The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop In line 6, 250 Chevy

Glenn, I feel your pain. Dealing with a stubborn engine issue, especially after pouring time and money into what you hope is a solid project, can be incredibly frustrating. I’ve been there, and I want to share my own experience in case it offers you some insight or comfort.

Back in 2019, I bought my ‘52 1/2 ton Chevy truck with a rebuilt 235 CU engine that came with all the paperwork but wasn’t running. At first, it seemed like a win. The engine was supposedly rebuilt by a reputable shop, so I assumed getting it running would just take some effort and a few parts. And you know what? Within a few weeks, that engine was purring. A quick test drive around the block assured me, I’d made a good deal.

But then… reality hit. By 2020, after spending a year fixing the mechanical issues that kept me from safely driving the truck, I discovered the real problem: oil pressure that was fine when cold but plummeted to near-zero when the engine warmed up. For almost a year, I refused to believe the machine shop might’ve messed up. I tried everything.

First, I discovered with allot of help from this forum, that the engine had the wrong rocker arm setup. I spent hours researching, bought the correct valve train from eBay. After cleaning the 60 year old, stiff rockers thoroughly, I found the rocker shaft was severely worn—hidden under a thick layer of rust. I was able to procure new replacement shafts, which improved the clearance, but not the oil pressure. I switched to a higher-viscosity oil, still no joy.

Finally, with no other options, I pulled the engine. And there it was: the real problem. Some of the main and rod bearings were over-bored, some by as much as .009 inches. It a miracle the engine had any oil pressure at all!

I took the engine to a trusted local machine shop. After a couple of months and a $2,000 investment, they brought it back alive. The truck runs strong now—and I learned a few lessons along the way.

I share this because I know how disheartening it can be to feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. But stubbornness, research, and persistence do pay off. If you haven’t already, consider having the engine inspected by a competent machine shop and be prepared for sticker shock, as good machine work doesn’t come cheap.

I hope this helps, Glenn. You’re not alone in this, and we the Stovebolt collective are here if you want to talk through ideas or solutions. Hang in there—these projects are tough, but the satisfaction of getting it right is worth every headache.