The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Tips needed for 235 rebuild with modern fuels

I would like to know what seals gaskets and hoses and other parts I need to get while doing my 235 overhaul to keep it compatible with the ever rising amount of corn they are trying to shove in my tank and also keep it good to go with unleaded.

The main focus of this engine will be fuel economy and as much reliability as possible as its future is long hauls in an RV with some possible towing (popup or boat).

It has a carter BB updraft carb on it now as far as I can tell from reports on models used and a casual glance and no room to change from updraft (though sidedraft may be an option).

Please consider no tips too obvious as I am a serious newb with only maintenance experience on my modern vehicles by way of automotive expertise. The good news is I have all the time in the world to do this right.

You may find some pics here.

I have several Stovebolt sixes that are 40 to 50 years of age. I have torn them all down. I have not seen any indications that the modern day fuels have caused any significant damage. While the engine is apart I suggest you take the head into a good reputable machine shop and ask for a three angle valve grind and replace the seats with a later metalurgy that is now available. Go to www.rockerarms.com and see if they stock a fully rebuilt set of rockerarms on a refinished shaft. They do very good work. I traded with them 30 years ago in Torrance. Now they are in Anderson, CA. If you can avoid it don't shave the head. But do "Deck" the block and check all manifold surfaces. Use good high quality gaskets and I strongly recommend a copper head gasket.
Good luck. I have put many miles on these engines and am a fan of them still.
Normbc9

I have had no problems with the alcohol in the fuel with the exception of it ate up the fuel pickup hose in my weedeater. But as far as cars go, no problems. Unless I pickup another piece of rubber in my needle valve in the carburetor. which at this point I am calling a coincidence.

If your valve seats are good I wouldn't spend the extra money to install hardened seats. Its been discussed a considerable amount in previous posts. I realize that many guys have done the change, but many have not and been driving their trucks many miles with unleaded fuel trouble free. The alcohol that is added to the fuel now days is hard on rubber. I'd recommend changing the rubber hoses in your fuel system. You should also buy a good quality carb kit and install it. You might have to tweek the timing and work with the carb adjustments when you get it on the road.
Good Luck Don

The only problem i have had on my 54/235 is it ate the diaphragm in the fuel pump. it was a replacement with the dual action. i used the old one for 20 years and the put the dual action in and it failed after two years and that was mostly sitting ready to be put back together. i drove it 20 years before the overhaul with no problems. i also have a 1960 mga that i have had since 1968 and no problems with the gas.

Unless you're working the engine to it's limit for extended periods you'll have NO problems with unleaded gas. I'd heard of FAR more issues arising out of hardened seats being installed than not installed.

I have suffered more than one fuel pump diaphragm failure because of what "corn fuel" does. I have also encountered some disscussion on the metal eating acid that forms from corn ffuel.