The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop ID my engine - 1948 Loadmaster - newbie

I’m looking for help with identifying my engine. Recently bought a 1948 Loadmaster. I believe it is a 1 1/2 ton and should have come with a 216. I’m thinking I may have a 235. Maybe you can help me with the identification? The vehicle identification number starts with 5RKJ. Some numbers on the engine block are B57 848 850. Also 3836848 GM23.

Thanks!

Dennis,

I moved your post so it could become it's own conversation. Don't want to piggy back on another Bolters thread as that can cause confusion.

Your numbers provided may be helpful to find answers to your questions, but it would be better if you could add some pictures of the engine serial number pad (directly behind the distributor) and "casting codes" for the engine block (right side of the block usually just above the oil pan flange between the front of the block and the distributor mounting location) and the head (top and side of the drivers side of the head).

We would also love to see pics of the whole truck as that may also help in confirming just what you have.

Looking forward to seeing pictures so we can try and help you with your questions.

Dan

Thanks Dan. In the future I will start my own thread. I cleaned off the engine serial number plate, and the serial number is 0739669F54X. If I am correct, then the engine is a 1954 235, originally installed in a Thriftmaster. I will post some pictures. I would still be interested in any feedback from the members. I was told that the intake manifold was cracked when I bought it. I have a 1948 216 that is stuck. Would it be possible to use the intake off the 216 on the 235?

pix

Dennis,

I used my 1950 216 intake & exhaust manifold on my 1957 235. Other's will confirm if a 1954 is "Different" for using a 216 manifold.
Good luck!

My 2 cents...
I think that block is a replacement. The numbers stamped on the pad were done singly with a different font than factory stamps. The 6 & 9 are the same stamp and the 3 is flat top. It appears to be a 235 with an 848 head (1956-1962) and a late valve cover with the oil fill in the center (1960-62.)
As far as the manifold goes, 52Carl was at my shop horsetrading and noticed an old 216 on blocks had a 235 intake/exhaust on it. In all these years I had never paid any attention to it.. Casting # indicated a 54/55 intake for a 235. I intend on removing it just to see what old Ash Beville did to make it fit and not leak for 30 years.

That one's easy- - - -use a set of stepped-down alignment rings. I make them from aluminum electrical conduit. The only problem is that the 216 ports create a choke point, so the bigger manifold runners don't help.
Jerry

You cannot pair the 216 Intake with the 235 exhaust manifold. You would need to use both of the 216 manifolds as a "set"

I have the 216 Intake / exhaust manifolds installed on the 1954 235 engine in my 1954 3604 Truck.

Note - the 216 intake manifold has carburetor mounting studs 2.687" spread , center to center and utilizes a carb with 1-1/2" throttle plate.

- the 235 manifold has carb mounting studs at 2.937" center to center and utilizes a carb with 1-9/16 throttle plate.

The reason I'm bringing this up is you will not be able to utilize the stock ( if that's what you have ) Rochester B carb on the 216 intake manifold.

There has been much discussion on this forum regarding the fuel mixture running rich with the 216 set-up and cannot easily be addressed.

I would suggest you consider finding a good used 235 Intake manifold.

Thanks fellas! I appreciate your response! I tried doing a compression test yesterday. The starter spins, but does not engage the flywheel. Solenoid? I can turn the engine by hand.

Good morning Dennis. sent you a PM

If you have the original floor push starter, you don’t have a solenoid. Your linkage may be a bit worn. Others will chime in to tell you their experiences fixing this.

I do have the floor pedal starter. It will activate the starter, and I can hear it spin, but it does not appear to be engaging the flywheel.

Sounds like a bad starter drive.

Thanks. I’m going to take out the starter and see what it looks like. I don’t know how long this truck has been sitting, but the plates on it are from 1995.😜