The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 oiling questions

I have removed the head, pan and most parts except the crank and pistons. The engine is free. There was one bent push rod and one stuck valve. A light tab of a plastic hammer freed the valve. I noticed the oiling tube between the rocker arms was mashed flat and a piece broken off. Is that a part I can replace? I also noticed a smaller broken tube in the rear of the side rocker cover. I am assuming it is part of the oil tube to the head but it is much smaller in a diameter. I will post photos. This is an engine from a 39 chevy 1 1 1/2 ton or it came out of one. Block casting is 838941 which is 37-39 as I have read.

If rebuildbale I plan to change to inserts and aluminum pistons. I read later model 216 aluminum pistons can be used instead of the iron ones. Is that correct and what years?

Thanks

Harmon

Are the pistons domed or flat top? I don't believe aftermarket aluminum pistons are available in the domed configuration. The conversion insert bearings are getting a little hard to find, particularly if you need .020" undersize. A friend who runs a machine shop and regrinds crankshafts has had to go to 30 under on several crankshafts because a nationwide search for 20 under bearings came up empty.

The tube that runs from under the pushrod cover is supposed to attach to the oil connector between the front and rear rocker shafts. If it's been run for very long with that tube broken, you need to inspect the rockers and shafts carefully for wear. They might have to be replaced.
Jerry

The tube on mine was broke too (but not mashed). I put a wanted ad in the swap area and had one in about two weeks. Maybe try that too.

Thank you.

New aluminum dome style pistons are available from Egge. They sell the rings to fit because the compression rings are thinner than the original style rings.

Thanks Jerry. I would imagine they are in rough shape. They are soaking in the cleaning vat now and will have to see. They are all free but maybe worn out.


The pistons are flat tops.

Is there a part number for 10, 20, or 30 under bearings?

Harmon.

Thanks for the information.

Harmon

Is there any such thing as "reconditioning" stovebolt rocker arms by reaming them out and installing thinwall bronze bushings like wrist pin bushings, maybe? With a chucking reamer, a drill press, and a Sunnen hone, it seems like a fairly straightforward operation once a holding jig is fabricated.
Jerry

The main bearings are replaceable. The connecting rods are Babbit-lined and must be exchanged for rods reconditioned and re-cast to a smaller diameter if the crankshaft has to be reground. If the shaft is round and straight and the bearing material isn't deteriorated, the rods can be adjusted to the right oil clearance by removing shims between the rod and the cap. It is possible to bore out the rods and install an insert type bearing on the 48-53 216's. The rods from 1936-1947 or so were wider than the later models, and I don't know if a conversion bearing is available. for the earlier rod.
Jerry

Thanks to everyone on the valuable information. I have two of these engines. I am tearing down the 39. I also have a 40. It is still in the truck but I hear after seeing rust out in the side panel and oil pan it is most likely done for. The 39 spins fine but has issues. I am going to pull the 40 out once I get to the farm and see just how bad that one is. My preference is to use the 40 but will use which ever is usable.

Harmon

Rusty sheet metal doesn't necessarily mean the internal parts aren't salvageable. The early 216's had some major differences from the 48-53 models, so don't scrap anything that might be able to be reconditioned and reused. I'm working on a jig to bore connecting rods for a Perkins Diesel rod bearing which would allow even a badly worn 216/235 crankshaft to be salvaged without welding. The bearings are also a fraction of the cost of the regular conversion items.
Jerry

No worries. This truck is kind of odd anyway so I am not throwing anything away.


Harmon

Just a note. I am wrong on the pistons. They are domed.

Harmon

1940 is the first year that Chev used a rear main seal. I think that is an advantage.

Larrowe and Sons in oregon rebuilds the rocker shafts and arms. (or at least they sub it out out to someone, that is where I got mine done.)

That is good to know on the 40. I hope to get to the farm with the engine hoist to grab that one and tear it down. Between the 39 and 40 I hope to have enough to build one. I hope the 40 as that is what is in the truck.

Thanks to everyone on the services and advice. It really helps

Harmon