A 216 is not a good project for an "Engine rebuilding 101" learning curve. Most of the old geezers who are experienced on the quirks of those engines are like me- - - -late 70's or older. Even the average "engine machinist" these days runs away screaming when somebody utters the words "cast iron pistons" or "Babbit connecting rods". Most guys believe a 216 is nothing but a boat anchor, but they're just too ignorant, or lazy to appreciate the finer points of keeping one in good running shape. I'm in the process of developing a series of modern upgrades to the spray-oiler 216 and early 235 engines to keep them out of the scrap yards, but most people think I'm a crazy old coot for making the attempt!
Good helper you've got there! My daughter learned to rebuild engines at the ripe old age of 16, when she let her first car run out of oil and burned up a connecting rod bearing. She's in her mid-50's now, and still doing a lot of her own car repairs!
Jerry
