The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop General Maintenance question

Hey,

I'm Justin from CT and I'm new to the forum and classic truck world. My Grandfather passed away last year and I was fortunate enough to receive his 1951 Chevy 3600. Its something Ive always loved since I was a Kid, begging for rides every now and then. My grandfather used it on an estate he worked on and was the original owner. It is totally stock and it has always been garaged. It only has 38,000 miles on the original motor. It has a dump body on it that I believe was done after market at the time and still runs great. when I get around to it I would love to post some pics for you guys to check out.

Now to the point. I've been taking it for a spin hear and there and I need to do some general maintenance and had a few questions. I purchased the repair manual and have been researching online and on the forum and still have a few questions on these couple subjects. I have the day off tomorrow and was gonna start some work on the truck. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

1.engine oil with today's standards? 10w30? 30w non detergent? etc? I see that there are so many opinions but What is my best simple option?

2.Once you clean the air filter, oil bath what kind of oil should I replace it with and how much should I add? just dip the filter in the oil and re-install?

3.I have to replace the flange coming off the motor that the top radiator hose goes to on the radiator. Once I flush out the radiator and replace that flange. Fill back up the system. Do I then run the motor a bit then just make sure the system is full to the top? Anything special I have to do so it is working properly?

4. Big question I am having troubles understanding after hours of research on an old subject for you guys. The tires need to be replaced and I would like to upgrade the 8 lug split rims to solid new rims with radials. Ive read through so much stuff on the forum and online trying to figure this out. I think I will just get original replacements but figured I'd ask this question. Both LMC and croker tire have the 16x8 eight lug rim with 4" back space. Has anyone ordered these and installed them without having to make modifications???? This one question is driving me nuts lol. Ive read about the other options but do not want to have to make any modifications like I've said. Big question Ive spent a lot of time on trying to figure out??


Sorry, I no I am asking for a lot!!

My Grandfather was pretty much my father growing up and I want to do the right thing to keep his truck alive and running. It is priceless to me with sentimental value and I love driving it... So much Fun. I am also going to grease all the fittings and some other essentials. any other suggestions of what I should do feel free to fill me in.

Thank you very much for any info on the subject!


Justin

use the same oil that you pour in the engine and fill it to the oil level mark on the filter. if you have a maintenance manual its all spelled out in there(the GMC manuals do)

look for a pet cock on the driver side of the engine down low and to the rear of the block. i would start by opening that and see what comes out. if nothing comes out i would then concentrate on getting that to flow water out. its for flushing the block since its the lowest and furtherest from the rad. lots of stuff gathers throughout the years there. every engine i got, nothing would flow from there and will have an effect over what your cooling system can do if its not flowing freely.

here's what i do, first i make it stop. go over your brake system. for the most part ive replaced all of my trucks systems as a system not as a componet. its no good if you cant get it to stop when you have to stop in a hurry. you have huck brakes which your book will tell you all about them or should. next, i make it steer. it's no good if you turn the wheel and all kind of things happen except it doesnt turn. then i work on getting it to go. you've come to the right place for help but your biggest help is your manual. and the best place for parts that i found is napa.

I use SAE50 for my filter
...pic...

...click...

Justin -

Welcome to the forum! You will be amazed at the knowledge and the desire to help that forum members have. A personal thank you from me for keeping your Grandfather's truck original. I admire your stewardship of the truck and his memory.

Research and post questions on Stovebolt. We want to help and want to see photos of your truck.

- Lonnie

Jsutin, wish you'd have stopped by the welcome centre and said hello but none the less, Welcome to the Stovebolt Page.
Looks like you have a plan and inquiring before acting. Most times it will save you some grief. As Lonnie mentioned, lots and lots of folks here that have been in your shoes and can help. Be patient, you'll get lots of idea's and thoughts even on the little stuff.

A bit of advice would be to try always ask your question in the most appropiate forum for Maximum results. Some guys don't vist all the forums every day but may check in on the ones they are most familiar with....thus you get better responses.

So, good luck. I know you'll smile as you drive down the road and think of your grandfather. Mine played a big part in my life and I miss him lots.

Thanks Guys for all the info!

I really appreciate it!

One one other question I cant find in the shop manual. Once you drain the transmission fluid. Where do you fill to ad the 6 pints of 90w gear oil??

Thanks

Justin,
What transmission is in the truck,3speed on the column?
Or and I,m assuming now cause you said it had a dump on it that it has a SM 420 4 speed trans.
If so, cheat a little.
Start by blocking the wheels and putting her in neutral.
Pop the shift lever out of the tower coming thru the floor by pressing down on the retainer and turning it about a 1/8 turn Counterclockwise.
And pour the gear oil right into the top of the trans till its even with the bottom of the threads in the Side Filler Plug.
LOTS Easier than trying to squirt 3 quarts of 90 wt into the the side filler from under the truck, on your back.
Shifter Removal Detail is in the Shop Manual.
steve sr.

