The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1943 216 Chevy push rods and rockers

I have a 1942 216 Chevy fire truck that was rebuilt in 51 it ran till the 80s and was put away it's has been cranked and ran there was some tapping so pulled the valve cover and found one of the push rods was bent went to a local part place and ordered the push rod they will be here Monday also got gasket for cover...my question is...is there torque spec for when I put the rockers back on wasn't to sure any other help would be greatly appreciated thanks guys

Also it has been converted to 12 volt system

Rocker hold down bolt torque is 30 Ft. Lbs.

Don't run it again until you're sure there aren't any more sticky valves. That's what bends pushrods. Otherwise, you're about to bend a bunch more of them. I'd strongly reccomend pulling the cylinder head and getting a teardown and inspection done on it. You can also do a good inspection of the cylinders at that time.
Jerry

What's best way to do the valves I've never done them before

Unless you've got a pretty well-equipped machine shop, it's best to remove the head and let an automotive machinist check it for you. They will do a thorough cleanup, magnaflux or pressure test the head for cracks, check for warpage, and regrind the valves and/or replace whatever parts are damaged. It's pretty common for engines that sit unused for long periods of time to seize up the valve stems in the guides, or if old, stale gasoline is pumped from the tank the valves can stick after a very short time when the engine is restarted.

One thing that should be done during any attempt to run one that's been stored for a long time is a thorough cleanout of the gas tank, or installing a new tank.
Jerry

ok if i wanted just pull the motor and put a new one in what would be best size to go with and anything match up with original tranny

A 1954-62 235 engine will bolt up to your existing bellhousing and require a minimum of adapting, mostly in the area of the water pump and maybe a little modification of the front engine mount. Obviously, another 216 will fit, or a splash-oiler 235 from about 1940-53.
Jerry

man i need some major help so where would i be able to find a 235 running and in good condition or a 216 and what kinda adapting do they make parts for it have be made or what if i wanted rebuild how hard would it be to take out what i got and do? im really not to sure where to go from here

Used push rods are cheep, I would stick one in and try running it.
I have a bucket full of push rods if you have a problem finding one.

My truck sat for 3 years while I did a few months of work on it.

After I got it restarted a valve stuck and I bent a pushrods. Not knowing how to replace the push rod I came on his forum.

I replaced the push rod and have not had any other problems since. I used these instructions


If you do need to replace your engine as suggested above there is one listed in the parts for sale section of this forum. It's in Texas
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=814837#Post814837

Good luck

k thanks guys really appriecate the help

I agree with DADS50. I had a similar experience with my '51.

I have a running '48 216 I'd be willing to part with for cheap. It was just pulled out of another members truck for a small block swap. Shoot me a PM if you're interested.

I had a similar problem with my 49. Didn't need to loosen the rocker arms, just backed off the tappet adjustment and was able to slip the rod by.
As far as stuck valves, try tapping medium-gently on the valve stems with a hammer. If any are stuck, you will feel it. The valves that move feel like hammering on a spring, the ones that don't feel like hammering on concrete.