The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop WHAT IS THIS THING 261, 235, 216?

Aaaaah! Ok, I have been told this Thing is a 216, 235, and a 261. "I" dont know. Here is a link to the eng. pic
http://groups.msn.com/acmountainviewranch/thingsphotoalbum.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=322
Now, Thing is a 1953 3800 1 ton. He has a 3 speed and I am "told" he has a 488 rear. I dont know if any of these are original. I assume so, but what do I know? Things odometer reads over 94K, and it does roll still. I am keeping the engine as it is still strong, but I need a new gasket as he has a leak. I would like to change out rear and tranny, any suggestions on that? (to make a better driver)
Ok guys! have fun, let me know what Thing is!

I think you can eliminate the 216 by the way the valve cover is mounted but here's how to tell for sure: Look at the numbers stamped on the flat area just behind the distributor - then - you can follow the links under tech tips to i.d. it or just post them back on here and one of these experts can decode it for you.

Just judging from the rocker cover, I'd say it's a '58-'62. All of the '55-'57 235/261 engines I've seen have the filler at the front of the cover, the '58 and later seem to be all to the center. Looks like the radiator has been changed, too. The upper hose should be lined up straight with the neck on the engine, not at an angle.
In addition to the # by the distributor, there's also a casting date above the starter that will narrow things down as well.
For the rear gears, you'll have 5.13s. That's the only gear ratio that was used on those trucks, unless the center section was changed to a 3/4 ton, then it's most likely a 4.56. It should have a 4 speed, but there was a somewhat rare option of a heavy duty 3 speed in the 1 ton.

http://groups.msn.com/acmountainviewranch/thingsphotoalbum.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=325
here is a link to Things #'s. I have also posted side pics of eng as well. I know, that hose needs fixed and radiator as well. The fan on it (now) sticks out to far to put the original sized rad. in. So I have to change that as well (plugs/wires/dist, and I am sure other stuff as well)

If it's a 235, shouldn't a "235" be stamped on the side of the oil pan? Wouldn't hurt to check and see. Wada

***Going to crawl under truck...again...***

Just from the casting # by the starter, the block was cast June 9 of '58. If you can get the # that's stamped on the pad directly behund the distributor, that will tell exactly what the engine is. I'd also like to add that I've never seen a full pressure 235 with anything stamped on the pan to give engine size. I think that only applies to the babbit pounders.

If this helps, here are a couple of pix showing the serial # that I speak of.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2425962150092261295HnQBNK
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2600814650092261295DOcELx

Since your temperature gauge has an adaptor fit to it instead of going right into the head, its definately not a 216.

I can't quite make out the casting number on the head, but it looks like the valve cover was set up for PCV at one time.

so, we have eliminated the 216, but 235/261????

when i zoom in on pic. it gets pretty blurry but i think you got a 261. right above the starter it looks like it has the captains bars. that would be a 261...

I have a 235 in my bolt...and it doesn't look like that one...process of elimination. Take a look at my pics...I have acouple of the 235 when I pulled it out...and as I am rebuilding. Enjoy!

Chey:

Could you post the number on the boss just aft of the distributor?

You may need a wire brush to get to it.

That should tell us once and for all what year and application this block is.

Bump.

:hammering:

:confused:

I'm going through the same identification issue with the engine in my 1951 4400. The problem is complicated by the fact that its a re-manufactured engine, most likely a 1954.

The 3836848 cylinder head casting number is one that I did a lot of research on yesterday. These seem to have been the heads of choice because they had a slightly smaller combustion chamber than the others. Higher compression ratio = more power if it doesn't have pre-ignition problems.

That looks more like one of the newer style sixes. What are they? like 290s or some thing?

3738307 the #'s!

AND F6IOJ (the I may be a 1?)