New member, help identifying engine

Goach2 · Veteran Member

RE: New member, help identifying engine

Prefectca · Poncho Master!

Heres a 235 engine.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/179948866779849/

Paul

Goach2 · Veteran Member

Quick update for everyone here, local machine shop estimated $300 per cylinder to sleeve. Since I would need two, I will be scrapping this block. In other news, I have a line on another Poncho ;)

long stroke · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Goach2 wrote:
Quick update for everyone here, local machine shop estimated $300 per cylinder to sleeve. Since I would need two, I will be scrapping this block. In other news, I have a line on another Poncho ;)

I agree, it would not be worth the money. Let us know how things go with a new motor.

Goach2 · Veteran Member

Ok, engine I'm looking at has a 3769717 block, which puts it at '58-'62, however the head is a 3836848. I've read that GM Canada drilled out these heads and put them on the 261's, but that's not what 73SC's table showed. Anyone have any experience with these two numbers together? I just don't want to end up with two broken block here ;)

long stroke · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Goach2 wrote:
Ok, engine I'm looking at has a 3769717 block, which puts it at '58-'62, however the head is a 3836848. I've read that GM Canada drilled out these heads and put them on the 261's, but that's not what 73SC's table showed. Anyone have any experience with these two numbers together? I just don't want to end up with two broken block here ;)

Joel, that cylinder head number that you indicated is a 1956-1962 235 Chevrolet number (3836848). These heads would not have the "steam holes" like a 261 head would have.

Goach2 · Veteran Member

Well, I went and did it again. Picked this one up about 1.45 hours away from me...

photos.app.goo.gl/1QxQ6xxYJ4w1tnHcA

Here's the details:

Engine ID: W9204502 - GM documentation says it is from a 1960 Canadian Pontiac, apparently it came out of a 1959 Pontiac.
Block: 3769717 - 261 for sure
Head: 3836848 - Yes, I know, 235 head just like the last one, but this one has higher compression!

This one turns over, so I'm thinking put the starter on it and crank to measure compression? I'm looking for a good resource (have manual) for rebuilding one of these. I've not done anything larger than a small engine and I don't feel confident in measuring clearances and sizing things properly. Not sure if I need to get into the bottom end too much to 'refresh' it? Or if a gasket kit and cleaning is enough? Thanks!

Goach2 · Veteran Member

Here's a good find, pulled the head off and this is what I found:
photos.app.goo.gl/ySWrkvmxSugAiU5g9

Pretty plugged up, is that normal? Or maybe someone used the wrong head gasket?

Goach2 · Veteran Member

Just trying to identify the parts I have. For the cam, it's casting is 3836127. From Google, this appears to be a solid lifter 235/261 cam. Is this the one that was mentioned to be from a Corvette of that vintage?

Goach2 · Veteran Member

Can anyone tell me if the greenish paint on the intake is factory? About the same colour as the dipped glove I have. Wondering what's a close match in an easier to find paint...

photos.app.goo.gl/iEoVEmAkVCKz2P2i8

Goach2 · Veteran Member

I was able to confirm that the engine is in fact a 1960 "Strato Six". Curious now if anyone knows of a close match to the darker green colour and also if the intake and exhaust were painted that colour?

Goach2 · Veteran Member

Curious if anyone has used the POR engine blocvk paint? For the dark blueish-green, Buick Turquoise looks to be very close, at least on the screen...

emeraldcoatings.com/product/chevrolet-orange-1-quart-copy/

firstdancebridalcars · Addicted!

The colour on my 1960 261 appears to be 'greener' than the Buick Turquoise but it may have had a repaint in it's life. Longstroke would be able to give you the right colour but unfortunately he's been banned for some transgression.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Actually Longstrokes account was reactivated but he chose not to return.

norontcan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Check Bill Hirsch for engine paints
www.hirschauto.com/ENGINE-ENAMEL/productinfo/EE-QUART/

hawkeye5766 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Canadian Poncho wrote:
Actually Longstrokes account was reactivated but he chose not to return.

cry I'm sure (hope) hes reading this... we do need your input George. We all need someone to keep us inline (me included). With Douggie it's a full time job for me...

-- Edited by hawkeye5766 on Monday 18th of January 2021 09:23:53 PM

Jakeb · Member

I matched the paint for my 1960 261 Strato Six to the original as I could. I painted the intake and exhaust manifolds with POR manifold paint. What type of vehicle will this engine be going in?

Jake

Goach2 · Veteran Member

So, not POR on your engine? I'm putting this in a 48 Chevy pickup, so I'm not worried about originality, but I would like to pay homage to the Canadian Poncho!

Jakeb · Member

Yes I used the POR engine paint. Used 3 different colours. The Buick green, British racing green and one other that I cant recalll.

Goach2 · Veteran Member

Ah, a custom job. Unfortunately I don't have the skill/patience for that ;)

Goach2 · Veteran Member

So, just heard back from the machine shop. Does anyone know of any good places to pick up over-sized pistons for a 261? Something .060 over from what I hear. Thanks

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

I assume you need a set, this guy has 2-

https://www.ebay.com/itm/261-GMC-TRUCK-PISTON-060-OVER-SINGLES-1954-THRU-1962-1766P-SEALED-POWER/311892967784?epid=17004852291&hash=item489e450168:g:nMsAAOSwSzRZPAlG

4SPEED427 · A Poncho Legend!

http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/cart/product.asp?prodid=ME660O&i=19843|||||

Goach2 · Veteran Member

Thanks 4-speed, I will have to see what shipping charges are to Canada, but at least it's available.

Goach2 · Veteran Member

Machine shop called, done and ready to go. Will post some new pics soon!