VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION New User Forum Replacing a '56 235 engine in my '47 Fleetline

Fyi, new to forum. Just bought a '47 Fleetline last year and I am considering swapping out the engine. It currently has a '56 235 in it. It seems to run out ok but leaks oil. Have repaired a few and it still wants to leak. Was considering HotRodding a 261 to put in. Would like anyones suggestions on options. The 235 was supposed to have been just rebuilt (which I am finding hard to believe the way it leaks oil). So I'm not sure what I really have with this engine.

Tired of oil on the floor,

Ron

Hello Ron and a belated welcome to Chevy Chatter. The 56-235 should be an excellent engine for your 47, and if recently rebuilt finding the cause of the leak would be the most economical solution to your problem. There are lots of experienced folks who visit this site that may have advice for you and probably would have responded by now, however we recently (last 4-5 days) were plagued with computer access problems. Hopefully this posting will help to get your topic back to the head of the forum. Also you may want to check out the Technical Forum for your year vehicle. Best of luck with your vehicle.

Ron, a oil leak can be as simple as the valve cover or as major as the rear main seal. I would suggest adding a ounce of UV dye to the crankcase. Run it a few miles then inspect with a UV flashlight. the source of the leak will show up as yellow-green. If you suspect the rear main remove the lower clutch cover pan and front plate from the bell housing before your test drive. That way you'll have a good view of the rear main cap to determine if the leak is at the front of the main cap (oil pan) or coming out the rear (dreaded main seal)
The dye and flashlight are available at most auto parts places or you can order leak test kit form Amazon.com
Good luck with your 47,Jay