Engine identification

[Dennis46PU]

Did a search trying to find information on an engine I'm looking at.  I couldn't find what I need yet so if somebody could give me some direction where to look I'd appreciate it.  I know the engine is from a Plymouth and it is a short engine, 23" long head.  The serial number begins with P23 559718. I want to be sure it is at least a 218 and not a 201.  A 230 would be a bonus, but I'm n o t holding my hopes too high.  I know I could pull the head and measure bore and stroke but the party selling the engine doesn't want to do that.  

[Reg Evans]

The P23 is a 218 from a 52 Plymouth.

Use this site for future engine id.

http://www.t137.com/registry/help/otherengines/pengines.html

[Dennis46PU]

Thank you Reg!

[DJ194950]

Is the motor (p-23) a runner good enough to use or for a core for rebuilding?

The bore of a 218 and 230 23" engine are the same. Only the crank and rods are different between the two and can be interchanged between them in sets.

DJ

[Dennis46PU]

1 hour ago, DJ194950 said:

Is the motor (p-23) a runner good enough to use or for a core for rebuilding?

The bore of a 218 and 230 23" engine are the same. Only the crank and rods are different between the two and can be interchanged between them in sets.

DJ

I was told it was rebuilt about 5 years ago, but it has not been run since then.  For the time being I am going to consider it a possible core.  If it turns over 4 full revolutions then I will consider buying it. The asking price is reasonable.  It has the dipstick in the correct location, oil pan looks correct for me, plus a few other things I noticed looking at pictures.  The engine in my truck that I have now has a knock that can be heard intermittently.  I've done check of the usual check crank end play, adjust valves, compression test and all of those are ok.  So i'm sure it is deep and might need to be pulled.  Nonetheless, I want to get a spare and build it to a dependable runner.

[knuckleharley]

10 minutes ago, Dennis46PU said:

  The engine in my truck that I have now has a knock that can be heard intermittently.  I've done check of the usual check crank end play, adjust valves, compression test and all of those are ok.  So i'm sure it is deep and might need to be pulled.  Nonetheless, I want to get a spare and build it to a dependable runner.

Have you checked to see if it is the throwout bearing? Does the engine quit knocking when you release the clutch or hold it to the floor? They make a noise that will scare the crap out of you when they get started. You just know the whole crank is going to jump out on the curb.

[Los_Control]

be sure and put some oil in the cylinders before turning it over. I bought a rebuilt Datsun 4 cylinder that sat for 2 years.

Put it in the truck and fired it up and instantly broke a ring. Ran beautiful as it pumped out the blue smoke.

If only I had taken some time to oil it up and turn it over by hand first.

 

That is what we call experience, from the school of hard knocks.

[Dennis46PU]

Thanks for the tips, my tool box is always loaded and with me wherever I go.  Just a habit over the years of knowing I better have my irons with me all the time.

knuckleharley, yeah it does it on and off the clutch.  Same sound, so I'm thinking piston.  Like I said it is intermittent, sometimes it is on every stroke, sometimes I don't hear it. It will fade in and out.

[knuckleharley]

1 hour ago, Dennis46PU said:

Thanks for the tips, my tool box is always loaded and with me wherever I go.  Just a habit over the years of knowing I better have my irons with me all the time.

knuckleharley, yeah it does it on and off the clutch.  Same sound, so I'm thinking piston.  Like I said it is intermittent, sometimes it is on every stroke, sometimes I don't hear it. It will fade in and out.

If it does it on and off depending on if the clutch is engaged or not,it is the throw out bearing. Pull the trans and look. Sometimes you can even "feel" it with your foot on the clutch pedal.

Edited November 11, 2016 by knuckleharley

[Young Ed]

I've got a P23 engine in my 46. It will fit just fine if you decide to go that route. You will need to reuse the truck bellhousing etc

[Dennis46PU]

Ed, I don't think it's got a bellhousing with it.  In fact I haven't seen it in person, just a lot of pictures and conversation with the guy selling it.

knuckleharley, the throwout bearing is good, has a spring attached at the top to hold it back when you're off the pedal.  I have the trans out trying to get it fixed or replaced.  What I did find was minor, but the pilot bushing came out of the crankshaft when I pulled the transmission.  Another thing I found and maybe haven't given it much thought is a PO installed the clutch disc backwards.  I guess some people don't read what is stamped on the clutch disc before they put it in.  I don't know if these 2 things could have had anything related to the sound I am hearing, but if they are I will know when I get it back together because the engine is going to have to wait until I get a replacement.  I got a new bushing and installed it ready and waiting for my transmission.

 

z