The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Help With 216 Rebuild

I have a 1952 Chevy pickup 4 speed; the bearings went out in the 216 motor. Prior to the bearing issue, the engine ran fine and did not smoke. In talking with my mechanic, he said that I may only have to: do machining for oversize rings & oversize bearings (will use insert bearings), install new valve guide seals & oil pump. He said I probably wouldn't need to replace: pistons, valves, connecting rods, lifters, rocker arms, timing gears/belt & cam. Obviously, a partial rebuild would be less costly, however I don't want to cut corners and be sorry later. Any suggestions and help would be appreciated. Thanks. Bob

Check out Jasper Engines (remanufactured/rebuilt?) for a comparison of costs. They deliver almost anywhere and have a good warranty. It's the only national rebuilder I'm aware of so Google it and have a look.

The only comment I would make is that if the timing gear is the original fiber one, replace it.

His advice doesn't make sense. "Oversize rings" includes boring the cylinders and fitting oversized pistons to match the rings. Does it make sense that an engine 60 years old wouldn't need attention to the valves, cam, lifters, rocker arms, etc.? While it might be possible to do a minor rebuild like we did back in the 50's and 60's, times have changed. Doing things like machining the connecting rods for insert bearings should be part of a complete rebuild- - - -reground crankshaft, possibly new cam & lifters, valve job, etc. Trying to do a vast project with half-vast methods doesn't sound like a good idea!
Jerry

Thanks Jerry. The mechanic did mentioning honing the cylinders and then only replace the rings w/ oversized ones. Does that make sense?.

You need another mechanic! RUN- - - -do not walk away from that one! He's about to get deep in your pocket by being either dumb or dishonest. Either way, you'll have to get somebody else to re-do his work.
Jerry

I echo Hotrod Lincoln's advice. I have rebuilt 207's, 216's 235's and 261's for years. His story to you doesn't even make sense to me.
Normbc9

If it needs oversize rings, it needs over sized pistons and needs to be bored to right specs.

Find someone else quick.

I am thinking there is something missing in the translation or conversation here. Someone who does motors for a living would not be describing it that way.

I have heard of over-sized rings but I have never seen them used. Here is an entry from Deves Piston Rings:

" . . . Check the end gap of the compression rings by inserting them, one at a time, into the cylinder and squaring them to the cylinder wall by turning a piston upside down and pushing the ring down into the cylinder approximately one inch (with the top of the piston). Measure the end gap with a feeler gauge. Check this against the end gap spec chart at the back of the Deves Piston Ring catalog or the instruction sheet included in each set of rings. If the gaps are too small, the ends of the rings need to be filed. If the gaps are too large, you may have the wrong size rings, or your cylinder may be worn to the point that it needs to be bored and oversize pistons installed. But, if the cylinder is still within factory tolerances, it is possible to install oversize rings (.010"/ .025mm larger than the bore) and file the ends to the correct gap. Please call to check availability for your particular application. . . . "

Whomever wrote that advice needs to have a glass belly button fitted so he can see where he's going! He's got his head up his butt to about shoulder distance. In 1955, Buick sent a few engines down the assembly line with .005" oversized cylinders and special pistons to use up some poorly-machined blocks. They used standard-diameter rings. Within the first 1,000 miles, those engines started using oil. The factory fix was to re-ring with standard-bore rings. No joy! The re-ringed engines used oil immediately. Then they suggested a set of .010" oversize rings could be file-fitted to eliminate the oil consumption. The only thing that fixed those oil burners was a .020" oversize rebore, new pistons, and correct-sized rings. A file-fitted oversize ring will have the right gap, but it's not round anymore, creating gaps in the ring-to-cylinder seal, and massive blowby and/or oil consumption. Been there, done that!
Jerry

Hey, I thank you all for responding - I sure wish I knew more about this stuff. With the help from all your comments, I will talk with the machine shop indepth (they are suppose to be a very good one) before proceeding. It sounds like a total rebuild is in order. Thanks a bunch.

Whenever I take a head off an engine, I check for hardened seats. If not present, I have them installed. While apart I have everything checked and/or replaced on the head. I'd rather be assured that a head is in top shape from word go. Saves alot of headaches further down the road.