VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Help With 216 Rebuild

I have a 1952 Chevy pickup 4 speed; the bearings went out in the 216 motor. Prior to the bearing issue, the engine ran fine and did not smoke. In talking with my mechanic, he said that I may only have to: do machining for oversize rings & oversize bearings (will use insert bearings), install new valve guide seals & oil pump. He said I probably wouldn't need to replace: pistons, valves, connecting rods, lifters, rocker arms, timing gears/belt & cam. Obviously, a partial rebuild would be less costly, however I don't want to cut corners and be sorry later. Any suggestions and help would be appreciated. Thanks. Bob

Do you trust your mechanic? If not why not take it to another mechanic, if you can find one?
It isn't fun having someone that you don't trust do that kind of work, sounds like he may have your best interests, but if he don't think you need new pistons, why oversized rings, if car wasn't smoking why not just do a lower end? Inserts and mains with the approiate crankshaft work?

Bob,

a. Partial overhaul.
b. Total rebuild.
c. Modify engine to take inserts, etc.
d. Toss the engine and get a 1954 or later 235, preferrably a 1959.

If you're not looking for top points, I would go for option "d." (See Gene's comment in the appropriate forum about the 1958 vs 1959 235.

Good luck with it,
Charlie

Actually if you want to go with a newer engine than a 216, why not go all the way? maybe a Chevy V/6 with a Hd 350 transmission and an open driveline. One of the LSR members has one of these and it is a sweetrunning truck, he and his wife can go any where they want to go, with A/C and heat.

The 1959 235 isn't all that much better than the 54, but carries some baggage that the 53 and 54 don't. Also if you go with a 235, get the one for trucks. The mounts will work better. If you go to a 55 and newer you will need to do something about the water pump, the 55 up has a lower waterpump and fan. and unless you go to 12 volt the flywheel will need to be from a 6 volt truck, the starter and flywheel ring gear is different a 12 volt. I have went both ways and staying with the original transmission and driveline you may be as well off with the 216 or a 235 If you have a choice go ahead with the 59 truck 235. That low speed rearend won't do much for a 235 on speed. Is that 4 speed truck a 3/4 ton?

Bob,
MrMack has come in with a excellent idea. Yet another option. Let's call it option "z." (I just knew he would. Grin.)

Anyhow, before I would go to all that trouble on a pick-em-up truck, I would reconsider the other options.

Another option is a 261. Let's call it option "e."
Charlie

I have a complete 216 (fresh rebuild) for sale. Would need to come to Ohio to get it.

I wasn't going to suggest a 261, if I knew where there was a good one I would barter for it!

Gollee! drive all the way from Iowa to Ohio, heck that must be over 40 miles, which is how far I have to drive to a Walmart!

Remember the old rancher that said he would get in his pickup and drive all day and barely get from home to the fur side of his property and get back home for supper!....I told him that I used to have a pickup like that!

Well then,maybe you could bring your 216 here and I would be happy to rebuild it for you. If it's not to far to drive.