The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 or 235?

I have the original 216 in my 52' and want to keep it if i can. Question is, is the 216 as reliable as the 235? I know the 216 has a different oiling system than the 235, and besides cu.in. don't know much difference between the two. If anyone can share some light, that would be great.

you are correct about the oiling system. i am definitely not a mechanic but i can tell you that the 235 from 54 up had insert main bearings where the 216 had "babbit" filled bearings - babbit bearings were kind of like a hard lead material that was "poured" in. as you said, i think all the 216 engines got there oil by "splasing" where as the inserted 235 get their oil from a pressure system (oil pump). i believe the 216's can be changed to insert bearings. I can't speak to reliability but there appears to be a lot of them (216) still running!

There are two different 235s, pre 1953/54 and post 54. Pre is low pressure, which relies on dippers and splashing to keep it interally lubricated. Post is higher pressure and lubes better, which is particularly important with high revolutions.

Another difference is the rod bearings. The 216 has babbited rods- that means the bearing is basically part of the rod. More modern engines have 'insert bearings', which are easily replaceable. You might not have a choice but to have your rods machined for insert bearings or flat out have to replace them, if you rebuild the 216.

One possibility, to keep the original appearance but improve performance, is to switch to a 261.

Assuming the bearings are in good shape, the 216 is just as reliable as the 235. If yours is in good shape I would keep it.

I'd have to agree with Josiah. The 216 is a great little engine. Don't over rev it and it'll do the job no problems. Most miles I've covered in the 41 in a day has been 420 ( so far ). I'm planning another road trip in a couple of months time. I'll cover about 2000 miles in ten days. If your 216 is in good condition, don't even think about changing it, if it isn't, then that maybe time for a later 235 or a 261.

All the best

Bob

Thanks for the info, I think I will rebuild the 216, and try to keep it original.I think Bob's 2000 mile trip with a 216 proves its up to the task.

What sort of condition is the 216 in mate? If it does need a rebuild, how are you going to use the truck? Is it just for cruising around or will you be hauling a load with it? Will you put many miles a year on it? Do some costings with a 235 or 261 as well to keep your options open.

Cheers

Bob