Just before removing the engine of my 1939 (VC) truck, I decided to give it one last try and see if I could get it unstuck after soaking in mystery oil for about 6 months...To my surprise, I was happy to find that I could finally turn it over!..:) So I removed the pan, cleaned the crud and made all necessary preparations to get it running. After a few days of mostly cleaning and setting up a new battery tray, fuel lines and carburetor (from my other truck) I decided to crank it over. ..
Well, As it turns out I almost got it running, but after a compression test I found that #2 was at 0 psi and #5 at 15 psi... It is never going to run! So, I removed the cylinder head and found that the biggest problem is rust around the valves which equals a complete overhaul of the cylinder head $$$...
That in turn let me to proceed to plan B, install a 1937 216 engine from a sedan in the big truck and I find the following:
1- Crankshaft recess for pilot bearing is smaller since it has a 3 speed transmission. The car engine takes a roller bearing, the truck a larger needle bearing @#$%!@!! ..;(((
So now, plan C if at all possible:
1- Remove cylinder head from 1937 216 (Sedan) engine and install in 1939 216 (VC) block...
A) Is it interchangeable?
If so, I still need to remove the oil pan and push all pistons through, hone the cylinders, get new rings and put the whole thing back together... If the cylinder head is not interchangeable, I have to rebuild the original cylinder head which is quite expensive... This has turned out to be a royal pain in the _ _S!!! What a bummer...
