1953 M37 Good & Bad

[desert demon]

Finally got me a couple of batteries yesterday and got to tinker on the Demon.The good stuff is the starter turns over good,all lights work in side and out,the wireing seems to be in pretty good shape,and all gauges work.The bad stuff is when i did a compression test the number two cylinder had only twent psi in it.The other ones had zero.The second test i did was puored oil in the plug holes and numbers one two and four came up to one twenty.Three five and six still zero.Pretty sure its time four a rebuild.Even though im from the back woods of Arkansas i can read and even better with pictures LOL I was wondering what TM i need for the rebuild on the two thirty flat head six?And was wondering if any one else has rebuilt this motor if ya wouldnt mind telling me how much it was for the rebuild.Every thing being new.My other option is i have a friend that has a BT4 that he said he would work a deal on me with.Was all so wondering what the cost would be on an engine swap of this sort.Motor,transmission,T case drive line isues exc exc.Any ideals on this would be great.Once again awsome site here and great people

 

[NDT]

Zero compression means valves stuck open, not worn out engine. If you take the engine to the machine shop and say "rebuild it to new", they will happily throw away perfectly good parts because you told them to. Start by pulling the head (easy) and see what is going on inside the cylinders. Heavy ring groove and wall scoring will be indications of needing a rebuild. If the valves are stuck open, soak the guides in lube and tap the valves shut as you crank the engine. After a while they will close again when they should. Then reassemble and see how she runs.

 

[desert demon]

Thanks NDT.I will try that next weekend.

 

[rosco]

And while you have the head off, be sure to check it for flat. They have a tendency to warp some. If you do a rebuild, or just do an in frame valve job, put NEW guides in it. They are cheap and easy to do - don't knerl them. Go new on the guides.

 

[98taco3]

Just had mine machined and bought parts about 5 months ago. im right at 1600 bucks to do it right including the harder to get parts like the water tube. That does include all of the parts. Costs big bucks to do it right although my engine required quite a bit of machining. Shop is also the best in the area and proud of their work. Try soaking the valves in some ATF and see if they pop loose.

 

[desert demon]

Thanks for the replys I have a TM 9-8030 Operation and organizational maintenance manual.Is there a TM that just covers the motor its self?

 

[joshuaz223]

the engine/clutch manual is TM 9-1840A. covers every aspect of the motor rebuild and inspection. if you can't find one on line i could loan you my hardcopy.


searched for it and found it here http://www.pedros.cz/Dodge/TM9-1840A.pdf

 

[desert demon]

Thanks for the info and link Josh.The link to the TM is great.I can use it for now.I found a TM on E-Bay that i can get.

 

[scrapdaddy]

As far as the 4bt, over 5 grand, doing it yourself. High dollar engine and high dollar transmission, if done right. Adapters and driveshafts, etc. all add up.