The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts new to stovebolt, '48 Loadmaster info

Hi everyone, I am new to Stovebolt and have some questions. I bought my Granddad's '48 1.5 ton Loadmaster and drove it to Western Washington from Eastern Montana. A total of 1,200 miles. The truck has 17,000 miles and has been garaged its entire life. Needless to say it is in really great shape. Except two of the cylinders on the engine were low in compression. I decided to take the engine out and have it overhauled. I am now having some questions regarding the engine. I am told from the people overhauling the engine that it is a 235 even though it has the two bolts that hold the valve cover in place and has the taller side cover over the lifter area. Could the early model 235's have been like that? In my owners manual it has where the Loadmaster has a 235 in it. So I know that they did have them in it but it sure doesn't look like the 235 in my '63. Also does anyone know where I can find a shop manual for my Loadmaster. Thanks

Welcome to the forums and congratulations on your new truck. It makes it extra special that it has a family connection.

There were two different 235s. That's why it doesn't look like the one in your '63. But that brings another question. The later model 235 was built from 1954-1962. How did one get in your '63? It should have a 230 or a 292.

Reprints of the shop manual are available from many vendors. Click the "Links" link at the top of the page.

This must be an original 235. Both the 216 and the 235 were splash-oiled until the powerglide 235 in 1953 and all the rest in 1954. The 'babbitt beaters' were dependable engines unless they were oversped (too many RPMs). The later 235 is a much better engine as they used a full pressure oil system and had aluminum pistons for less reciprocating weight. The also produced substantially more power.

The later 235 (1954-1962) is a direct bolt-in as is the larger 261 (1958?-1962). If you want to retain the original look, someone on this site (who's name I cannot remember) adapted the pushrod cover and valve cover from an older engine to a later one.

The engine is original. My Granddad bought it new and he tells me it has not been replaced. The business that is overhauling the engine is replacing the babbits so I will have a high oil pressure 235. They are also making it so I can burn unleaded fuel.

Welcome, Raniertruckman.

You have certainly come to the right place to talk about old stovebolts, and it sounds like you are well on your way with the truck.

This place has a good collection of knowledgeable folks who are ready and willing to help, and you have met two already.

It sounds like your trip from Montana to Washington was great fun, ans I'm sure it gave you a wonderful opportunity to get to know your truck. I have driven my '46 1-1/2 ton from Arizona to California to Texas, and those are miles I will never forget.

Ask your questions here in the Big Bolts corner of the garage, or post specifically to the Electrical Bay, Engine and Driveline Shop, etc. where you will find fellers checking out the questions of a "highly technical" measure.

Always remember that if you have a question, about 150 other fellers probably have the same question, so have a go at it.

I know Joker will be on my case again for not puttin picutres of my truck in the Gallery, but when you can, everyone would like to see pictures of your truck. Check out the Gallery to see others trucks and stories, and if you are looking for parts and stuff, the Swap Meet is the place for buyin' and sellin' and hagglin'.

Drove it home 1200 miles, cool.

Wish I could have joined you on this trip! That must have been fun!

I might have to drive one of mine over to see yours.

Thanks to everyone for all the great information. I have been working on getting the parts all cleaned up and ready for when I get the engine back. I am about to build a 32'x40 shop to work on my old Chevys. My Granddad almost did not let me bring it home because it has been garaged it's entire life. I have it under a canopy for now. The trip back was a hoot. Amazing how much country you can see when you are going 50 mph instead of 75 or 80.

Heh OldSub come on over. Make a trip up to "Our Mountain" and stop on over. We can talk old trucks and have a couple drinks.

welcome.. hope you will have many years of driving your new addition. Lot of good info to be had from everyone here being new myself have found a lot of answers allready and i'm just getting started. the boys 50 drew first blood over the weekend got to love it, injoy your new ride

I've seen that mountain, but generally from 50+ miles away and/or from 30,000+ feet...

Are you likely to drive the truck to any of the shows at Graham? I'm most likely to drive my Suburban that way to attend the All GM show in June.