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| | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 | I just bought a 49 pickup with 216 engine and no distributor. The engine looks good, has no stuck valves, and has compression. However, a lot of wires to it are cut, and the mounting bolts are out. I am unsure whether someone was pulling the motor to replace it, or pulling a good motor to put in another truck. I'd like to see if this engine runs but I don't have a distributor for it, and hate to buy one if the engine is not any good. I do have a 235 distributor on a good '61 engine (destined for another truck). I've read in the archives not to use the 235 dist without switching gears (which I don't have). I see LMC lists the same distributor for both 216 and 235. So, can I use my 235 distributor in the 216? I'd like to use the 235 dist, get the 216 running for a few minutes, see if it knocks or smokes excessively, and if it appears that it is fixable get a distributor for it. Will it work? Thanks for any help!
Josh | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 381 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 381 | Don't know if you can put the 235 distributor in the 216. I do know that you don't want the 216 distributor in the 235 because the 216 distributor drive gear is steel and the 235 gear is alloy or bronze, so therefore I would think that the 235 distributor should or might work in the 216. Just be aware that the Caps and Rotors are different between them. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | I agree. Give the 235 dist. a shot. I've switched dizzys in and out of 216,235 even my 261 for a quicky with no problems. I see your in SE Pa and I'm in South Jersey, so if it comes to it maybe I can scrounge up a dist. for you. It may not have all the parts,but they're pretty simple to rebuild.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,337 | The Chev parts book lists the 235 distributor as a replacement for 216s, so it will surly be fine for a test run.
See the USA in your vintage Chevrolet! My Blog | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 54 | Thanks guys! I think it should work at least for a test run. I bought this old truck for parts for my '53, but I think its just too nice to take apart. Tomorow we'll find out if it runs as good as it looks!
Josh | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8 | I have one I'll send you out of a 235 if you wanna pay shipping from AZ. | | |
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