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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1955 rebuilt 235 engine low compression.

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Expert: - 11/10/2009


Question
Bought a rebuild 1955 235 full oiler to put in my 51 Chevy. I could not get it to idle so I checked the compression and it was 30 psi in each cylinders. I squirted oil in all the cylinders and it jumped up to 60 psi in each cylinder. I have no idea how long the engine sat after the rebuild. Here are my thoughts so far. Timing chain not located right? Do I need to pull the block and check the rings/replace them? Will the rings seat after it runs a little longer? Not sure if it has hydraulic or solid lifters and I read a 55 could have either. Maybe the hydraulics are not filling/flat? I'd also like to joint some newsgroups that may help my restoring this car.

Thanks for the help.

David

Answer
Low compression on all cylinders would lead me to a timing problem between the cam and the crank. In other words pull the front cover and check the timing marks. It could also be miss adjusted valves. As far as clubs go check out the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, www.vcca.org.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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