I am buying a decent M715 and am wondering if there ate any rebuild kits out there for the 230 tornado engine I know I can do a Chevy 350 swap but I am interestd in restoring it to as close to original issue condition as possible. But I have been told there are NO rebuild kits out there.
The engine runs fine But........ If I am doing a restro I might as well rebuild....Right?
This is a subjective question But what conditions would you look for to make your decision rebuild or just pull clean and re paint.
Thanks Jerry
VPW, Memphis and AB Linn might have between the 3 all the parts you need for a complete rebuild of the engine. Don't count on it however or that it will be anywhere near cheap or the price of rebuilding a more popular engine.
If it runs, doesn't look like a water fall at the rear main seal and the water pump is tight, leave it alone and just paint it.
__________________
"If you didn't build it, you can't call it yours."
I agree with Barrman. Find a good engine, paint it, put in some magic friction reducer (teflon) to help with the cam lubrication, and run it. My Tornado has been running great for years at 50 mph road speed max.
I have the 230 OHC in my M715 and my 1963 J200 Jeep truck, the same engine, only the distributor and carb is different. gasket kits and seals are the same, jeep is famous for not changing any part they could use again.
I agree with Barrman, NOT CHEAP TO REBUILD!!
I am currently working on mine to get it up to par. It ran for two years and last year it decided to cause me some major issues, mainly with the electrical system. It took a while to find a distributor, but I finally got an NOS one. After finding 5 wires with the insulation stripped, I decided to replace the front wiring harness. (replacing it later on) When it started, it ran for about 30 minutes then stopped. It wouldn't start again. I checked the gas and it was 1/2 full. It ended up I needed to get the fuel tank cleaned and sealed. It had been sealed 2 times with a sealer that broke down and clogged the pickup tube in the tank. The engine started leaking oil near the rear of the engine (the oil pressure sender line ! Time consuming to replace!! ) Also replacing the valve cover gasket it is not leaking but cracked really bad.
Since the truck is in great condition exterior and interior body, I plan to invest the money into it bringing it back to original. Check m715zone.com as well. Tons of info and the guys are great without all the BS....
Rick
__________________ 1968 - M715 Kaiser Jeep wo/w 1968 - M35a2 Kaiser Jeep w/w 1967 - M109a3 Kaiser Jeep wo/w SOLD! 1953 - M38A1 1/4 Ton Willys Jeep 1952 - M38A1 1/4 Ton Radio Willys Jeep 1980 - M105a2 Trailer 1969 - Pioneer Trailer 1966 - M416 1/4 T Trailer 1968 - Army 3 wheeled "IMP" Prototype 1967- Army Bicycle
Shep
MVPA #31116 He11 On Wheels Chapter - President Rolling Thunder Chapter - Member
I have a civilian distributor for the 230. I bought it 5 months ago and ended up not needing it, it looks to be in good condition. Email me at nsternha@hotmail.com
Officially the parts for the 230 Tornado engine are not any more in the books. I tried many source in Europe and the States, including the Big Book as a guide and direct contact to seal makers. If you find a dealer arround that can get still the parts like the seal kits you are the lucky one. However, with standard sealing paper you are able to produce a lot of the seals by yourself. Also cork from a plate is helpfull for some seals. Radials should be standard parts, find the numbers on them and scout an industry supply. They are better asorted than auto car parts shops to my experience.
Wolf
I have a n.o.s complete engine i,d sell also some distributors. REBUILD PARTS ARE NOT OUT THERE ANYMORE. BITS AND PIECES ARE ALL THATS LEFT AND ITS PRICEY.
Bob
Single To 16 Cylinder, Gas OR Alcohol, Simple Motors To Giant Diesefs, We Also Work On Farm Machinery & Muscle Cars
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230 tornado rebuild kit
Last edited by southdave; 10-16-2009 at 02:42.
Reason: holy crap did i do that
230 tornado rebuild kit plus other info wanted
