The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 52 Canadian 1-ton Engine

Hello All,

I am looking forward to what you all come up with on this one.

I have a '52 1-ton GMC long box. So after digging through the forums for hours I believe I know what I have: a Canadian 216 with a replacement block. Here are the details:
Head casting: 3695451
Head date: C-21-1 (March 21, 1951)
Block casting: 3835814 with a triangle and circle (can anyone tell me what that means?)
Block date: F-9-2 (June 9, 1952)
Block serial: 594233 with no letters

From what I have learned from you fine folks already is this is a 216 with the 216/235 style head, given it has the uncharacteristically short side cover.

Nothing on the door plate matches the block, which I believe it should to indicate the original engine? The block is also a sea-foam green colour as in the pictures, and the serial seems to have been hand punched given its random alignment. Finally, there is a tag from a vendor that shows details of the last time the cylinders were bored (I found an image of the old shop that did the work!). This leads me to believe at least the block is a replacement.

Now to explain my confusion:
1. Why replace the worn out block with another block cast in '52? Would they not put in a newer block closer to the date the original block failed or would they use a block from inventory that was cast in '52?
2. If the dealer replaced the block, why stamp a new serial? Were they not supposed to stamp the serial of the departed original engine for titling purposes?
3. I have read that many replacement blocks were not stamped at all. Why was this one stamped?
4. If the original engine were replaced with this green block, would it then need boring again at some point? It was a grain truck as far as I can tell so it wouldn't be driven much, but would be worked hard. Odometer shows approx 26,000 miles but that doesn't prove anything.

I want to keep this truck as original as I can, but the prospect of the engine not being original has me considering putting a full pressure 235/261 in for performance. But the story of this one might be intriguing enough to keep it in there. Please help if you can! Thanks.

James