When I bought mt SS brake lines for my Suburban, 5 or 6 joints leaked (reusing all the original brass fittings/joints/blocks). The vendor, Inline Tube or Classic Tube, said this was common. They suggested gently tightening and untightening the fittings a few times, ending with as snug tighten. That was about 10 years ago, with no leaks/seaps since then.

http://www.classictube.com/resources/tech-articles/238-making-stainless-painless

http://inlinetube.com/top%20buttons%20bar%20orange/commonfaq.htm

Tim
1954Advance-Design.com
1954 3106 Carryall Suburban
1954 3104 5-window pickup w/Hydra-Matic
The 216 and early 235 engines are not "splash oilers" -- this is a splash oiler.