The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1951 gmc 100 228 help.

Good afternoon! My name is Kyle and I’m new to the stove bolt world. I recently inherited my fathers and I project. It is my grand pas all original 1951 gmc 100 with a 228.
My father was an auto body man for the past 35 years in Washington and started working on this old girl unroll life threw me a curve ball leaving me to finish the project. I’m schedule to get the truck painted next year. While I am waiting I looking for your guys help in finding a reputable machinist that will rebuild my GM 228. I appreciate your time!

Fleischbein

Why are you going to rebuild motor? What do you mean by "rebuild" ? Is it all apart? Frozen? Tried to start it? Are you "new" to motors and mechanics? or "new" to GMC or ? Not much experience in old trucks and motors?
Are you planning on being a do-it-yourselfer or a having-it-done'er ?

What is your goal as far as type of finished truck?

1. Full original restoration?
2. Good daily driver?
3. Modified here and there?
4. Fix it up a little?

The process of finding a local machinist involves, here say, then possible past customers, then a visit to the shops. Do not leave the truck, leave the motor. Sounds like you are just wanting the motor to be "machined" and you will assemble. Being a GMC, there could be some specific motor internal parts. Don't know if any Chevy stuff fits. Be real sure all the parts are actually available, not just advertised as available. Rockauto may be your best bet. Normally you will have to buy some parts and take them to the machinist to measure. Some parts may have to be specified by the machinist depending on condition of bores and other surfaces.

Lots of motor builder members here. they will chime in.

Bartamos I appreciate you getting back to me. We got the motor running and driving 2 years ago. It’s complete right now and still in the truck. I am looking at options right now having someone rebuild it for me vs me doing it my self. I have only really helped my dad rebuild a engine when I was 16 and kinda lost on where to start. I would like to keep It pretty much all original and only convert it to a 12 volt. Thank you again

There may not be any reason to rebuild it, right? that is a can of expensive worms. So as my first question said "Why are you going to rebuild motor?" Do you just think that's what you do in a "restoration" or what?
I can't, and no one can, help you if you don't read and answer EVERY question. Carefully. Each one. Go back and review. Please answer the questions.... because I'm trying to help with:

"kinda lost on where to start."

Already answered about machinist, sort of, until you answer all questions.
Thanks,
glad to help with some advise.

If it is converted to 12 volts, can use the original 6 volt starter, just do not ‘lay’on it. If a 12 volt starter is used, have to change the flywheel, 6 and 12 volt starters require different number of teeth on the flywheel.

Ed

Interesting. My used 235 engine including flywheel from Shwanke Engines came with 12v starter and generator. I am keeping my 6v system. My rebuilt 6v starter cranks slow but it does start. Maybe my Shwanke flywheel is for 6v but doesn't care if 12v starter is used...not sure.

Good morning. It very well may not need a complete rebuild. I just remember my dad talking about rebuilding it so Im pretty much just Fallowing his wishes. All I know is it needs all new gaskets and some carb work which is a good place to start.
I spoke to a few machine shops and got a few quotes and know it’s not going to be cheap. I just thought it would be a good idea to get it rebuilt so I know what exactly is done to it and while I was able to afford to.

Buoymaker haha that is funny. It means meat bone in German!

I have heard the same and talk to a few shops that we’re trying to tell me to just put a 270 in it. It’s the original motor that came with the truck and thinking I would like to keep it the original truck that my dad grew up in.
I will look in to those gmc forums. I appreciate your input!

I'm with Bartamos. Why rebuild the engine? If it's running and doesn't have significant problems, just clean it up and fix oil leaks if necessary.

On my project, the engine ran when I got it and sounded good. It had a few serious leaks, such as the timing cover seal, which prompted me to fix that and replace a few other gaskets. I did pull the rocker assembly off for cleanup and inspection, which led to the discovery of a bad lifter (upper section loose from the body), so replaced that. It got a fresh paint job, and that's about it. If it gives me trouble later, that will be fixed as needed. I expect it will last me for the rest of my life.

As others have said, rebuilding a 228 will be quite expensive and some of the parts may either not be available or not available in the size you need.

In 1977 I had a GMC 100 with a 228. It was a fine pickup...had enough power, rode well, sat straight and had no rust anywhere. I would compare the 228 to the 235. Actually for whatever reason the 228 seemed a bit less prone to suffer rear main seal leaks. It is just like the AD or Task Force trucks: the steering/suspension/braking are the 3 most important things on which to focus attention. Those are what can get you into trouble if they're not in top nick. Good luck!

buoymaker,

If you think 302’s are gas hogs, perhaps just need a stronger throttle return spring!

Ed

"We love to argue over the trivial". I would argue with that.

Go to a strictly GMC forum and ask what they think about the 228.
I've read that they think the engine is underpowered but is usable at lower speeds (not expressway) and works okay on a farm.
Most who have a choice would rather have the 248 or better yet the 270 inline 6. The 302 is a gas hog.
All these engines will cost much more to rebuild than a Chevy 350 V8. It's sad but that's life.
It depends on what you want, 100% original or have something that looks original but works better.

You can use a Chevrolet 216, 235 or 261 engine but to a real GMC lover, the engine has to be GMC.

My 2 pennies.[/quote]

I have a 228 in a very heavy fire truck. It is fine for the prementioned low speed work but has limitations due to the vehicles weight. I was having some issues with the 228 and was told that it required a top end rebuild . After 2500 and the rebuild, it doesn’t have any more power than it did before. It is the smallest GMC 6 built and was told to get a 270 or 302. The 270s are easier to find and almost produce the power of the 302 with less fuel usage. Either way you go between a 228 and 302 rebuild , it will be expensive.

Remember the bell housings are different between CHEV and GMC and if you find a military 302, there are many more issues that will come to light when installing it in a Chevrolet. This and oldgmctrucks forums are the places to get great knowledge and info. Do your homework, talk to the experts and go with the consensus.

10k miles here on a 302 with dual carbs. It’s not a gas hog. 18-24 mpg.

I apologize Fleischbein. I stepped on toes and it messed up your post.
Whatever you do, please don't let it put you off.
I'm bowing-out on this topic.

Go to the oldgmctrucks.cpm site an you will be able to get all the info needed to repair your 50. You may be encouraged to go with a 270. easier to find parts and way more power. I have 1 in my 40 GMC and am very pleased. Good luck on your project. Where are you located in Wa? Joe

oldgmctrucks.com (not cpm)
oldgmctrucks.com

Thank you! I appreciate all of your input and and think I’m going to just clean her up and fix some leaks and see where I’m at. I’m sure I’ll have questions when I get going! Thank you again!

How do you get that kind of MPG? You shut the truck off while going down the hills? Is that the mileage of the towing vehicle pulling the trailer which your GMC is on? 18-24 MPG seemingly defies Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity, E=mc2.
Inquiring minds would like to know.

Gmc-is-me I live out on Camano island on the wet side of the state haha. Scheduled to get the truck painted by a family friend in your neck of the woods next year.

Answer: Overdrive...................

The overdrive helps but I only use it when on the highways. Most of driving is around town, and it’s pretty hilly here.

Bottom line is it’s well tuned, and I don’t drive it like a speed demon.