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| | | Forums66 Topics128,077 Posts1,056,013 Members48,433 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 237 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2006 Posts: 237 | I've got a line on what appears to be a 1957 (possibly 55 or 56) 6400. It's got a staight 6 engine. I've not been able to look and see if it has the "captains bars" of the 261 or not. So I'm guessing it is either a 235 or a 261.
If it is a 261, is this the full flow oil engine or not? Any differences between this engine and the 261 they made in 1961?
The valve and push rod covers are painted yellow. Does this mean anything?
It's NOT a newer 6 cylinder, as it has the old motor mounts up front, not on the sides.
Thanks. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,598 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,598 | jhaa A little off topic, but you might check out this auction Monday. "56" chevy 6400 with hoist for parts. It should go for scrap value or less. Let me know if you are going to be there so I don't bid you up. I'm interested just to save it from the crusher.
2-Ton 1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck"The Flag Pole"In the Stovebolt Gallery1946 2-Ton grain truck 1946 3/4-ton pickup, 1953 1-ton pickup 1957 1-ton flatbed dually, 1954 Pontiac Straight Eight Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most! | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | It,s almost certain to be a 261. That year did not have the full flow oil filter but did have the full pressure lubrication. That is the basic difference between it & a 61. The yellow paint is probably what someone had handy or thought it looked good. They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,549 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,549 | Not all 261's have the "Captain Bars". | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | jhaa,
Yellow was supposedly the 261 truck engine color in 1957.
As stated above, the major difference between 57 and 58-62 261s is the by-pass oil filtration in 57 and full-flow oil filtration in 58-62. There are also differences in how the oil passes from the cam ends through the lifter journals to the head/rocker-arm assembly (and a few different parts in these areas).
Just out of interest, does the engine have a PCV system?
Tim | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 581 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 581 | Here's a picture of the engine in question | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 863 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 863 | looks to me like a 235 :confused: | | | | | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 6,100 | Hy guys, The engine "should" be a 261, but I can't tell the difference from a picture, 235s and 261s look the same to me. Yes the engine in the picture does have a p.c.v. system on it. Any chance of posting some casting numbers from the block and head? | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 323 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2005 Posts: 323 | My 55 6500 has the 261 and it's yellow with the old "job master" logo still on it. | | |
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