The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1954 235 issue

i got a 1954 235 that i want put in a old truck and it had been sitting for a very long time so i drained all oil and fluids and replaced freeze plugs and flushed all old fluid out of block and lots of nasty stuff came out the distributor looked really bad will one from a 216 work on a 235? and i didnt mark the fly wheel when i took it off and dont know where it was how can i fix that? i also converting it it to 12v from 6 volt just need some help make sure i do it right before i try run it again any help would be great

when the marks on the cam line up, you can put your flywheel on with the BB on the pointer. If you can't get to the cam, just get 1 and 6 on tdc or at least close. (they will both come up at the same time.) then you can get a good idea whether or not your flywheel is in the right spot. It will be close or way off. the 216 distributor should be a direct exchange. As long as it is out of the truck, this would be a really good time to remove the sheet metal parts, and check things out before you go to great lengths to install the engine just to find you have something wrong, and to insure you have a leak proof (or something close to it) engine. as well

Be careful using a 216 distributor in that 1954 235 engine.

Sometime in late 1954 the cam gear on the distributor changed to match the change from the earlier forged/steel camshaft to a cast camshaft. The 216 distributor would have a gear for use with the forged camshaft. If you have a later 1954 235 with the cast camshaft, you should use a later distributor (or, use the later distributor's gear on your 216 distributor).

Look at the gears on the two distributors. Here is some GM documentation on the gears. Those illustrations are from Pre'68 Dave's blog-site - they show distinguishing characteristics of the two types of gears.

What looked "really bad" on your 1954 distributor?

im going try to put flywheel back on tomorrow and get it to crank hopefully late tomorrow. and its from a truck to a truck ive taken off the valve cover and cleaned all rockers and the inspection plate and cleaner up all the push rods and took oil pan off and cleaned it really good and degrease everything and re lubed it took out freeze plugs and flushed water pump and thermostat i have a brand new gas tank and all parts for fuel system... the distributor was rusted and had lots grease on it and corrosion on it. the original motor in truck was a 216 and i found a 235 to put in it the 216 had cracked block and head so i have parts for both this is my fist rebuild and im learning as i go anything else i should do before i try to crank for first time any hints or ideas

As far as I know the flywheel only goes on one way.

i thought it had to match up with timing im not sure though?

The flywheel only goes on one way. There are unevenly spaced dowels on the crankshaft flange.

Will you be using the 6v starter with the 1954 flywheel and a 12v electrical system (OK for short duration cranking)?

i have a a 12v starter and im really confused on the fly wheel thing so it goes on one way and tight bolts to spec then what