know if this is interchangeable? Anyone have a head that would work? I want to avoid a modern swap but parts are so hard to find!

Ye, you do have a 1935 engine, The head is a late 1935 and alll 1936. A 1936 head gasket must be used.

Yes both of those head casting numbers are 1935 .

I might be misunderstanding Gene's post but I am interpreting the info, I found, to be a bit different.
Yes, your engine is a 1935.
I could not find a part number to match the cast number on your current head.
The eBay head cast number was not on my list but it is one number different from the part number (837852) for the early '35 production head. This is opinion is bolstered by the January 1935 casting date shown in the eBay photos.
I have a head that is cast 837981 which was cast in December, 1935. This cast number converts to part number 601988. That number is listed as a '35/'36 Chevy head.
I would be reluctant to buy any used head which has not been magna fluxed or pressure tested for leaks. Also, the early (eBay) head used different valves, keepers, caps and maybe and other parts. Since I cannot identify your current head, It is possible that the valve parts that you have will not be suitable for use on the eBay head. I believe they changed the valve seat angle between these two heads.

I know this is going to sound sketchy, but I have an old stock "reconditioned" head that has had cracks repaired. It has been magna fluxed and is free of cracks. There is no evidence that it has been used since the repairs were made. I will take $400 for this head.
I am sorry to post "hate speech" about another product, then offer a substitute. Whether you buy my head or don't, get some info about any head that you find before buying and shipping something that might not be usable.

Mike
573 864 6539

MY 1947 PARTS BOOK LISTS 837981 head for 1935 and 1936.
It is actually the new amd improved 1936 head and replaces the original discontinued 1935 heads which were 839852 for engines with retangular valve keys and 601478 for engines witk the more modern split U shapd keyys,
The 1936 head provides a higher compression ratio and reshaped combustion chambers,,,,,,and a 1936 head gasket must be used ..

Note the casting number on the head is not the same ad the book part number The casting number for a 1936 engine waa 837981
If a 1935 head is used a 1935 head gasket is required,

Thank you

wouldn’t consider your reply “hate speech”. 😁 I’m on here looking for info and options. Might be interested in the head you have for sale if it will fit. Will give you a call when I get a few minutes and it’s not half past midnight.
Joe
3616490699

Which is actually the new and improved head? The ebay listing 837853?

The 837901 is the 1936 head.
The Ebay head is/was for a 1935 originally

The eBay head is the earliest of the '35 heads and arguably the worst choice. Additionally, the valves, caps, and keepers from your head are not suitable for the eBay head.
Chevy had been struggling with cracking cylinder heads since the introduction of the 6 cylinder engine in 1929. The struggle is evident from the use of 3 different head castings being used in 1935. The last casting, 837981, is the best choice when it is available. Cracking was still an issue. The one I have has been cracked and repaired. My 1936 truck, which should have left the factory with the 837981, has a replacement head (same number) that was cast in 1939. I'm guessing the original head cracked.
There are still some NOS heads around. I have owned 4 of them, sold 3, and am keeping the last one, since I have 2 vehicles that could possibly need it.
The reconditioned head I have was sold on eBay as NOS. When I received it, I could see that it had been repaired. I contacted the seller and we reached an agreement for me to keep it, at a reduced price, after I had it checked for cracks.

Mike

I'm interested. Going to send you an email and try to give you a call this evening.