The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 Driving Limits

When I first bought my truck, I decided to start working on the objects that were most likely to fail/most dangerous.

Long story short: 100% rebuilt brake system, new tires/rims, replaced rusted out body panels, new king pins, and a few other things.

Now that I am almost done with that work, the engine is the one thing I have not really touched. I have replaced all the fluids and adjusted the valves, but that about does it. Lowest compression across the 6 cylinders is 93 PSI. It went through a lot of oil, but I went to a heavier weight and it got better. I have driven it for about 45 minutes straight and the temperature pretty much floated around the 180 mark on the gauge (have not verified that temp).

The PO never did anything major to the engine, so if it was ever rebuilt it happened prior to 1992.

Is there a rule of thumb I should keep myself restricted to? Like no more than 60 minutes at 50 - 55 mph (with the stock 5:14 rear end) or are there any tell tale signs that I need to pull over for a break?

You'll read many posts here that the old babbit pounding 216's, and the newer full-pressure 235's are pretty much bullet proof. Most will tell you that if you've got a good radiator to keep it cool and plenty of oil it in it you can drive it until your keaster gives out. I would recommend that you keep it around the 45-50 mph mark to keep both you and the truck happy. I'd also pull off the side of the road occasionally to check the oil and water levels since you don't have much experience with the truck. Others will chime in soon and give other advice.

Good luck and enjoy your truck!!!

50mph tops. They just were not built for much more.

My suggestion to you is learn to listen to your truck.

At any given speed , it will have a particular sound. Think about it and feel the vibrations. Go a little faster ,, listen and feel some more . Try not to be distracted by the gearbox sounds .

If your engine was in top condition , you could travel quite fast . but it is not, as the 93 psi compression suggests. SO ... taking it a bit easier will help it last.

ps, Beautiful truck , I love when they are red

You have tackled the most important aspects of road worthiness, brakes, kingpins, etc. Don't be scared of your 216. Drive it. If the motor gives out you won't be in any worse state than someone in a new car that the computer control module goes out. At least you can figure out what's wrong with your 216. AAA membership is pretty cheap. I don't have AAA, but then I thoroughly enjoy hurricane season in hopes that the power goes out and really live life, and watch my neighbors panic! I am not longing for The Red Dawn to happen, but I'm ready.

Thanks for the advice. I had planned to keep it slower due to drum brakes, original suspension, etc. My fear is getting 60 minutes out and breaking something.

Now the real conundrum:
I am getting married in 2 months and it is a 4 hour drive on the back roads. I have been debating driving my truck down, or trailering it down the interstate... (Fiance wants it for pictures)

Sounds nice , a 4 hr drive in a cool old truck ,

drive it down the interstate, there isn't really a time limit on how much you can drive it, they don't get tired after an hour. If it doesn't overheat you should be able to drive all day long. I drove mine from Sandiego to Montana on the freeway, doing about 60 loaded to the gills, I stopped at a weigh station and it weighed 5200 pounds. Didn't even quiver.

I have replaced my 5.14 gears with a 4.10. I wouldn't push it past 50 mph with the 5.14 ratio. With my 4.10 I will go 60 but not any faster. Mine is turning about 2750 RPM at 60 mph and that is as high as I want to push it.

I can affirm that your 216 will be just fine. I have an original 1940 3/4 ton special equipped with a 216 (it even has a crack in the block that I've patched up with putty). Recently, I took it on a 175 mile trip non-stop with out any problems. I was driving through the Pennsylvania coal region so there was plenty of mountains I crossed over so it was pulling up hill all day. I went about 45 mph and took my good old time and it got about 20 mpg too! Honestly, me and my 96 year old grandfather needed a break first but anyway, just keep an eye on your fluid and temps and you'll be fine. Sometimes on long trips you'll have a bit of fluid bubble out of the radiator cap don't be alarmed just give it a break and top off the fluids when your ready. Also, the truck has 95,xxx original miles on the original engine...which from what I understand is very high for a 216.

My Opinion only. THE SKY is the limit. I drove my 216 HARD and put her away Wet many times. I just did the swap to 235 because? Well Just because. The 216 sits on a stand waiting for my next move for her. I am on my way tomorrow to pick up a another 1951, This one is gorgeous. If I can't get that engine running, my old 216 has its new home. If yours blows up and you change to a 235 you will ask yourself "Why did I wait this long.

With my opinion and about a dollar and a half you can buy a weak cup of coffee in Sleepy Eye MN.
Jerry

The 216 was rated at 3300 rpm I think. But it might be happier to stay down around 2500 rpm.....

My '37 with a 216 is much more enjoyable to drive at speeds less than 50 mph. The steering is period correct too, and it handles the road best at speeds less than 50 as well. It has been driven at faster speeds for short periods, so I know it can do it; but for me the fun factor wears down quickly.

My biggest fear is spending the last year working on my truck, with the goal of being able to have pictures at the wedding, then something breaking a few days before. Might take the easy way out and baby it for the next two months...

Feel the fear , then do it anyway .

What could go wrong ? the truck breaks something , you get to tow it to the photo shoot .. like the others have said , just monitor the fluids and drive it .

I did 3000kms in a 14 day trip in my truck . I just drove it at a speed that felt comfortable . pulled over to let other traffic pass where it was safe for them to do so.

Heaps of fun