Engine Numbers Decoding

[53chevy3600]

I have a 1953 Chevy 3600 5 window flatbed truck with the following I.D. numbers on the engine. Can someone please tell me what engine size this is?
Thanks.

FI204BH
3769716
GM 9 or (g)
3836848 GM 19
B52 848 850

Any information you can give will be greatly appreciated.

[Deve]

It's a 1958-1962 235 engine with the preferred 848 Head. It might have hydraulic lifters. It is always good to check that visually before doing a valve adjustment. Very nice engine for that truck.

[53chevy3600]

HI Dave, thanks for the information. I tried to match up some of the numbers and couldn't find them. Someone had told me that the B52 meant the engine was a 1952. So based on your findings the engine must have been replaced before, right?

[53chevy3600]

Hello again, Dave. This engine has been removed from the truck and has been replaced. Do you know how much the engine could be worth and anyone that might be interested in buying it? The flywheel, starter, and maybe the carb are not available. The engine would need to be rebuilt. We tried to start the engine after the truck had been sitting for years in a field. It tried to start several times but, would not continue to run. We pulled off the valve covers and found some bent push rods.

[Deve]

That's right. you can see this for yourself using my Casting Numbers database at: http://devestechnet.com/Home/CastingNumbers

It was very common for these years, 47-55, that the engine would be replaced and pretty soon even. The 216 was ended in 1953 and the new 235 like yours in 1962. So the 216's didn't last long with these trucks because of the heavy workload of this particular vintage in post World War 2 America. You see a lot of this vintage with newer style 235's in them. Since the newer 235's had modern insert bearings and full pressure oiling, they are still used today. That engine is as good as it gets!

[53chevy3600]

Here are some pictures of the engine. We had done some cleanup and then stopped when I found another engine. I can't them to attach here, so I will email them to you if I can.

[Deve]

There is a little picture icon named 'image' that allows you to send them here. This is very advanced forum software that allows you to either send it outright or link it from somewhere else. Im sure others would love to see what you are doing.

[53chevy3600]

[53chevy3600]

[53chevy3600]

[Deve]

Great! That last post was the way to include pictures. So looks the same as the pictures in my Project1959235 article. Now is the time, if you are going to the machine shop to address a few issues. Good idea to read the article or if you are a few months away, get the new book advertised on my website. Looks like fun!

[53chevy3600]

Dave, I am interested in selling the engine and am wondering if you know what price range that it might be worth. Also, I live near Jackson, Michigan and would like to find an interested buyer. Do you know of someone looking for a 235 engine?

[Deve]

I purchase them for $250 delivered here in my area. I do not know of anyone in your area that would be interested. Your local Craigslist might be an option. That is the most desirable 235, so maybe you could get more.

[MO54Frank]

53chevy3600, it looks like you haven't been here in awhile. Do you still have that 235? Where is it located? Please send me a PM. Thanks.

[MO54Frank]

It may be mute at this point. FI204BH

indicates a 1961 235 passenger engine with Powerglide, power steering and Air Cond, manufactured in Flint on Dec 04. A rare combination. Any PG engine will have hydraulic lifters. Looks to be a rebuild able engine.
(This information furnished by Tim Lederman.)