The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Are any parts exchangable?

I have a 235 with multiple valves sticking, I also have two 216's. Can i change out things like valves, push rods, springs etc. to try and keep from having to go to the expence of a complete head job?

If you have an early low pressure oiling 235 engine, then the answer is yes. GM had both low pressure and high pressure engines prior to 55. From 55 on up all engines were high pressure.

One of the biggest issues is with the lifters and oil galleys that feed the top end. Early lifters will starve the top end of oil. Another issue is the early heads only used 15 bolt heads and the later ones used 18 bolt heads.

Your best bet is to find the serial number AND build date on your block and get the correct parts.

At best your 216 stuff is going to be over 60 years old, their even older than the 235 your trying to repair and probably in worst shape, and its doubtful any of those pieces are even reusable without needing some sort of reconditioning if they haven't already been used up in their 60 years of service. Do yourself a favor and fix the parts you have that you know fit your engine and you can sleep better at night. Unfortunately, thats what happens when you start fooling with old engines, there is no cheap fix when using old parts.

If both heads/blocks are 15 bolt (as described by Whitedog, above), you could swap the heads and other parts.

I'd use the lifters that are in the block (leave them in place - they are match-worn to each cam lobe). The push-rods/rocker-arm assemblies should be the same - check that out.

Check the valve-stem mating-surface on the rocker arms. If that surface is worn, grind them flat and polish them. That will give you truer valve-lash adjustments.

This would be a "cheap-and-dirty" swap. It might work out for the cost of a your time and the cost of a head gasket. If it does not work out, you've wasted your time and a little money.