The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 question

Here is a few things to look for if yer shopping for a 'new' 235 or 261 for your 'new' truck. A quick glance will let you see if it has four bolts holding the valve cover or two in the top of the valve cover- you ONLY want the ones with the four bolts for the valve cover. next, check the head for numbers- hopefully you will see an '848' in that long number- not real important but it is the better head. I would then want to pop the head to see, what/if any, over size the pistons are. Also you can check the cylinder walls at this time. If you are planning on keeping this rig for a long time you want some play room when you rebuild it. You will also want to pop the pan and check a main bearing and see how far it is over size. Either of these I would think .010 over size is OK but over that you might not want. Replacing a head gasket and pan gasket can save you loads of money and problems down the line. Look the motor over real good, inside and out, before you buy it.