Dear Stovebolt Comrads, I have a 1953 3600 that I have driven and kept running for my entire working life. About 30 years ago I replaced the original engine with a rebuilt 235 that I took out of a '50 sedan automatic. It ran well until about a year ago when some teeth broke off the bakelite timing gear. Bent several pushrods in the process. I had the head completely rebuilt and replaced it along with new pushrods and replaced some worn lifters. Also new ignition components and factory rebuilt carburetor, set ignition timing. I was expecting wonders when I started it up. Instead... no power, blackened tail pipe and plugs, awful gas mileage, bad oil burning , and gradually declining compression and vacuum. I thought I may have been been a tooth or two off on the timing gear, took the cover off and that wasn't it. Valve and ignition timing were in sync. I was hoping one of our vast fraternity might have some insight into what the heck happened.The old 216 that I took out 30 years ago is still lying on the barn floor. If all else fails I'll have start from scratch on it. Thanks, DaveB4
