VCCA Home Forums Thread Like Summary - '41 216 engine tired

I have a '41 AK with a tired 216. I have no history or than has not run for several years. So far it has low oil pressure and 3 bent push rods. I am looking for recommendations / opinions on what I should do:
1. Try and rebuild the engine (I am somewhat limited on tools and services available ).
2. Replace engine with another 216 or would a 235 be a better choice and if so what is involved in the swap?
3. This Is in reference to #2. Is there anyone or business that sells rebuild or "grate" engines either 216 or 235?.

I would really like to put a "good" 235 in - if feasible.

Hi ronsway

One of the first things I'd do is try to determine if the engine is original to the truck.
Look at the prefix letters on the engine serial number to determine this.
If the truck has it's original engine, I'd do everything I could to keep it that way.
I view the original engine in a truck as an uncommon plus point. 🙂

That pan looks way better than the one was on my car. I measured 5/8" of sludge in the bottom. The oil pump inlet screen was completely coated.

I cleaned everything up, checked the oil pump, and adjusted the crank and rod bearings by removing shims. I also cleaned the pressure valve on the left side of the engine, removed and cleaned the rocker arm assemblies, and made sure the oil feed to the rocker arms was open.

The engine ran great. I put about 6500 miles on it in 5 years with no problems.