michael14

Non picture update again, but think I've managed to source all the required parts for this engine to be running again from 3-4 suppliers worldwide (Australia actually appears to have very good stock holdings for the 251 via Auto Surplus and Jim Robinson, ex Dodge and Plymouth Parts Australia, now retired) List of parts sourced. Full gasket set (actually found one of these in stock at Silvester V8 in Christchurch) Carb rebuild kit (Carb restorations, Dunedin) - the carb in this appears to be the slant 6 carb NOS fuel pump - eBay Pistons and rings +.020 - Auto Surplus Piston bushes - Auto Surplus Timing chain and gears - Auto Surplus Water distribution tube - Auto Surplus Neoprene rear main seal - Auto Surplus Valve guides - Auto Surplus Valve springs - Auto Surplus Exhaust valves - Rock Auto Connecting rod bearings -.020 - Rock Auto Camshaft bearings Std - Rock Auto Oil pump - Rock Auto Main bearings -.040 - Jim Robinson Water pump - Jim Robinson Oil relief valve piston, spring & gasket - Jim Robinson Valve spring retainers - Jim Robinson Intake Valves - Jim Robinson Pistons being ordered into Auto Surplus, so probably a few weeks away from them getting them, then shipping to me. But hopefully some tangible progress in the coming months once parts arrive.

The guy I'm working with said the engine has probably been reconditioned but didn't think it had been re bored before - I'd think the 224 would need to be too far bored out to make a 251, and both much earlier engines by the looks.

Yeah this was my source of info too - I did find a couple of other 59 Canadian models on Wikipedia that came with a 251 (Dodge Mayfair is the only one I remember off hand https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodge_Mayfair I believe I found a couple of others, but can't recall which ones off hand!

No pictures this time, but think we have figured out that what we have is a 251cid 3 7/16"bore, 4 1/2" stroke. My understanding was that these didn't come out of the factory with a 251, but plenty of other Chrysler cars did (mostly Australian made, I believe) so may have done? Any intel on that would be great!

Wouldn't say deep but going to have to figure something out! Once the engine has been stripped down a bit more and tested for cracks, I'll report back. Timeline TBC

I'm leaning the same direction - get the engine to the machinist and go from there for parts, like you say hopefully some recommendations from them.

Looks very expensive!

Hey there - Tony who is helping me out with the engine measured the cylinder last night when I was around there to 3 7/16"- maybe it has been re bored previously, but that I'm unsure of. I hadn't heard of any of them being a 237 - perhaps? Those 37P pistons appear to be 3 1/4" bore, so not sure they're the ones. Even at 0.08 oversized then it would take them to 3.33" roughly 3 5.28/16" - so still smaller than 3 7/16" Like you, everything I have found appears to be that 3 1/4" bore but I potentially think that may be a difference between the American domestic (23.5 inch block) vs Canadian (25.5 inch block) - I'm certainly no expert so nobody quote me on that!

Unfortunately - a fair bit of wear from the pistons at some point, can be felt by finger nail on all 6 cylinders, some worse than others but didn’t get too many photos when with the engine tonight. if anyone can put me on to an engine rebuild kit for the 3 7/16 inch bore size, would be greatly appreciated! Can find a few for the smaller bore size but not sure I can for the larger just yet. Also note the wear to the valves - some missing some of the metal around the edges like the one top of picture

Also - does anyone know what colour the flat head 6 would've been? All I can find online is aluminum silver - but the photo on the project thread looks like it could have been blue (probably clearest below the oil filter) in the photo I posted) and maybe even gold on the top?

Thanks very much - think the plan from here is to get the block to a reconditioner to get a better idea of what we're looking at and make a list for parts to get the thing runnings. I think everything for the gearbox is around home - fingers crossed!

Update time! Pulled the engine out today, dad did most of the hard work getting the gearbox off, took Tony and I maybe 2 hours to get it out, the vast majority of which was an exhaust bolt and getting the crane to pull it out at the right angle. 25 year old engine oil is, interesting. Very sludgey and there was some water in there, head has come off (no photos sorry) and the gasket is blown, so hopefully that’s the only reason for water down there. Crack in the top radiator hose fitting a possible cause for originally over heating. Potentially need valves and pistons if anyone can put me in the right direction!

Thanks, quite strange old cars - didn't sell very well from new I've been told. Designers told to go as distinctive as they like but maybe went a bit far for the market at the time. Anyway - I'll put a forum up about the Plymouth too in due course! Got the garage open just need to clear a wee bit more room to get some decent photos. Might be a weekend job.

Actually, have got one handy.

Yeah it's a 25 inch block - so I'm thinking 230/250 as well, guess we won't know for sure until we get into the engine and figure our bore size.