The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 oil galley plug question

I am getting ready to install a '58 235 eng in a '52 truck. I started putting all the oil galley plugs in without any problems until I looked at the lower left galley on the rear of the block. It's the one that runs straight thru front to rear. It has two separate threaded sizes, 3/8" at the surface & 1/4" in a little deeper. Do I leave the 1/4" open & plug the 3/8" only? It looks like the 1/4" hole would block off an oil passage if I plugged it. I wasn't the one to take it apart (3 years ago) so I don't know for sure. Thanks in advance for the help.

You a new guy? Welcome to the 'bolt, doode.

If I understand you right, the passage you're referring to is drilled from back to front of block, thru the lifter bores, right? The lifter galley is fed from both front and rear cam journal on a '58 235. Now as I remember, the freeze plug/galley plug set I got with my '60 engine included 3/8 soft plugs and 1/4" socket head set screws for plugging various passages. I know the 3/8 outer hole was plugged on my engines with the soft plugs, but couldn't see if the 1/4" threaded plugs were installed behind that. You'll need to ask a machinist if another guy here can't come up with the right answer.

Whoops, after reading your post again, the lower LEFT side of the back of the block would be the driver's side, correct? Thats the main driver's galley that feeds oil from the oil pump outlet to the main bearings. Same thing tho, 3/8" soft plugs installed, no idea whats under that. Perhaps the correct length of threaded 1/4 socket head set screw (as provided in kit) would be the right thing to use, as this galley is under full oil system pressure of 20 to 50 PSI.

BTW, you got cam bearings in the block yet? I think those have to be installed first before any plugs or anything. Make sure to run a rifle brush thru all oil passages to make sure they're clean.

good luck

chiphead

Yep. It's the main galley on the LH side. The engine is entirely assembled & ready to install except for this. Been checking with everyone & every source I can think of. Unfortunately, all the guys I can think of that could answer this question without doubt have been put in the ground years ago. And I don't think any of the old timers that really know this stuff ever got beyond a black & white tv or "party line" for communication let alone the internet. I would love to go back in time & learn a few more things off my old boss. He would just respond to this by saying: "you stupid kid, you think your a mechanic!!! Anyone who turns a wrench for a living would know to -----. Do I have to show you everything?"

Looking back, that mean old grump wasn't mean. He was just pushing me to learn. He would be welcome in my shop now anytime LOL!!!

call Patrick, his # is at www.patricksantiquecars.com He sells parts for these engines and knows them pretty well.

good luck

chip

Thanks for steering me to Patrick. I got to talk to the man himself. He says DO NOT put the 1/4" size plug in. The oil passage between the two thread sizes feeds the cam & rear main bearing. He said he can't remember seeing the 1/4" threaded "inner" hole on a block before. He seemed to not be familiar with that. I don't know if I have an oddball block or what. I'm going to follow Patrick's advice & put the engine in. I'll post results when i get it running.