Now the Engine
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 92
From: California High Desert
Be sure to have the cam bearings replaced. That is the one thing that cannot be replaced with a “in frame” overhaul.
Pulling the engine is always the best way. I grew up working at my Dad’s mechanic shop and he was one of the type that believed in rebuilding the engine in the vehicle. I definitely do not miss those days!
Pulling the engine is always the best way. I grew up working at my Dad’s mechanic shop and he was one of the type that believed in rebuilding the engine in the vehicle. I definitely do not miss those days!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 92
From: California High Desert
Back at my engine at last. Very strange but finding engine in pretty good shape. In another post it was determined engine is a 1960 223 car engine. Nothing indicates engine has ever been apart. Standard rod bearings in good shape with 1960 dates. No ridge in cylinders except a little carbon in top. No oversize numbers on rod caps, pistons, etc. Have to mic everything yet. Timing chain completely worn out. I could almost lift chain off gears so it has plenty of miles. So far it looks like I can avoid the machine shop.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 299
From: Kenner,La.
Quacker sludge
Growing up helping at my Dad’s auto shop I can relate to that. I can remember removing valve covers and it looked like a solid mass where you could not see the rocker arms. And then under the intake manifold removing the sludge by the hand full!
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 92
From: California High Desert
On the plus side, I finally justified buying the parts washer I always wanted. I changed the oil and cartridge filter way back when I bought the truck. Poor thing only ran a few times each year hauling tree branches to my burn pile and a few days every few months hauling blow sand back to the dry river a half mile away. Should have done it annually I guess.
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 92
From: California High Desert
Ok, pulled the crankshaft. Bottom half of rear main lots of copper. Other bearings tiny bit of copper showing on edges. Camshaft needs replacing though. Pitted and a couple of lobes worn. Adding up fast. Complete kits are starting at $900. Starting to wish I would have found a 292.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 2,818
Likes: 375
I think the inline 6's run nice and smooth! Had one in my Comet before switching to more power but it got 25-28 MPG with 3 on the tree (289 with C4 only provides 18-20MPG). Are you too far along to do a good cost analysis on keeping the 6 vs going 292?
BMC
BMC
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 92
From: California High Desert
Yes. I found through Cleggs a complete kit for the 223. Since I don't need pistons it lowered price to $750, no tax, free shipping. If it was a truck for the highway the 292 would be my first choice. For this old dump truck, the six will be fine. I am amazed it ran at all. Low compression, burned valve, one cam lobe worn round, timing chain shot. If I get the whopping 139 hp back it will feel like a rocket. A friend saw an ad for running 292 for $500. I would want to go through it too while out of truck so would be out lots more, I think.