The horse isn't dead, Jerry, just tired and in need of rest and rehabilitation. Thanks for the parts info, Oilrag. Very helpful. At first, I thought my theory of the mixed rockers was kaput so I went and pulled each one for a visual inspection. The suspect rocker, #6 intake that spouts oil, is dual numbered 85 and also 5 and is the only rocker with the inner oil groove lined up with the vent hole. The other 11 are offset. So, I have one 50-58 rocker (cast3837025) messing up my oiling system. Regardless of what the future may reveal about this engine, I need to clean this up. If any of you could sell me a 59-62 LH intake rocker, it would fix this issue. If I need to buy a complete set of all 12 rockers and shafts from a lower mileage 235, I'd be open to that too. (303) 697-3351
When I went for my test ride last Saturday, I swore to myself that if all my HOPEFUL tinkering didn't work, that was it. I suspended my insurance coverage for the 48 Suburban today so no more test drives until this engine is fixed right. I intend to pull the head and check valve to guide clearance (.001 to .0027?) and also look for burnt or bent valves. I intend to get rid of the "umbrella" seals and go with the valve-stem-out-in-the-open small O-ring type seals that I have on my other 235's. I think that more oil splashing on the stems would work better. The amount of residual metal-shaving debris on the top of my oil filter when I changed my oil for the second time since start-up has me wanting to inspect my lifters to see if some of them are sticking all the way open. These are all ideas that I got from all of you, 235 engine detectives, and I thank you for your help. I've learned a lot and expect to learn more as I progress. My premier indoor work space is monopolized now with a partially assembled 52 GMC so I don't anticipate working on this 48 again until next summer. But I will print out all of this thread and keep my in my shop manual as my trouble-shooting checklist. Thanks again! Dave
Last edited by Pinetree; 11/10/2014 7:58 PM. Reason: add more info
