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Joined: Nov 2006
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'Bolter
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Haha.. thanks, bartamos. I will take your advice thumbs_up

My nature is to also be quite cautious. Most of the time anyway.

I'll work on it again tomorrow and maybe install it when time permits.

I'll keep you posted with anything that turns up or ultimately how it goes.
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IMG-20230905-WA0005 copy.jpg (134.17 KB, 133 downloads)

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Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT
Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT
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Just a quick reply that the casting code pictured "3837004" is noted to be a 1955-57 235 with the large water pump hole according to my "US" engine data. Can't confirm if Canadian 235's used the same casting number???

The "C252537" serial number would indicate a Canadian made engine, as that format wasn't used in US 235's. Hopefully someone with more Canadian engine knowledge will chime in and provide more details.

As you are indicating a "Victoria, BC" location, it would make sense that you have a Canadian 235.

If you look for the "casting date code" info on the side of the block directly above where the starter mounts, that may better pinpoint when it was built. Maybe post another pic when you get the chance.

Hope this answers your question.

Dan


~ Dan
1951 Chevy 3 window 3100
Follow this story in the DITY Gallery
"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"
1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver)
US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
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B
'Bolter
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Nice truck. Nicer dog.


'57 GMC 102, Original 347 V8, HydraMatic, 3.08 rear gear, added A/C, disk front brakes, HEI, AFB carb, '98 Honda Black Currant paint. T-boned and totaled 10/12
'52 GMC 152 Stake Bed, Original 228, SM420, added A/C, HEI, disk front brakes, '67 Chev 3.55 rear gear. Gets used as a real truck.
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'Bolter
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Thanks ..but it's an old pic. Sadly, Polly passed some years back ;-(

Gdads51 #1516240 09/07/2023 4:37 AM
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'Bolter
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Originally Posted by Gdads51
Just a quick reply that the casting code pictured "3837004" is noted to be a 1955-57 235 with the large water pump hole according to my "US" engine data. Can't confirm if Canadian 235's used the same casting number???

The "C252537" serial number would indicate a Canadian made engine, as that format wasn't used in US 235's. Hopefully someone with more Canadian engine knowledge will chime in and provide more details.

As you are indicating a "Victoria, BC" location, it would make sense that you have a Canadian 235.

If you look for the "casting date code" info on the side of the block directly above where the starter mounts, that may better pinpoint when it was built. Maybe post another pic when you get the chance.

Hope this answers your question.

Dan


Thank you for following up, Dan. It was rebuilt up-Island in '86 from what I was told.
Those numbers were on the block, right behind where the starter mounts onto the bell housing.
But I will look some more...

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'Bolter
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So Dan, I scanned both sides of the block. The only other detail I came up with is what looks like the letter "M"..
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Well well well ....success! yahoo

The 12 volt starter was reassembled today and installed in the truck (as per bartamos suggestions).
After running some test runs with the plugs out it engaged well. And retracted as it should.

After connecting the battery, I gave it a full start and ignition check and it fired right up.

Bartamos, I did forget to polish up the end of the pinion gear. But it seems to engage ok regardless.

Hopefully this will be the end of base starting problems.

Sure was a good learning experience re: the engine vintage -- 6v vs 12v ring gear.
Looking back it now seems logical of what the previous owner was trying to accomplish some 25 years ago.
Perhaps he knew that the engine was not a 6 volter. Only wish I'd known blush

Thanks guys for your advice and challenges to my questions thumbs_up



**

Now, while the hood was open and the sun shining of the front of the engine, it reminded me of another issue ..but not serious.
Have a look at the second pic ...

Notice that the fan is not centered to the radiator, the blade tips actually fly below it.
Does this have something to do with the engine being a later edition than the rest of the cooling system?
Obviously, all 235s and not the same, huh headscratch

I can imagine that overall cooling is affected. Although I've never experienced any overheating.
(I realize this is not the right forum for this new issue, but thought I'd ask anyway)
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Sir Searchalot
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If it cools it cools. The lower area of radiator is cooler anyway. Fan only good a low truck speeds. Put the dip stick back in. Nut missing on front of manifiold. All is good. Nice work.

