The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Seeking input on 235 replacement

I had to replace the 235 in my '46 2-ton this summer. I put in a running 216 that I could get my hands on quickly. I want to go back to the 235 because that's what the truck is supposed to have.
The 235 developed a bad knock which turned out to be the #4 rod bearing. It chewed up the crank journal pretty bad.
I have made a deal to buy a parts truck that is supposed to have a good crank in it. One of my ideas is to see if I can assemble one good engine from the two.
The other idea is to buy a 1954 235 and rebuild that.
The truck works for a living, hauling heavy loads in the hills of western Massachusetts. I put on one or two thousand miles a year. I plan to put in the two-speed rear end out of the parts truck as well to help on the hills.
Now the question: which way should I go? Fix a babited 235 on the cheap, or spend extra $ (which I don't really have) on a newer engine?

You might find a full pressure Used 235 pretty cheap in the local advertisements or craigslist. I would go with a full pressure 235 However if money is tight and you really need the truck then you got to do what you gotta do. I think I would try and find a used one if I could not afford to rebuild one or have one rebuilt.

I feel your pain in making this decision. I'm a slave to originality, and I'd want the early 235 back in my truck. Do want, in fact - the original engine in my fire truck was probably (don't know for sure, missing serial #) the early 235. Had a 216 in it, which we rebuilt from head to toe. Aluminum pistons, insert bearings, hardened valve seats. Runs great, though it still struggles to pull the over-heavy fire truck.

Right when you said "working truck" was when I switched to thinking you should get the later 235. It's just a better engine - more suitable for the work you're doing, with the pressure oiling, higher rev. limit, etc.

If your gut is stuck on the original engine, allow me this one thought: why not get the crank welded up and turned, and rebuild the original 235?

Plenty of options for you, none of them bad, really. I hate to part out one truck for another if it's not necessary.

My $.02 anyway . . .

-Michael

Thanks for the thoughts. I am still thinking on this. The temporary 216 seems a little tired, but is still doing better than the 235 before it puked.
As for the parts truck, it has already lost some parts and it's questionable if it's worth saving. (I do have the thought of doing a hotrod if there's enough of it left and I can get enough $ set aside)
I know where I can get a '54 235, but I don't know the condition of it.
Decisions, decisions...