Need so guidance from the pros. am offered the above engine and because I know nothing about these engines, a few pointers wouldn't go amiss. This engine came to the UK with the PT125 I purchased before Christmas but has only now come to my knowledge. The engine no. is P 25*379198* and am I correct in thinking the 3 stands for Belvedere Plaza 6 - P25-1 Savoy 6 - P25-2 Belvedere 6 - P25-3
This is part of an email I had from the guy that sold me the truck.
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here is a link to the engine running
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaAmIZP7hb4&noredirect=1
also the details from comperssion test
He did a compression check after shutdown and it shows valve work needed. The reading were as follows:
1- 35
2- 140
3- 137
4- 75
5- 61
6- 140
He rechecked the low ones after putting a little oil in the cylinders to seal the rings.
1- 40
4- 82
5- 68"
a couple of questions,
- If you look closely the Bell Housing is the wider type fitted to the Pick-ups, would the Belvedere also use that bell housing?
- Not shown but it comes with a 4 speed floor change gearbox, as above would that be standard to Belvedere?
- With the firing order 153624 the 3 cylinders that are down fire after each other 415 which makes me wonder if there is anything significant about those results
- Might I be able to fit new valves and rings or would I be better to go the whole hog and rebuild it
Your comments would be much appreciated. (I am capable of undertaking the rebuild myself)
You are correct in that the engine is from a '54 Belvedere Plymouth and it should be a 230
cubic inch engine unless it is the Canadian Engine which has a cylinder head measuring 25 inches.
The compression numbers certainly suggest valve problems especially since oil made little difference.
As for a complete overhaul I would first have a close look at the cylinder bores. If there is any indication that the top ring is not contacting the bore i.e. carbon extending in an asymmetrical circle around the bore at the top then further disassembly and inspection is called for. I do not see any significance in the firing order and the compression readings. A bad or missing water distribution tube ( behind the pump and extending to the rear of the block may result in first #6 exhaust valve failing, then 5, then 4 . You will only know what level of overhaul is needed after disassembly and measurement.
The passenger car bell housing will be of no use to you in the truck but the truck's bell housing will fit this engine and so also will the front mount. If this engine came with a 4 speed then perhaps it is a truck bell housing. The clue will be that the truck uses the bell housing to support the pedals.
Thank you David for your words of wisdom, I'm locked in negotiations try to bring the price down.
Tom