Oil Leaks and more fun

[MarkPick]

While letting my 37 warm up and also just checking things out I noticed the # 2 and 3 spark plugs had oil around the base of them and was bubbling. After pulling the plugs out I found them coated with oil. My guess is either the valve seals are shot or worse broken rings. I am going to do a compression test on it tomorrow and see what that tells me. Has anyone else had an issues like this and if so could you share what I am in for?

As for other work to do:
Rear pinion seal
New seals and gaskets for the transfer case
New seals and gaskets for the Transmission
Lets hope an engine rebuild in not going to make this list.

Well at least I wont get board with it.

[MarkPick]

The results of the compression test:
#1 60 lbs
#2 85 lbs
#3 89 lbs
#4 50 lbs
#5 65 lbs
#6 82 lbs
This was done by the manual, to follow the book my next reading are after putting a little oil into each cylinder and repeating the test:
#1 75 lbs
#2 95 lbs
#3 110 lbs
#4 60 lbs
#5 70 lbs
#6 90 lbs

So according to the book, it isn't the valve seals it is worn piston rings.
I guess I will start pulling the motor next week. Can someone point me in the right direction for a rebuild kit at a competitive price?

I have another question on the left side of the block just above the generator is stamped the number P24 * 115639 * and the head is stamped 12,8,52. Does anyone know where I can find what the block numbers mean? I know the head is not original to the block which might explain some of the engine problems.

Thanks in advance for the advice and help.

Mark

[snowdad]

It is not original to the truck. It is most likely a car engine that is a replacement. About the only internal difference that I am aware of is the M37 crank is a stronger and heavier one than commercial car/truck engines. If original to the vehicle it should start with T-245 *****. I have a site that will diagnose that number if I can locate it today. Will get back to you.

Here is what I found out. It is a 218 CID engine from a 1953 Plymouth. the 12 8 52 is most likely December 8, 1952 assembly date.
Phillip

[refit1701]

My truck had an engine like that in it originally. It ran ok but I wanted a military 230. Mine was a Plymouth Industrial engine.

You can rebuild that one and still be ok, just not technically original. There is not much difference power wise between a 218 and a 230. The length of the rods are what makes the different displacement.

[MarkPick]

Thanks guys,
I am now looking for the correct engine. I want to keep it as close to original as possible. Mainly so I can still use the manuals for guidance. I have to admit it is quite a bummer about the engine not being correct. But at least if I get the correct engine it will be just a parts swap once I get started. So, anyone know of a Dodge M37 230 engine for sale?



Thanks again for all the help.

[snowdad]

They show up on eBay pretty regularly like this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/M37-engine-and- ... ae&vxp=mtr. I actually saw one with a transmission and clutch on this site earlier. Look under swap meet. You might also look up MSeriesRebuild.com. Charles Talbert there has in the past had an engine or two and is in North Carolina. Steelsoldiers.com has a very large website with a for sale part of the forums.
Phillip

[MarkPick]

Thanks Phillip,
I got a PM out to the one listed on this site and also got a call into Sam Winer up in Akron Oh. It is about the same distance for either of them, will just see which one is the best fit. Will check out steel soldier, thanks again for all your help.

Mark

[snowdad]

If you get that one, I might be interested in the transmission to help you with the cost some. I will also be on the lookout for more in your area. And thanks for your service.
Phillip

[MarkPick]

Deal!


I will keep you posted.

[MarkPick]

Ok, It is confirmed by both those on this site and by my Dad. I have a 3.6L 218 cid engine from a 1953 Plymouth. Phillips info was correct. Finding a T245 is harder than I thought. The one listed on this site for sale was the same as I have in my truck. In talking with Charles and also my Dad, it just makes better sense to run what I got. The engine I have is in good shape and should be easy enough to overhaul. Refits comments are also spot on. The difference between the 218 and the 230 is in the rod length, other than that, from my research there is no huge difference. Thanks to everyone who helped me out on this one.

Let the overhaul begin!

Mark

[MarkPick]

I got a question for you guys. In rebuilding my newly discovered 218 ( in the truck) from a 53 Plymouth, would the head tightening torque and sequence be the same as the 230? What about the mains and pistons as far as torque? I have looked all over the internet for this info and keep coming up empty. I just want to get this right the first time.

Thanks again,
Mark.

[MarkPick]

I have removed the engine and transmission on my 37. It was surprisingly easy! Followed the manual and only had one problem, when you pull the engine you have to remember to disconnect the grounding strap! (come on guys, you know you have done it!) Engine and transmission are separated, I will haul the engine over to my dad's shop, he volunteered to rebuild it. Of course I will have to cover parts and as he puts it "extras". I will take care of the transmission and also the transfer case. Mostly inspect and put new gaskets and seal in if everything checks out. One thing that really surprised me was how easy the exhaust bolts were to remove. I have never had good luck with exhaust bolts. Usually it takes heat, penetrating oil, more heat, a hammer, more heat then some cussing because of the busted knuckles and then they break off.

I will get some pics as soon as I crack the transmission open.


More to follow.

Mark

[52 M-42]

Midwest military in MN also has real T245 engines. You might call John Bizal.

52 M-42

[MarkPick]

Change in plans again as far as the engine goes. Taking 52-M's recommendation I called John at MWM and am happy to report that as of next week he will be minus one T245! Thank you John for all your help! I started adding up the cost of rebuilding the P-24 I had and well it just kept adding up. So with any luck I will have the one from John next week, then just swap the extras off the 24 on to it.

Cracked open the transmission today, here is the damage, main shaft damaged, I found the main shaft snap ring in the bottom of the case. I found the shoulder on the main shaft where this ring went shattered. This helps explain why it wouldn't stay in second gear unless I kept pressure on it. Other than wanting to replace the bearings, everything else looked and checked out. No excessive wear on the bushing. Gears not worn excessively, yes a little wear on first gear but having been a GI myself and knowing how these machines were treated I expected that .

Kinda at a stand still until I get the parts in, will probably just work on cleaning up parts and getting things organized.


Mark

[MarkPick]

Motor (T245) and transmissions parts arrived today. THANK YOU JOHN!
Just have to start swapping parts off the old P-24 engine. Just about everything is stripped off anyway. Transmission will be the first thing to get worked on. New bearings and seals and gaskets. Lets hope that takes care of the leaks. Once I am done I may have some spare parts, if so I will post once I get a good list.

I will keep you posted on my progress.


Mark