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| | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 98 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 98 | I`m eyeing an 1949 GMC COE and would like to know a bit more about the engine in it.
Would it be the 235 with insert bearings or a 216 with babbitted rods?. I expect to be doing some highway driving to shows and have always been a bit worried about babbitted rods but want to keep it stock. Your opinions? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 |
If it is an original USA GMC engine, it would have rod bearings.
Post the code that is pressed into the pad/ledge in block just to rear of where the distributor goes into the block. Someone will be able to ID the size of the engine. It could be a 228, 248, 270, or maybe a 236?
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,068 | Could be anything in a 60 year old truck, but more than likely it's a GMC engine. GMC and Chevy were quite different back in the day. If you could get the stamped numbers from the engine, which should be near the starter, we could narrow it down for you.
Welcome to the 'Bolt!
Scott | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,548 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,548 | Depending on the size GMC you're talking about, the engine size will be according. GMC COE's came in many different sizes. 2 ton, up to 20 ton. Chevrolet COE's could only be purchased in the 2 ton 16000lb. version, with a few special order 15000lb. gvw 1 1/2 tons. Check the ID (VIN) plate in the driver door jamb, for the gvw rating. If it's the more common 16000lb. 2 ton COE, for 1949 it will have a 248 GMC 6 cyl. If it's the Heavier Duty 450 series 3 ton, or 470 series 3 1/2 ton COE, it will have a 270ci., in it for a '49 model. If it's the early '41-'49 super Heavy Duty 4-20 ton COE, it could have a 308, 361, 426, or 477ci engine in it. No Babbit Bearing engines, in the GMC COE's. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 98 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 98 | Heres the numbers I have for the truck so far. VIN# FF353 3036, GVW 16,000, GCW 26,000, HP 89
Has about 70,000 miles on and I`m going to assume its the original engine. If so its good to know GMC had insert bearings.
This 1949 may be my first real restoration. Ive done some halfast work on an 1933 International that I made mechanicly sound but more of a preservation on the bodywork. I guess this COE is a bit intimidating for me bodywork wise.
Thankyou for responding and feel free to offer anything else up on this truck that I should learn about. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,548 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 2,548 | No problem, the ID number FF 353 decifers to "FF"= '47-'50 COE, "35"= 350 series 2 ton, "3" = 161"in. wheelbase. Should have a 248ci. engine. Feel free to contact me with any future questions. I've owned close to 30 of these trucks through the years. Click into the links below to see some of them. Check out the website, www.oldgmctrucks.com Join the discussion forum there also. | | |
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