Wanted: Looking for 2 x 216 engines

[gazzaw]

Hi All,

We have been trying to get 2 replacement 216 (or 235 if it easily fits the 216 bell housing etc) engine for our 216 C60L wrecker and our Chevrolet Cargo. but for past few years it has proved difficult to find one.

Our poor wrecker has been off the road for all this time and we are running out of time to get mobile again. alternative is to break it and sell for spares or scrap, but we are a charity who use our vehicles to raise money for Armed services charities.

SOS and Mayday anyone with practical advice or help. We are based in UK

Gary

[Richard Farrant]

If you cannot find a Chev 216, why not use a 28hp Bedford engine, they are a British version of the GM 216 and have pressure oil feed to the big ends. On demob, a lot of owners used the Bedford engine as a replacement, sounds and looks similar and spares are available. The 28hp is rated about 72bhp, but a later Bedford engine based on a 28hp is a Bedford 214 and the last ones were 100bhp. I have fitted one in a Bedford MW and only needed to change the flywheel and housing over.
Far better than breaking for spares.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Hi Gary,

Next to Richard's tip above, it may we worthwhile checking the 2nd hand/ collector websites in the UK. In the Netherlands running 216 and 235 cu.in engines are regularly offered for sale by restorers/ hot rodders who replace the 6 cylinder engines in their Chevrolet vehicles by V8s.

If the engine is the only thing which is broken, it is worthwile to find a replacement engine. Or sell the truck as-is, rather than breaking it up.

Here's hoping you can get it back on the road to support your charity.