Welcome,Justin! 51 ashton makes EXCELLENT SAFETY SENSE,in his topic. These trucks have only one reservoir for our brakes,(stock). if one wheel-cylinder,or flex-hose fails,the whole system fails. It's wise to do a complete parts re-placement/re-build. Just earlier tonight,I posted a thread in the "Big Bolts" forum,on how to adjust the steering-box.go to page 4,under the heading "1957 6400 with Heil 4-Yard Dump Bed". That will give you the two adjustment guides that will help make your truck MORE fun to drive,as well as safer! Now to your oil question...Again,jump on over to the "Big-Bolt" forum,under "Fluids For A Big Ole "Bolt".Good info.,there. One thing that I did to mine,was re-move the oil-pan,as well. I had about 2-1/2" of sludge built-up,causing freshly-changed oil to look like nasty oil in no time flat. I still need to do the same thing with the transmission,and rear pumpkin. I DON'T KNOW a thing about your wheel/tire question.I'm sure somebody'll be more than happy to jump in on that subject,but not in "The "Engine Bay".Maybe ask in "General Truck Talk"? Would love to see pic's of your "Baby".Glad that you have such a great reminder of your Grandfather. Good-Luck,and we're here-anytime!! Thanks for sharing!!

Top right paragraph - General Lubrication section of the Shop Manual.

Also, the weight of the oil in the oil bath air cleaner is important ( 50wt in warm weather and lower weight in winter). Too thin an oil might work its way up into the carburetor, too thick an oil might not migrate enough to clean properly.

STEVESR The transmission is a four speed. I will see if i can pop the shift lever off later tonight when I get home. That's a cool trick.And thanks WETWILLY I didnt even think of cleaning out the oil pan. That is a great idea cause im sure there is a lot of sludge in there.

thanks again also for the oil bath and brake info. Ill check out some of that other info tonight.

Hey
I promised You guys I would up load some pictures so here ya go. Only a few but I will add some more. I also have a few questions? In two of the pics you will see this device, dont no what it is but it is bypassed, not being used. Any idea what this is? Also today I cleaned up all around the grease fittings in the rear end, greased the whole rear and fill the rear tranny. The oil was dirty and the oil was a little low. Is there anyway to drain that rear pumpkin without splitting the case?

here are the pics

http://s272.photobucket.com/user/ju...vy%203600/photo2.jpg.html?sort=6&o=2

Justin,
That looks like an electric fuel pump that someone screwed to the right side inner fender.
I see it is not hooked up.
Makes one wonder why it,s there especially knowing the truck is only showing 38,609 miles.
By the way THAT is a REALLY SWEET TRUCK.
KEEP it that way and Honor Your Grand Dad.
regards
steve sr.

Justin

Wow, that truck is amazing! A true time capsule and survivor! Keep asking questions here and you will be in great shape. Make sure you look at the other sections on this site and ask the appropriate questions in those areas to get the quickest and best answers.

To drain the rear, remove the lowest bolt and all the fluid will come out.

SWEET -

Does the gear oil in the tranny also lube the rear end? If so, then Justin should refill at the tranny.

I've had my truck for 13 years and I'm still trying to get my head around this torque tube thing.

Thanks,

The transmission oil should not migrate to the rear end. I forget about a 1951 (or any) pre-54 Advance-Design 3/4 ton having an articulated torque or having a partially open drive-shaft.

If prat of the the drive-shaft is open, no oil can migrate from transmission to rear end. If the torque-tube is articulated but fully enclosed, there would be a seal to stop gear oil migration between the transmission and the rear-end (just as the seal in the front end of the 1/2 ton torque-tube prevents migration of gear oil between the transmission and the rear-end).

Justin,
I see your truck also has an Innerliner brand oil filter on it. Does it still have an element in it or have you found replacement elements for it?

P.S. Gorgeous truck by the way.

Bob

Yes Tim that is a 51 3/4 ton.
It came factory with a 2 piece driveshaft.
Front third is torque tube back to the hanger brg.
And the back 2/3 is open Hotchkiss drive.
steve sr.

Thanks guys. I new the truck was rare but didn't realize that there are not really that many out there. Makes sense. You guys made me realize how fortunate I am today. The oil bath filter is original. Not the by pass filter. My grandfather would replace that. He had the napa part number written down which helped me out as I just purchased a new one. I don't no whats the deal with that electric fuel pump. This truck is a 51 I was born in 1980 lol

Hey another maintenance question. I have been working on the the general maintenance things. changed all fluids now, installed new shocks, greased all fittings. Im waiting to get the new tires and tubes on the rims. In the mean time I have to drain the radiator to swap out the water outlet coming off the block since its getting corroded. While Im doing that Im going to replace the thermostat since im already in there and swap out the hoses as well.My grandfather kept up on the general maintenance so my question is?? When I drain down the coolant, 1st from the engine block if it comes out smooth should I flush the coolant system out with a Gunk coolant system flush I bought? Don't no if it may harm a functioning engine and system or not? Just looking for any input. I'm no mechanic so any input is appreciated.

Thanks
Justin


http://s272.photobucket.com/user/ju...y%203600/photo1.jpg.html?sort=6&o=10