Chevrolet 216 235 (early) main bearings? The same?

[Alex van de Wetering]

I am trying to find a set of 030 crankshaft bearings for my 1940 216. Some suppliers in the US have them available, but I am trying to look at other options closer by (and prefebly a bit more suitable for my budget)

Can anyone confirm if the early 235 as used in the US G506 1,5ton trucks used the same bearings as the CMP 216?

Alex

[motto]

According to TM 10-1475 Chevrolet master parts and price list 1941-1942 the engine bearing model symbol (ALL) indicates common usage in all engines produced during that time. 216 and 235, car and truck.
This TM applies to vehicles specifically built for the U.S. Army but I think it would be a safe bet that Canadian production was compatible.

David

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Alex and Dave

Just to add to the fun of working with these engines both CMP and other Chevys of the time period. I have found the engines to be a mix of babbitted and shell bearings. I have even come across babbited bearing shells that when you knocked out the babbit material would accept a shell bearing with no other modifications.

Having had 216, 235, and 261 rebuilt the machine shops have had no problems finding the over sized shell bearings. Also replaced bearings on one 216 with stock size shells without having the crank ground.

Do know that you can take the early military 235 and put it on a CMP 216 but you have to change the pistons as the US 235 was a flattop piston engine and the CMP was domed and there is less than "0" clearance.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Cheers Phil

[Alex van de Wetering]

David,

Thanks for the feedbac! I read somewhere that the splash oiler 235 and 216 used the same main bearings and your responce seems to confirm this.

Can I ask you if there is any sign of partnumbers GM 609383 and 608421 in your master parts list? Both should be oversize main bearing sets (010 and 020).... I wonder if it lists the individual part numbers of each of the 4 bearings in a set and if the US manual also uses the terms "for line reaming", "hand scraping" and "precision" like the Canadian manual.

Alex

[Maurice Donckers]

Alex , I might have some bearings in oversize , will have a look , I am looking for my block for standard size .

[Mike K]

I have a little book published by GM , it describes how to install post war precision main shells in a early 1937 -47 Chev 216

The book consists of slide film pics ( eg from a lecture ) and a step by step procedure with the engine in situ in the car, a 1947 Chev sedan

I will scan the book and upload if anybody is interested

[hrpearce]

Hi Mike am very interested.

[motto]

No Alex, I can find no mention of precision, line reaming or hand scraping in the TM.
Part number 608421 does appear and refers to bearing unit, crankshaft. The listing has a note that reads :- 608421 Consists of (1) 603943 Front Bearing Unit, (1) 603944 Front Inter.Bearing Unit, (1) 603946 Rear Inter. Bearing Unit, (1) 604359 Rear Bearing Unit, (2) 839125 Dowel Pin.
There is no mention of what the size is (I therefore assume standard) or for what application they are intended, ream, scrape or precision
The TM makes no mention of undersize main bearings that I can see though it does list undersize con rods and oversize pistons and rings?
I can find no mention of P/No 609383 in the TM

David