Stovebolt.com Forums The Shop Area The Engine Shop 54 235 engine work

Decided to start with the engine on my 54 GMC 150 truck, then work my way towards the transmission, rear end, brakes, etc.

I can turn the 54 Chevy 235 engine by hand and noticed it stops about halfway, assuming I have a stuck valve. Going to remove the valve cover and side plate to see what is stuck. Any suggestions to freeing stuck valves and/or lifters? Not sure if solid or hydraulic. Once I can spin the engine freely, I'll do a compression test and go from there. Was sitting since early/mid 70's. Don't want to ruin the engine by mistake.

I have the original 248 GMC engine already torn apart and looking for manuals and rebuild kits, etc.

TIA

If the stamped serial number by the distributor confirms that it's a 54 truck engine, the only option available then was a solid lifter cam. Passenger car engines in front of Powerglide automatics were the only ones with hydraulics. Don't waste any more time turning the engine- - - -pull the cylinder head. You've either got a very rusty cylinder, some stuck valves, or both. I've spent untold hours on getting a sticky engine to finally make a full turn- - - -even got a few of them to run- - - -and still ended up doing a rebuild in the end. You might as well bite the bullet and cut to the chase!
Jerry

Make a good point on the engine. From what I was told thru here or another forum, it's a 54 235 from a 3100 series truck #00II242F54X CON1 K5 is what's on the side of the block, heads are 6835913.
Starting to keep better notes to where and how I got this info as well as future work. Should have done this the first time. Have the 248 engine which I'd like to put back in the truck.

Will be taking the engine to the machine shop to have it checked out to make sure it's rebuildable, etc. First project truck for me and learning as I go. Wanted to try to get it running to see what all I need to do before I do a full on restore when I get garage built. Right now using the shop at work on weekends when I have time.
Looking for rebuilding parts for these engines, etc.

I'll be going back out to a friends place where I had gotten the truck and engines from, will look for more spare parts I can use as most of the stuff he will be selling or junking.

If you find a 302 or 270 GMC engine, it will fit right in place of the 248, cost about as much to rebuild, and give you more power.

Ed

I read somewhere that the 235 can be converted to a 260? If so, would anyone know where to find that info?

Not converted, made as 261 from factory, looks just like 235, look them up to see differences. HRL on here makes modified ones using different parts.

Ed

It's a different block with a much larger cylinder diameter: 3.75" vs. 3.5625", almost an 11% increase in displacement.

RP14 A friend at the junkyard gave me a 235,it seemed to be wore-out took some time with it,runs fine today. Soak your valve guides,leave side cover on,soak cylinders with MMO. If it's stuck valve can locate and free-up pretty easily. If not probably a tear-down.

RP14 An .080 over 261 will be a 272 using over the counter parts,for what it costs to get much more probably not worth it .

Read somewhere about converting. Might have misunderstood. Been years since I have worked on engines, mostly V8. Will keep the 235 stock and any minor upgrades. First thing first, disassembly and check the damage.