can't identify my motor

I have a 59 chevy 3100 series pickup that appears to have the origenal engine in it. I need to do some work to it and can't figure out what size it is. I hope someone here can. Cast in the block behind the starter is (O188). Cast in the head on pas. side is (B50) (549) (850) on the dr side is (3836848) (GM17). I have access to a 235 6cyl. that runs great I don't know if my parts are a bolt up. Thanks for the help

 

Looks like a 235 or 261. How many freeze plugs are on the side of the block and does it have hydraulic or mechanical lifters?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
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You should be able to tell the difference between the 2 by two extra coolant holes (in the block and head) between three paired (Siamese) cylinders, that makes it a 261.<o></o>
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Either way your external parts should bolt up.<o></o>

 

what does the valve cover say ?

 

The head is correct for the year, thats the 848 #.
Next to the distributor should be a number, something like 3738307.

Here is a listing of casting #s.
http://www.1954advance-design.com/Stovebolt-engine/casting-numbers.html


http://www.inliners.org/ has casting #s, and other straight 6 info.

 

steve I listened to that darn valve cover all night last night and it never said anything! thanks for the tip anyway

 

That's because you have the battery cable disconnected.....

215,235 or 261 (jobmaster) The jobmaster will have the extra freeze plugs in the head. If you got a 261, I think it's all by itself on interchangeability.

 

I like this guy already.