The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1956 261 timing cover - same as earlier 235?

Hey All

I want to buy a new timing cover for my 1956 261
I found a part number for the earlier 235 timing cover - 838869 - will that fit my 1956 261?

Also, whats the name of the place i think its in idaho where if I have the part number, they probably have NOS parts.

thanks in advance.

sadly, jay who cant get his timing cover to seal properly.

Trouble sealing between the seal and crankshaft or cover and block??

You are probably not using enough duct tape..... John

its hard to tell.
i think its between the cover and the block. and I just installed a new cover gasket and front seal as well as a speedy sleeve on the harmonic balancer.

I centered the cover with the balancer while the bolts were still loose, I used sealant on both sides of the gasket, I straightened out the cover - the bolt holes were overtightened over the years.

at this point I want to use a new cover.

I also drilled and tapped the lower 2 bolts to be accessible from the outside.

oil is on the driver side front block right outside of the cover, and drips down onto the ground. its a pretty bad leak.

the only odd thing Im doing is using the harmonic balancer original to the truck, its a 1946 2 ton. so it has the wide fan belt. My understanding is that the balancers are all the same size, but if they arent please advise.

You can Tap back the bellied areas around the Bolt Holes in the Timing Cover...so that that rim is all nice and flat, using a Backing Block of some sort behind it as you Tap with a small Ball Peen or other flat face Hammer.

Maybe try that 'Copper' Gasket sealer along with that, being generous with it, and applying it to both sides of the Gasket and to the Block and to the Timing Cover.

People used to over-tighten all those kinds of Bolts - Side Cover, Pan, Valve Cover...and belly the metal down...where it will never fit right then or allow a good Seal...so, best to Tap all those back to true.

ive already tapped them back to true.
or at least I thought I did

at this point I just want to buy a new cover. Where can I buy one?

I don't believe you are going to get a new one. You can probably get another one. But new I don't think will happen.

can anybody provide me the proper part number for a 56 261, I want to try to get a NOS one.

I dont know if 838869 is the correct part number

Group 0.206
Part #838869 is the correct number.
Fits 1937-62 216, 235, and 261
GMC's of about the same vintage are the same.

I see there are new chrome covers listed on eBay.
Cheaper one.

thanks you guys

I bought one off ebay and one from http://www.obschevy.com/
I will let you know if there is any difference.

Looks like in 1956 the part # changed.
Anyone know the difference between the two covers.

1956 Master Parts Catalog

GP 0.206

1934-55 ALL, CORV, 6 cyl. - Part # 838869
1956 --- ALL, 6 cyl. - Part # 3836940

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1957 Catalog

1934-57 ALL, CORV 6 cyl. - Part # 3836940

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/1929_57chevyparts/57cmpc0135.htm

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There is a NOS 3836940 on feebay.
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There is no difference, 1937-62 are all the same.
GM changes part numbers for no apparent reason.
My 1961 parts book is back to the 838869 number.

One possible reason for a part number change is the cover comes with a seal. I think the early seal is leather and at some point it was changed to some kind of rubber. That kind of change will cause GM to issue a new number even if the part interchanges. Still I can't say why they went back to the original number in the later parts books.

Back when these trucks were relatively new, a mechanic did not replace parts because of leaks from slightly bent timing covers, oil pans, or side covers. He straightened them like a tinsmith would. Put them on a thick piece of flat steel and work them until they are flush. No more leaks. It is almost a lost art now.
Carl

the new cover did the trick!

no leaks thankfully.