The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 valve train questions

I will start out with the background, I have a 235 in my 1948 3600. Obviously not original, but I started doing some checking. The block casting # is 3738307. The number above the starter Is CON4 A228. The number beside the distributor is FI27A. All this points to a January 1958 235.

Now for the real questions, Any idea if this motor has hydraulic lifters? I suspect it does, but do not really want to pull the side cover to see. Secondly, when setting the rocker arm clearance for hydraulic lifters, does it need to be done hot? The valves are noisy, but I think part of the problem is the oil passage is partially plugged as it takes about 2 minutes at idle to get oil out of all the rocker arm weep holes. I want to get all my facts straight before I pull the rocker arm shaft out for cleaning.

Thanks for the help. Jon

F121A engine serial number:

F = Flint, MI engine plant
12 = December
1 - 1st day of the month
A = automobile 235 engine with manual transmission

All car 235 engines from 1956 onwards had hydraulic lifters.

"Secondly, when setting the rocker arm clearance for hydraulic lifters, does it need to be done hot?"
Yes, "normalize the engine" and adjust the hydraulic lifters as per Shop Manual.

I have same questions for my 235 engine as to hydraulic or solid lifters. Engine s/n is F1110J and casting number 3764476.

Find and post the codes shown here.

3764476 is a casting code used from 1956 through 1962.

F1110J does not give date information.

F = Flint, MI engine plane
11 = month = November
10 = date = 10th

J = 3100 truck 235 engine (all truck 235 engines had mechanical lifters)