Older engines, newer transmissions

[Radcliffe]

It took me a while but I found a running 230ci flathead in a dock welder up in Forks, Washington. The serial number showed that it came out of a weapons carrier made in 1943. I bolted it into my 49 pickup and sent it to the shop to have a pilot bushing made for the crank and to hook up the three speed. The transmission shop just called and told me the crank shaft is too long, can this be right? Aren't the engines simple exchangeable assemblies? Is there a thread I missed that covers this. I'm 10k into a 5k truck, please tell me it ain't so.

[MBF]

I wonder if that crank has a different flange to mount the flywheel on since it powered a welder? Could you get by with an input shaft swap on the 3 spd? I'm sure there are folks here that can speak more to this than I can. Best of luck-Mike

[Jim Yergin]

Radcliffe,

I don't know if this is what your mechanic is referring to but the crankshaft used in the 230 engines is longer than the ones used in the 218. The difference is adjusted for in the depth of the flywheel. Are you using the flywheel from your '49 and is it from a 218? If so, then the starter will not engage because the ring gear is too far back. The 230 crankshaft needs a 230 flywheel. Otherwise the engines should be interchangeable.

Jim Yergin

[Radcliffe]

The machanic is going to cut back the input shaft and cut deeper splines. The stomp starter should engage as it normally would. The crankshaft flange is actually set at the same point on both the 218 and 230. The tail length of the crank shaft is longer on the 230 but has been machined out to use a bushing around the pilot bearing. This is a steep learning curve. Thanks for your input, I'll update when I get resolution.

[Don Coatney]

In my application I used a Desoto engine, Plymouth bell housing, and Plymouth flywheel.

After taking careful measurements I found that the starter did not mate corectly to the

flywheel. I strongly suggest you do the same prior to installing the engine in a vehicle.

[Radcliffe]

We cut the input shaft and the thing bolted in. We'll see about the starter, I hope its not a problem.