The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 216 Engine & 1940 Truck Maintenance

I just finished restoring a 1940 3/4 ton-special and I put my first 2,500 miles on her. Around 98,000 original miles total on this 216. I'm looking to hear from the 216 engine guys about what I should consider doing for regular maintenance to keep her runnin' in tip top shape, I plan to grease all the fittings next weekend, change the oil...what other things should I be doing??? Any maintenance on the distributor or anything else I should think of adjusting while I'm under the hood???....remember grease is cheap, parts arnt!

This is pretty well covered in the shop manuals. Generally speaking a grease job every 1000 miles, turn the distributor grease cup 1 turn every 1000 miles and change the oil at 3000 miles. Also the air cleaner should be serviced when it starts to get dirty.

Thanks, I'm in the process of finding a shop manual. The process of turning the distributor grease cup is the part I'm confused about. I've never really messed around with the distributor much. Could someone elaborate on what I need to do?

Ok let me rephrase this I think my question is how do I "grease" a grease cup: do I just pack some chassis grease in the cap and thread it on or just pump the grease fitting on the side of the distributor? Sorry for the basic questions as you can tell I'm not an seasoned mechanic yet

The distributor grease cup contains grease that lubricates the distributor shaft. By turning the cap on the grease cup, grease is pushed against the distributor shaft. When you can no longer turn-in the cap on the grease cup, you take off the cap and put grease in it. Then put the cap back on and turn it in a little.

I would use this manual for lubrication details. 1940 Truck Owners Manual and this manual 1941 Shop Manual for other details. I would think the 1941 would not be much different from yours.

Thanks a lot for the help! I'll have to add my truck to the gallery, when I get a chance too!