PJ, just thought I might throw out my opinion on your 216 based on what I’m planning on doing to mine soon. I know you appreciate that the 216 was a good little engine having had it around you for all those years. A lot of people seem to want to swap them for a 235 but I still think that an engine that will keep on truckin’ for more than half a century is a keeper.
I have done about every thing except the short block on mine. When I’m ready I will make sure mine is dipped in the hot tank to assure that all the oil and water passages are clear. I'll have it bored the minimum amount to take out any taper and fitted with aluminum pistons. I want the crank sent out and checked, and have it ground and balanced if it needs it. The rods I will have bored for insert bearings. New cam bearings, new cam, lifters, timing gears and oil pump. The flywheel I will have resurfaced and install a new clutch, Pressure Plate, TO bearing and pilot bearing.
I've already had the head Magnafluxed, pressure checked, fitted with hard seats, and new guides, new valves and springs and had it resurfaced. It was also dipped in the hot tank for the same reason that the block will be done.
As I've documented here over the last couple of years, I have also put a new water pump on rebuilt the starter, generator, distributor, new hoses, clamps thermostat and had the radiator flushed and checked by a reputable shop.
Do all of this and you should have a very dependable driver well into your retirement.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL