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Originally Posted by 55firstseries
Now, while the hood was open and the sun shining of the front of the engine, it reminded me of another issue ..but not serious.
Have a look at the second pic ...

Notice that the fan is not centered to the radiator, the blade tips actually fly below it.
Does this have something to do with the engine being a later edition than the rest of the cooling system?
Obviously, all 235s and not the same, huh headscratch

I can imagine that overall cooling is affected. Although I've never experienced any overheating.
(I realize this is not the right forum for this new issue, but thought I'd ask anyway)

Yes. There is a water pump relocation plate you can use to raise the fan. But if the system works, why mess with it.


Gord 🇨🇦
----
1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
bartamos #1516396 09/08/2023 12:22 AM
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Originally Posted by bartamos
If it cools it cools. The lower area of radiator is cooler anyway. Fan only good a low truck speeds. Put the dip stick back in. Nut missing on front of manifiold. All is good. Nice work.

Makes sense about the overall cooling. (which reminds me, with Winter coming I gotta look at fixing the heater core -- it's leaking a tad onto the PS foot mat)

You have eagle-eyes there. I snapped the shot just before replacing the dipstick grin
Manifold ...it is a short location stud (no threads).

Gord&Fran #1516397 09/08/2023 12:24 AM
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'Bolter
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Originally Posted by Gord&Fran
Yes. There is a water pump relocation plate you can use to raise the fan. But if the system works, why mess with it.


Now I think I recall some mention of a kit for the readjustment of the waterpump and fan. At the time I guess I didn't think it important enough as a daily driver.

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The guys who installed my engine lowered the radiator instead.


Gord 🇨🇦
----
1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
bartamos #1516402 09/08/2023 1:00 AM
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'Bolter
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Originally Posted by bartamos
... So be careful of the dreaded "two or three things wrong at once syndrome".

...and it happened ..sort of unrelated: while waiting to install the starter, our pond 'fencer' had packed it in and a heron or otter went after the biggest goldies.
And raccoons got to our lumber pile: it was uncovered and got soaking wet.

But at least the success of the truck starting saved the day. Now it can be moved out of the weather.

Gord&Fran #1516403 09/08/2023 1:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Gord&Fran
The guys who installed my engine lowered the radiator instead.

I think my is at it's limits to the lower welded cross support.

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H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
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Never- - - -ever- - - - -bolt down the ends of a stovebolt exhaust manifold- - - - -the hole around the locator pin is oversized to allow for heat expansion. Bolting it tight will make it crack.
Jerry


"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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'Bolter
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Couldn't even if I wanted to ...not long enough and no threads.
That must have been my hint at the time.

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'Bolter
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The "M" in the side of the block indicates it was cast in Canada by McKinnon industries in ST. Catherines, Ontario, a division of GM Canada


1954 Chevy 1300 engine 235 (1959)
1955 (first series) Chevy 3100 engine 261 (1957)
1927 (other brand) Model T- engine 327 (1968)

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'Bolter
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Good confirmation of country of origin -- thank you.

Now if I can just determine when this engine was originally built.. headscratch

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Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
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Originally Posted by 55firstseries
Couldn't even if I wanted to ...not long enough and no threads.
That must have been my hint at the time.

The pins are threaded into the head- - - - -some people replace them with bolts. Bad idea!
Jerry


"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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J
Moderator, Electrical Bay
Moderator, Electrical Bay
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You guys are drifting off into the weeds here. Please start a new post for a new topic. Thanks!


~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
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'Bolter
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Meh, perhaps I should start a new short thread regarding engine numbers inquiry..??

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Moderator, Electrical Bay
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I think that would be a good idea and please start that thread in the engine section...you'll get more (and better) attention than in the electrical bay.


~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end
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55 started a new thread HERE as suggested by Jon G. thumbs_up


~ Peggy M
1949 Chevrolet 3804
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