The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop My Old 235

So I decided to pull my 235 (if I ran the number correctly) from my 1955 Chevy 3800 the other day. Now before doing that I changed the oil, put in new plugs and wires, rebuilt the starter, bought a new coil, and after 30 years of sitting I actually got that bad boy to turn over, but just couldn't get it to fire.
I have another distributor from another inline 6 that I will try but here is my question. I've never fully rebuilt an engine before and I don't have loads of cash sitting around.
Since the engine is pulled and waiting to be worked on, what would be the proper steps to take in getting this thing fired up and somewhat reliable for around $500.
I know a complete rebuild for these go for around $2,000 and being I'm only 19 thats out of the question. I'm all ears and any input would be much appreciated.

-Caleb

I think you jumped the gun by taking the engine out with a budget of 500.00. The easiest thing at this point is maybe to put it back in the truck for further diagnostics. I would start by taking out all the spark plugs and doing a compression test, you may want to give each cylinder a squirt of motor oil. Then I'd make sure I have power to the + terminal on the coil. Then check to see if you have spark at the spark plugs while turning the motor over. If the compression is reasonable and you have spark move forward and see if you have fuel to the carburetor. If the truck has been sitting I would use a remote gas can. I would also get a carburetor kit and take the carburetor apart, soak it and assemble with the new kit. If all the above work there is no reason it shouldn't run.

I forgot to mention I was putting the engine into a 1963 C10, that was my reasoning for pulling it. I have also bought a new carb to put on. I didn't think about a compression test or oil to the cylinders. So if I can get it to run would you recommend running it as is? Or would a good machining and maybe new piston rings be a good idea? Thanks again for your input

If your budget is 500.00 you won't have enough funds to be opening up the engine and doing things right.

Not sure your 235 will work in a 1963 Chevy. I thought 1962 was the last year for the 235 in the light trucks.

May have to do some fabricating to make it work.

Double check what Roy just said. But, if you move forward after checking the compression, at the most(or least) I would do is pull the head for a good valve job. That should easily fit your budget. Also, is it really high mileage?

I was prepared to have to do some custom fabrication. Like I always say nothing is ever easy. DrewP, should I get the head machined and have my machinist put all new valves, springs, ect. to save me some trouble or try to do the hard work myself?

And the odometer read 69,675 but who knows if that's its first time around or second haha

69 thou is 'high mileage' for a 235, be really really rare for one to survive to 169 thou ... you should get a shop to work the head, if you've found something actually wrong with it, although that might be the death of the lower end, so it'd be best to do the whole thing .... but if it's not frozen, get it running, sounds like you'll be needing that $500 just to get it running as-is and modify things to make it fit a truck that wasn't designed for it

Bill

Have you ever thought maybe the best bang for your buck might be getting the correct engine for your truck that might be already running? Just looked on craigs list in your area and there is a 230, in running condition for 250, I would think that would be a better option for you

I had the correct engine in it, but after antifreeze started mixing with oil I stripped it down to the block for a pressure test to find out it was cracked. My 3800 was out in the yard so I decided to pull its engine. I never even thought about just buying the same engine for it. Homer52, do you have an estimate on how much a running 230 or 250 would be? Thanks again for all the input from everyone

These were on Louisville Craigslist. Of course you would have to find out actual condition. Cheap enough though.


http://louisville.craigslist.org/pts/4312507042.html

I'll look into those, thanks for the help Drew!

Grab that 292! If you don't want it for some reason, I'll drive up from Tennessee to pick it up.
Jerry

From what I can see neither one is a 292, small side covers.

I agree with Benny, Also have pass car oil pans.^

Yes, motor mounts on center on both engines- - - -definitely not a 292!
Jerry

Wonder why 235 have such a short durability factor??
John