Hi,guys!,,,,i have a problem with my 50 chev pick-up,,it is missing,sounds like a John Deere,,we tried different distributer caps,,ran the same,,,adjusted the disributer,,same,,,also today,it has a new noise,,,sounds like a lifter,,could it be a bad valve,,I just had the motor rebuilt 10 years ago and only put on about 5oo miles a year,,,any help would be appreciated!!!Thank You and Merry CHRISTmas!!

Hi 53bel-air,

Sounds like you have the dreaded "stuck valve" disease. Remove the valve cover, inspect the pushrods to see if all are still straight. Check to see if any rocker arms are broken. If we got this far, inspect each valve spring to see if any are compressed and the rocker arm is loose. Continue, and if the engine will still run, grab the WD-40 (Or any good spray lube) and spray the base of every valve stem near where it enters the head as the engine is running.

Let's hope you have it solved by now or it is time to remove the rocker arm shafts and work on the offending valves with the brass hammer/drift and a pry bar.

Keep us posted for the next hint if you are still in trouble.

Speaking of stuck valves AntiqueMechanic.Keep us informed when you remove the heads on the fleet of stuck valve cars you ran across awhile back.Will be intresting as to just what caused them to stick-rust,carbon,sticky residue from bad (old) gas.....

Hi Chev Nut,

Will do. I plan on transporting them to my shop for the procedures. Kinda like a Dr.at the scene of an accident, he really needs the patient at the hospital for best service.

Hey.....a possible new "Handle" there Ray? Dr. AntiqueMechanic ! Mmmmmmmm.... " N O T "

Ray,,,i tried to start the truck,,,,it ran for a while,,i couldn't get it started again,,,i had it pulled over to my friend craig,,,,,Well,he said it was running on 2 cylinders,,,,he changed plugs,points,changed oil(gas in it)and said,there was 90 or 70% compression in one chamber,,,where there is supposed to be 120 in the chambers,,,,well it runs good but he said it needs re-building(it's a 216),,,,,i was wondering would a guy be farther ahead putting a 235 in the 50 or rebuilding the 216(costwise)and would a 235 hook-up to the 216 wires and stuff in the engine compartment,,THANX RAY!!,,,,,,,,dave

Hi 53bel-air,

If I read your entry post correctly, the engine only has about 500 miles on it. If that is correct, by all means do the maintenance necessary to save that investment. If you decide to go with a 235, then that engine would have to be rebuilt(?). I think I would recommend you salvage what is in the 216.

Ray,,,that sounds like a better idea than i had!,,,i will have it rebuilt,,,and the whole truck will be original,like i want it to be too,,,Thanx much for the advice also,,Dave

Ihave a 51.I bought it at age 16 in 76.In 79 i pulled the engine and it hung from the ol oak tree with the head off till last fall when had it hauled from my pops to my house.Iwas young and stupid ,now im older and not so smart!Ihad no choice but to replace it.Ifound a good running 54 235.You must use the 216 fly wheel and bell houseing,and the wider pully 216 ballencer.Every thing else from the 216 bolts up.I belive the manifold ports are smaler on the 216 but i havent goten a 235 one yet but it seems to run fine.It also wires up the same.If you use a newer full pressure 235 you need to replace the oil pressure guage.Hope you can keep it stock but if not i hope this helps.