I purchased a 1956 235 chevy engine from a guy in Washington . He had an ad on craigslist, said the motor was in good running condition. Wanted $650.00 . I have a friend with a trucking company. To make a long store short I was able to get the enigne to Riverside Ca. for about $1000.00. Needless to say I'm out a 1000 bucks! I chased over-heating problems from day-one. I started with a new thermostat. Then went to block-seal because of the rust that had started to form on the plug in the number 3 cyclinder. That seemed to help for day or so. I changed the oil and coolant. I gave the truck a test drive on Saturday and the engine started to overheat again. Got it back home to find coolant dripping out the bottom of the bell housing. So now I'm getting ready to pull the engine back out this week to have a friend of mine tell me how much it will cost to fix it. Thanks for letting me vent. Any ideas or support would be appreciated. Have a great week.
Major bummer. Sounds like you may have a plug out or leaking in the back side of the block. But it also sounds like you may have a cracked block not uncomon in areas where it gets cold in the winter. That said for what you're going to invest rebuilding a 235 you could throw a better engine in its place. Unless you are using the 235 for nostalgic reasons why not get a more modern engine like say a 348 or heaven forbid a small block. I know you are already a grand in by why throw good money after bad? Anyway sorry you got burned.
Even worst case scenario you will have some extra parts for the next 235/261 you get. If the head isnt cashed, that will open the doors to other motors, since good heads are getting a bit more scarce. Try posting an advert on the local craigslist autoparts page asking for a 235 that someone has taking up space in their garage after a 350 swap. I know it sounds cheeesy, but i have had absolutely amazing luck with craigslist when ive asked it for what i want. The cost of rebuilding these motors can be expensive, but they are tough motors, and can be found in good shape after being changed for frivolous reasons. Ive had great luck finding cheeep 235/261 motors, checking em over, then simply changing em out like batteries. Good luck!
I am trying to stay with the straight six. I like the sound it makes with the duel exhaust. the foot starter is the reason I stayed with the older motor, my bellhousing fits.
I have a 1950 gmc selling the whole truck for $750 It has a 270 inline six that is in good shape just needs water pump! and it has a good tranny and rear end
$650 is a lot for a 235, especially for one that has so many problems. See if you can get a partially refund from the seller.
+1 to intelligent CL searches and just plain good luck. Found a freshly rebuilt 292 Chevy 6 up here for $300...just needed manifolds, alternator and starter to run.
i understand Im only selling it so cheap cause Im getting kicked out tomorrow morning and I have no where to go! I hate to do it but got to have food and a place to stay til I can find work!
The rear cylinders tend to gum upwith crud, if you pull the motor and remove the rear frost plug, which is behind the block between the bell housing I am sure you will find 2 things. 1) rusted frost plug 2) when you stick your finger into the hole you will find crud, old gelled anti freeze and junk. Pull the othe frost plugs and pressure wash it down. Even using a garden hose will help. It should cost you less than 20 bucks to replace the frost plugs. after that there may be other problems. IMHO worth a try.
I just sold one and a half 235's out of my garage for $200. One short block with a spun bearing, but new pistions and one complete runner that needed a valve job and freshening. Frankly 235's are over rated.I've killed or nearly killed 5 of them and not even trying too hard. r
He is , I got to see the pictures of his car on jalopy journal . He told me that he liked to drive down to southern cal. alot and the 235 was to slow. You could see the new V8 he was going to install in pictures. I know it would be easier to put a V8 in the truck but thats not the direction I wanted to go! I would like it to be low and slow.
Today is 1/2 price for engines at Pick a part in Ontario. It's located just north of Mission Blvd on miliken Avenue. $100 gets you a used engine and it sounds like you already have a suitable core. Greg
Sorry about your troubles! If you check some of the old trucks sites you should be able to find another 235 for little or nothing. Look at the older ads. Often no one responds and the motor that was listed for hundreds a year ago can be picked up for nearly nothing now because the guy just wants it gone.
Thanks for all your help. I should have the motor out by this weekend. I'm hoping for the best . I 've got this great mechanic. He will till me the truth. I'll let you know as some as I know and thanks again!
I took the head down to see if it was any good .It took about two hours to find out the bad news , I guess the head has too may cracks to save . So anybody got a 235 head with the last three numbers 848 ? thanks!
Sorry but, "Hells-Bells", do your own wrenching here because these things are just about a simple as a B&S lawnmower engine! Save yourself some money too! A cheap HFT 1,000 or 2,000 pound come-a-long, two short pieces a good chain, some bolts, and a low tree limb and pull away! Slide a sturdy picnic talble under her, drop her down and have at it! One last thing that I may be off on, and that is, does the 235"er have the tin water diverter in either the block or the head that may be all rusted/gone??? pdq67
have you contacted him about the issue because he needs to know plus you need to report it to Ryan so this thing doesn't happen again.
He sold you a motor with a busted head. If it froze up enough to bust the head, after he ran it, at least one of the soft plugs on the side would have popped out too. He knew it.
I'm in Everett, a stones throw from Marysville. I'm in agreement on the $650.00 purchase price, but astounded at $1000.00 for freight. $1650.00 for a 235? I'd give one away before I ripped anyone off, in fact I did, and all it had was a stripped phenolic timing gear.. I'm going to send you a P.M. as I know someone who may be able to help. Butch/56sedandelivery.
When I got my truck, I pulled out the motor and replaced all the freeze plugs. When I removed the one in the back (the bell housing must be removed first) there was all kind of rust junk in the water jacket and around the rear cylinder so you should try what this dude says.
If I remember right the 848 is the good head. I think my brother has two of them. $650 is crazy.. There's nothing wrong with 235s. I'm not sure how someone breaks a bunch of them unless they are put together wrong or have faulty parts. Our head machinist used to build 261s for sprint cars, basically the same as the 235. Let me know if you need any help, have any questions, or can't find parts.
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