The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Rod noise on young motor

I have a 1949 2ton 2speed rear utility truck I'm re-building.
I live in Ramona, ca. where we've had several huge fires here. I found a man who had a truck similar to mine that perished in the fire of 2009. He salvaged the motor (1962 chevy II 235)which he says has less than 1,000 miles on it. So I replaced all gaskets and even ran detergent oil and motor cleaner thru her. Valve adjustment was hugely suspect. So I took apart every tappet and cleaned them thoroughly. They were frozen. And some dark oil came out of them. Primed em and replaced and adj. valves accordingly. She ran real good and then started to hear arattlin' @ flat pedal. Not at idle, or on hard pedal. I've driven it a little tryin to work out the kinks but it is gettin worse. Also oil pressure starts off good 35-38lbs. When it gets warm tho, low pressure. 10-20lbs. Is this Rod noise?
Am sorry for long post. But I am a one legged man in an [censored] kicking contest!!

There is no such engine as a "62 Chevy II 235". The Chevy II engine was a 194 cubic inch 2nd.-generation design similar to the 230 and 250. If the back of the block is shaped like a Chevy V-8, and does not unbolt, you've got a late model inline 6.

Loss of oil pressure when an engine warms up is almost always associated with worn rod bearings, ditto on the rattle on a "float", neither accelerating or coasting. I'd suggest dropping the oil pan and inspecting the rod bearings. It might be possible to change bearings before any further wear happens, and there's a good possibility the crankshaft won't need regrinding. If the engine continues to knock, the crank will be damaged, and there's a possibility of a rod bearing seizing up and doing major damage to the engine.
Jerry

Thank you for your response. The old guy told me it was a 235 1962. wasn't that the last year it was made before the 230?
No matter. I need a dependable motor here.
I'm torn between fixing this one. or pulling it and dropping in a short block 350.I've spent alot getting this 235 in order. If I go with the 350, I'll need a new bell housing, starter, pulleys, water pump......on and on.
I can buy a 350 short out bof 1980 truck. for 650.00. Guaranteed to run. What's a man to do?

Rebuild the engine thats in there......To many trucks running around that have had 350 put in to them. Nothing wrong with that, but keeping it original is always my first choice. Drop the pan and see what is going on. If the problem was caused by the fire ( and I'm not sure how) then the rings probably suffered as well.

Yes, the full sise trucks ran a 235 in 62. The "Chevy II" description is what had me concerned. Those were also made in 62, and the 194 engine was standard, with the 4 cylinder also available. I think the full size 62 cars also used the 235. Anyhow, drop the pan and check those bearings before it gets any worse. That might be all you need- - -just a set of new rod bearings.

Jerry

If you put a V8 in there you'll wind up changing A LOT of stuff,I'm with these guys