The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235/261 Oil Pans

I am rebuilding a 261 to replace the 235 in my '51 3600. I have an oil pan from a 235 that is in better condition than the 261 pan so I would prefer to use it on the 261 block.

There are some differences between the two oil pans, however. The 261 pan has a vertical baffle for the oil pump pickup pipe as shown in this picture.

http://s578.photobucket.com/albums/...p/?action=view&current=OilPans-1.jpg

The top of the pans both have the same profile and bolt pattern and there doesn't seem to be any interference with the oil pump pickup when I test fit the 235 pan on the 261 block. Oddly, the 235 pan appears to have more capacity since the deep part of the pan is longer. The only other difference I can see is the location of the drains.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't use the 235 pan? Does anyone know why they would be different in the first place?

What year(s) for the 235 and 261. Through 1957, there were no difference in replacement pans.

I have also see tdifferebnt baffle arrangement in 1959 261 pan compared to a 1960 261 pan.

I do not know why your pans might be different, but I would use the 235 pan and just keep a close eye on the oil pressure gauge for the first few hundred miles over different driving terrains and speeds.

Tim

Tim

The casting number on the 235 is 3769716 and the casting date code is D160, which I think means April 16, 1960 and the casting number on the 261 is 3769925 and the casting date code is C277, which I think means March 27, 1957.

Joe,

Maybe someone who has a Master Parts Book that goes through 1962 will look up the part number(s) of the 235 and 261 oil pans.

Tim

i have a hollander interchange book and it looks to me like they will not work. if you have an older salvage yard near by ask if they have the hollander interchange. it gives two different reference numbers. ron