The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 thriftmaster concerns

My 216thriftmaster engine (1947) smokes and burn/use/leaks oil by the rate of a quart every 50 miles. It seems to have power, it smokes when I start from a dead stop. I'd like to rebuild myself but lack garage space. How much would a rebuild run (ball park)? Okay what's a guy to do????

wildone

Depends on what needs rebuilding: $300-$600 for the head and up to $3,000 for the complete engine (done by someone who knows these engines).

Why not do a compression test, and see where you're at? If you don't drive it too much you could do a get-by engine job. Replace gaskets, check and tighten bearings, Maybe even just re-ring the pistons, hone, and shove them back in.

The 216 in my 1-Ton, uses a quart of oil every 400 miles or so, and has done so for the last 17,000 miles that I've owned the truck. It smokes a bit going down hill.... But oil and the occasional spark plug are pretty cheap!

Thanks I think is some good advice. I also noticed on cooler days it starts like a champ on the first revolution. On a hot day it takes several cranks. Do you have any explainations on that?

Is this when the truck is hot? Mine like to have the engine spin a few revolutions before I step on the gas when its hot. I think my carbs percolate a bit when its hot out, and when the truck is hot.