"Maybe not: a Powerglide was supposedly used on at least one model of Chevrolet truck around 1960. Most likely it had hydraulic lifters, but no one has posted confirmation/information."The
1961 Chevrolet Truck resto pack from GM Heritage Center.
Shows on pdf page 10, Engine ID, JB and JH
JB, was stamped on engines in C 10-20 series trucks with RPO 311
JH, was stamped on engines in P 10 series trucks with RPO 311
MA, was stamped on V8 truck engines with RPO 311
More power train info on pdf page 8
Now go to pdf page 30, "Regular Production Options" page
It shows 311 Powerglide transmission, C 10-20, P20
The resto pack strangely does not mention hydraulic lifters for straight six cylinder engines that came with a Powerglide trans
It shows hydraulic lifters for V8 engines on pdf page 145, Look for lifters in left hand column.
The Powerglide straight six engines probably did come with hydraulic lifters, it just doesn't say it in the resto pack.
Further confusion.
Couldn't you push down on the push rod side of the rocker arm and if it moves down slightly, wouldn't that tell you that the engine has hydraulic lifters?
I was under the assumption that the reason they used hydraulic lifters in engines that came with a Powerglide, was that it made the engine quieter.
It was a luxury thing, if you payed more for a automatic trans. they threw in hydraulic lifters which made the engine quieter and provided less lifter adjustment maintenance.
