Welcome to Engine Tech!

[Deve]

This is the place to put all engine related questions. Please ask your engine electrical questions here too. As always, new members please read the Forum Guidelines posted in the Front Office. Also, please help me keep a very clear concise How-To Library. If there is something you feel needs added, please let us know! You can find the entire library of How-To Articles at http://devestechnet.com/Home/HowTo

Complete List of Current How-To Articles having to do with Engine Tech:

• Engine Rebuilders Checklist
• GM Engine Casting Numbers
• 216/235/261 Head Torque Specifications
• Valve Oiler Pipe Instruction for 216 Engine
• Advance Design Fuel Filter Placement
• Advance Design Air Filter Options
• Installing a PCV System on a 216/235/261 Engine
• Installing a Full Flow Oil Filter System on a 235/261 Engine
• 216/235/261 Engine Timing Procedure by Jeff ?Pohlar
• Tuning Up The Old Stovebolt
• 216/235/261 Valve Adjustment Procedures by Nathan Hall and Jeff Pohlar
• The Venerable 261
• Rebuilding a Rochester B
• The Stock Ignition System
• HEI for your Stock Dizzy
• The 1959 235 Complete Rebuild Project
• Ignition Ballast Resistor or HEI Module Alternate Location
• Adapting your New Style Carb for your Old Style Filter

If you would like to write a How-To article, wish to put yours here or have comments on the current offerings, please let us know. We can use the help!

[oxomillbs]

I have a 53 235 in my 52 3/4 ton chevy truck, is it possible re bush the rocker arms or do I need to replace all the arms ? thanks John Jef City MO

[Deve]

John, can you confirm it is the old style babbit bearing 235 engine? Two acorn nuts holding on the valve cover? If it were me, I would consider a newer style 235 engine, so you get oil pressure, better oil flow throughout. But in case you really want to save that engine, chances are, its not the rockers that are the problem, rather the shaft is badly worn. Do some further investigation, maybe take the rocker assembly off carefully. Since its in two pieces, take them off and see for yourself if its rockers or the shaft. But be really careful to leave everything exactly the same as you started. My bet from what I see alot is the shaft is very worn. Hope this helps! The only cure for that is a new shaft. A place to start is Jim Carter. The only 235 engine in 1953 that is the new style is a car motor, and the advice would be exactly the same.

[oxomillbs]

it is a 4 bolt fixing on the cover , I did have a problem with the oil feed,and ended up running a pipe round from the oil gauge ill strip it down and let you know how I get on..thanks . john

[Deve]

We have the capability to tell you exactly what month and year your engine was actually made. Its important that you know because certain parts can be radically different. To identify your engine, write down the numbers exactly above the starter. Then write down the number exactly below the distributor. This should be a 7 digit number starting with 3.
Then, on the flat part to the left of the distributor, tell us the number there. Its not easy with the engine in the truck, but its worth the trouble. Let us know how we can help!

[Deve]

Added a few more How-To's today. An alternate location for your ballast resistor or HEI module, and How to Adapt the old style air filter canisters to a new style carb. All How-To's can be found in the Library at: http://www.devestechnet.com/Home/HowTo

[kingsrex]

Hello there I have a 46 Chevy Stylmaster all original, however I like to replace the engine to something that has more power. Right now she has a 216 with 3 on the tree. I like to put something that don’t need a lot of modification to make it work. Hopefully something that will bolt right on. What would you recommend? Thank you

[Deve]

When you say more power, do you mean higher top end, or just more low end power? The most benefit you can get to increase top end is rear end gear ratio. If you are interested in replacing a tired old 216 with something with just a little more pep, then the 1955-1962 235 engine is a great choice. With very little modification, it would bolt right in. If you are lucky enough to score a 261 then that would be even better. THE best choice for a bolt in engine would be the 1958-1962 261. It sports a full flow oil filtration system. It is also possible to modify the 235 for full flow filtering and they are easier to find. There are lots of how-to articles on the main site that talk about this, but if your heart is set on a 261, check out http://devestechnet.com/Home/TheVenerable261. In any case, the 1955-1962 235 is a great workhorse and is better because it has insert bearings and is easier to overhaul than your 216. Any unknown engine should be gone over by a machine shop, so the endeavor would be expensive, but well worth it.

[kingsrex]

thank you very much that is what i was looking for.