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| | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 | I assumed my 1954 235 had hydraulic lifters. When I set the lifters as per the manual, it won’t start.
I’m second guessing which lifters I actually have and want to double check.
Any differences I can see without taking apart a motor?
Chris | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 | FYI: I’m heavily leaning towards a mechanical/solid lifter due to the year of the motor. I can’t go off of transmission due to potential unknown donor. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,747 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,747 | Get a valve fully closed- - - - -doesn't matter which one- - - - -then apply steady, firm pressure with a pry bar or a long, heavy screwdriver to the pushrod end of the rocker arm. After 2-3 minutes of constant pressure the gap between the rocker tip and the valve stem will increase to 1/8" or more with a hydraulic lifter. A solid lifter will not change gap. The only way a 1954 235 engine would have hydraulic lifters would be a car engine with a Powerglide transmission.
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!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 | | | | | | Joined: Mar 2024 Posts: 378 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2024 Posts: 378 | I have a 1954 235 that came to me with my project. The stamped serial number next to the distributor indicated that it was assembled to be installed in a car with a Powerglide. As part of the prep for starting the engine, I pulled the side cover so I could see the pushrods and the tops of the lifters. I was able to determine by seeing the tops of the lifters, that they were indeed, hydraulic. (Also, by pulling the side cover, I got a better idea of how clean the motor was internally.)
Nick
1940 KC Model 1/2 Ton Pickup Project
(with '37-'39 Bed and what we think is a '42-'46 Frame)
Taos, New Mexico
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,777 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,777 | Chris - Did we ever decode the serial number from your engine? Post it and we can decode to see at least what it started life as. 
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow 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)
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 | I will post it shortly!
It’s definitely mechanical lifters! She is adjusted and running beautifully like a singer!
Casting code is G74
Seriel: 0830530F54Z
Last edited by ndkid275; 05/08/2026 3:13 PM. Reason: Adding seriel #
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,747 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,747 | "I love it when a plan comes together!"
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!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,777 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,777 | Chris - The …54Z suffix on the serial number stands for 1954 “Regular” 235 in a passenger car with standard clutch and manual transmission. From the 1954 Chevrolet Data. Definitely originally a solid lifter engine. G74 casting date decodes as G = July 7th, 1954.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow 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)
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part | | Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 2,232 | Thanks GDAD! I learned something new with this engine!
Chris | | |
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