The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop couple of simple questions

Is the gasket for the oil pan the same on a 261 as it is on a 235? I need to remove the pan, and I wanted to put a new gasket on, or wait...do I need a new gasket if the one on there is not leaking? It has only been on there for about 5 or 6 years. Any thoughts?

Also, a question about my speedometer gauge, if I disconnect the speedo line from the tranny, hook it up to a drill, give it some moderate turns and the needle hardly moves, is the speedometer bad or the cable itself? Hate those darn things.....

Sorry last one, what size tire should I put on the truck to get a good ride, lower rpm and better gas mileage out of a 3 on the tree, 261 in line 6, 54' Chevy 1/2 ton?

Thanks everyone

With the speedometer make sure the drill is turning the correct direction. The odometer should increase if it is. As for the gaskets why risk it leaking with a used one! your time is worth something. Parts man can tell you if they are the same.

I used the 235 oil pan on my 261 & used a 235 gasket. I have never noticed any difference in the gaskets. However, unless you either intend to do some work requiring the removal of the oil pan or the current one is leaking (if there is a leak it probably is the rear seal - not the gasket), I would leave the old one alone. While this is not a difficult job, it is fairly tedoius and somewhat akward with the engine in the vehicle. Also, it needs to be done correctly, and that just takes a little time. That's my experience anyway.

The speedo cable is easy to check for breaks. Unscrew it from behind the gauge and you can pull out the inner cable and the outer cable stays in place. The end of the cable should have some attachment to key into the transmission part. When you push it back it it will take some slight turning and then you will feel it key back into its location. Now you at least know the cable is in one piece. Lube it while you have it out.

Thanks fellas, I'll report back to ya!!!!