I need a new engine for my 1953 3100. I can use any of the listed inline engines. It has to be a running engine in usable condition. No rebuilds. I can travel a limited distance, but prefer an engine located within 100 miles of Fredericksburg, VA.
Mike - I did some web surfing for ads in your general vicinity. Only one FBM ad for a 235 within the 150 radius is listed 235 in Harpers Ferry, WV. It unfortunately doesn't indicate it is a known good running engine. Just mentions it "turns over freely". The casting code confirms it's a low water pump 1959 block, but no serial number to confirm further details.
I expanded my search to 250 miles, just to see if there was anything lurking farther out. These are the next ads currently listed, some saying running or removed from a running vehicle:
Sorry that there doesn't seem to be any better candidates than these, but perhaps one may work?
~ 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)
Mike -- Have you talked to Chris Sweet about your search yet?
Frankly, I doubt you will find a good running engine you can plug and play. I learned the hard way that any unknown engine, running or not, needs to be considered a "Rebuildable Core." Yes, you might find one that runs okay. You may even get to see and hear it run. It won't even smoke. But it's only a matter of time (weeks/months) and you will be pulling it to rebuild anyway. So why play Stovebolt Roulette and end up paying good money for a "running engine" and then pay big money (and time) rebuilding it anyway?
A running, unrebuilt Stovebolt Six is an engine with a minimum of 6 decades under its belt. Who knows what's about to go belly up inside it? And who knows where that would happen. Sure would stink to have it happen on route 3 in front of the mall .... Its a much better candidate for a rebuild than it is for a drop in replacement.
Just sayin'
John "Capn Sunshine"
~ John
A kid raised on Hotwheels, Matchbox and Tonka cannot be reasonably expected to own only one vehicle as an adult.
1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 1963 Kaiser M38A1 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)
Well, I tried the guys on Lebanon and St. Tripoli in PA about a week ago. Neither responded. I thought they were good candidates for me but it didn't pan out. Hope you have better luck!
1954 3600 Stakebed non-original engine out of a '55 passenger car with powerglide
I took one ride in John's truck after the 216 got swapped for a "recently rebuilt" 261- - - - - -and watched the oil pressure drop to dangerously low numbers, and listened to a very worrisome knock develop as it got up to running temperature. Dropping the oil pan just a few days later revealed a connecting rod bearing that was on the verge of making its way into low earth orbit! Fortunately, John was wise enough to treat my concerns seriously and avoid a disaster! 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!
I appreciate the help and wisdom! I had seen some of the listed engines and actually almost bought the one in Lebanon, PA. I ended up not buying it for a variety of reasons. The problem I've got is money. I don't have any for the machine shop. I've started fantasizing about a rebuild that didn't require a machinist.... Then I come back to reality. Maybe it's time to sell a few things to raise some money for a rebuild.
That would be your best bet. There is no way to verify what condition a running engine is actually in that you buy from a stranger. A good machinist familiar with Stovebolt engines who stands behind their work will give piece of mind which I consider priceless.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
Other than some left over odds and ends, this is really all I've got that I could sell. Early on I had planned to use these parts. Now, I just want it to run so I can drive it and the single Carter seems to do a good job. Honestly, I think I'll ditch the fenton headers and go back to the factory exhaust manifold. Then I could sell the fentons, too. Is it worth the effort to sell these parts?
Selling used engine parts is always a challenge as you need to find someone that is looking for what your selling and the buyer pool is not very deep. That being said any cash you can generate from the sales is better than parts sitting on the shelf. Listing parts here or Marketplace is not too daunting and free so at least you would not be loosing part of the proceeds to others.
