The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 53 gmc restoring newbie with lost of questions

the drive line on this old truck seems to be leaking the gear oil just where the line connects to the trans. now am i going to have to find a new line for this truck or is there a gasket or bearing that can be replaced to remedy the problem.
also additional inf0 on this gmc is that it has the 228 motor in it and so far me looking up parts for it has been somewhat of a pain seems to me that this motor and the parts for it were not very sought after making it hard to find them i cant find a new water pump for it anywhere. the current one it has is still functioning but looks like it would go at any moment. any ideas what i could do.

will send pictures on the driveline soon.

228 parts are alittle harder to find.........but.........the GMC a engine is far superior to the 235 in insert bearing and full pressure lubrication. The are several other recent posts on all the differences.

Ebay has pumps and rebuild kits........they are pricey. I bought a pump couple of years back for 1/2 the current price.

Yeah I was looking on Ebay they were in the range of 250 to 400 but most either didnt have the pulley size i needed or didnt have one at all. And I dont know if I can take my pulley off.

Several of the ebay sellers will supply a different pulley on request.

I upgraded to alternator and swapped the alternator pulley to match the crank and water pump.


If you have press and skills ( or friend or skilled machine shop) ........the new bearing and shaft for $150 is another route.

I just had my water pump rebuilt by EGGE. (California) They sell a lot of parts to rebuild your GMC 228. $160 plus shipping to rebuild it.

Jbear,

250, etc., engines are different, modern series(194, 230, 350, 292) series started in 1962, so be careful in your search for parts.

228 through 302 series fit your truck, 302 parts easier to find than 302.

Ed

So everything through the 302 series are going to be mostly interchangeable with my 228

Yes, for the most part ( pun not intended)- what will not interchange is the crankshaft, flywheel and connecting rods.

All bolt on external parts, camshaft, heads, rockers, pumps, bellhousin g, starter, oil pans, covers, will fit and interchange.

As you get deeper into your project we can help you sort out some things as you ask more specific questions about your build.

If you have the option to step up from the 228, consider a 270 or 302...if you are not concerned about keeping the block original to the truck.

1/2 or 3/4 ton truck (open driveline? or torque tube)?

Do you have the repair manual?

i dont have a repair manual. and it is the sealed driveline.
i am trying to keep it all original so i am going to keep the 228 but who knows the future ,aybe i will change it out. i have a friend with the 270 and it is pretty mean.

First, welcome to the “Bolt”! Your first purchase should be the 47-55 GMC Maintenance Manual. You can also find them on eBay. You will find it an invaluable source of information you will need the restore your truck. Plenty of help here though and all you have to do is ask!

jbear-PM sent. Click on the red flashing icon in the upper righthand corner, thanks!

I went through all of these issues with a 228, so I've felt your pain. I had to send in my water pump and have it rebuilt. That being said, it was a strong running motor, but it was in my Chevrolet and the installation was a mess. I've got a line on some GMC parts here in Iowa. So if there's something specific you need, let me know. It's an incomplete truck, but you never know.

Good luck,

thank you i will keep in touch

Your 228 might have a small flywheel, which is too small for a 302, so it might be a good time to see what flywheel you have. Chevy flywheels can be drilled in alternate locations with GMC bolt pattern. Make sure to check ring gear teeth, especially if you might be thinking about 12 volts.

Ed