The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 216 in a 2 ton?

I have a '46 2 ton that arrived just before winter that doesn't run. I wasn't able to get much of anything done on it because it got cold quick. However, the engine in it is a replacement with no id tag. It just a a GM 48 on the side. I have a '42 that came with a 216 identical to the one in the 2 Ton. A replacement with GM 48 stamped on the side. That was it. My question is, is it possible that the 2 ton also runs on a 216? Did 1 1/2 and 2 tons have 216's in them? Is there any way, other than physically measuring to see if this is a 235 or a 216?

Here are locations of casting codes.

head casting code
head date casting code
block casting code
block date casting code

Those should help ID the block/head.

The 235 LOAD-MASTER was standard equipment in the large trucks.

While 2-tons left the factory with 235's under the hoods, a 216 will fit right in there. I fact, I'm running one in mine right now. When I can afford to get the 235 rebuilt, it will go back in but the 216 does the trick for now.

This doesn't answer your question but the Canadian army ran 216s in trucks up to 3 ton 4x4 throughout WW2 so the 216 certainly could have been used in trucks as heavy as your 2 ton. For the 3 ton 6x6 they went with the 270.

I think it is common for the big trucks to be seen with 216s. While originally they may have had the low-pressure 235s - I'm not certain whether they were standard or just an option, but Tim is probably right - the biggest weakness of the Chevy six was the thin casting, which led to the blocks cracking in the water jacket. My fire truck had this happen, and the department repowered it with a 216, because . . . well, 216s are a dime a dozen! They could get one at the local salvage yard, and it only lacked like 7 horsepower compared to the 235 (I know, I know . . .it's the torque that matters! Still . . . ).

Anyway, there's no doubt that for the big trucks, the 216 is underpowered. However, the original 235 was ALSO underpowered, and it was the biggest engine they had. There's a reason they come with that stump-puller 1st gear! That being said, I run my truck occasionally with it's full complement of equipment and 500 gallons of water. It's slow, but it goes! Without the water, I find it satisfactory, and usually enjoyable. Someday, I'll find the low-pressure 235 to rebuild and put in. Someday . . .

-Michael

Thanks for the input. Like I said both engines don't have a serial number. Funny thing, thanks to this post I found that the engine that I thought was a 216 that came from my '42 1/2 ton was actually a 235. Interesting.

Some field rebuilds have no SN's on the block. A 261 will fit in there, be careful to identify correctly, look almost like 235.