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Old Aug 24, 2013 | 09:34 PM
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Default Help Identifying Engine

I have here a 66 stingray that is giving me fits.I am trying to adjust the valves on this 327 and have gotten nowheres fast because I do not really know what I have here.I have read that these have both solid and Hydraulic lifters and I also read that some earlier versions have 30/30 cams and Dontov cams.How would I know which I have in this motor?
The #s are 3970010
19GM
H19
I tried adjusting them from whatever imformation I could dig up and I had her running and running good,but she quit and now she doesnt start and the valves seem out of adjustment.Any tips or clues will be appreciated.
Thanks ahead of time
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Old Aug 24, 2013 | 09:45 PM
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3970010 is either a 1968 327 or a 1969-1979 350 block.

In what ways have you tried to adjust the valves?
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Old Aug 24, 2013 | 10:07 PM
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I suspected is was a 68 just the way the #1 at the distributor is at the 1:00 position not the 12:00 position according to what little imformation that I can dig up on this motor.
I tried adjusting them with the engine running,got nowhere but a big mess.I tried adjusting them by going 90degree increments as one article stated.Like I said it was running great,but now just cranks.
Thanks for the quick response
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Old Aug 24, 2013 | 10:18 PM
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I would be over-reaching my knowledge, if I were to continue to try and help. I can adjust solid lifters cold, hydraulics while running, but can't think of anything in my limited experience that would help you figure out what you have.

My guess would be that you may have hydraulic lifters, which you last adjusted cold, engine off, as if they were solid lifters. If that were true then when you crank the engine and the oil pressure builds up the hydraulics would pressurize and now your valves may not close all the way.

But that is a BIG stretch and a HUGE guess.

Perhaps someone here will be able to offer ideas as to how to tell the difference and what to do next.

Good luck!
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Old Aug 24, 2013 | 10:23 PM
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Originally Posted by 68cuda383
I suspected is was a 68 just the way the #1 at the distributor is at the 1:00 position not the 12:00 position according to what little imformation that I can dig up on this motor.
That difference has nothing to do with the displacement of the engine, only what type of ignition system was originally fitted, nor would it have any effect on your present valve issue. The casting date of H19 indicates that the block was cast on August 1, 1969, so it's a 350 cu. in.

This is not the original engine for your car so there's no telling what type of cam it has.
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Old Aug 25, 2013 | 08:35 PM
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Mike, you seem adept at identifying engines--sorry to tag on to this thread.

I have an engine block marked 3892657 with a casting # of K236. Is this a 327 or 350?

Any comments would be appreciated.
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Old Aug 25, 2013 | 08:51 PM
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68cuda, I think a Compression test is in order. You really need to know what you are adjusting before messing with a Camshaft. Check your Studs for correct height as you may have pulled a few. Check the Lift on each Push Rod and finally, find Top Dead Center on Number one cylinder. Check for proper alignment of the Crankshaft Damper Timing Mark. Unknown engines are sometimes very mysterious! Al W.
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Old Aug 25, 2013 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by 1959RedConv
Mike, you seem adept at identifying engines--sorry to tag on to this thread.

I have an engine block marked 3892657 with a casting # of K236. Is this a 327 or 350?

Any comments would be appreciated.
K236 would be November 23, 1966 so the block would have been installed in a 1967 model year car. The 3892657 casting number was used for 302, 327 and 350 cu.in engines that year.

Is there anything on the stamp pad?
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Old Aug 25, 2013 | 09:20 PM
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Yes, VII28HF.

Thanks for your follow-up. (someone mentioned they thought it was a 1967 327 with 275 HP.)
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Old Aug 25, 2013 | 09:30 PM
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Engine assembled in the Flint MI plant on November 28th, installed in a 67 Impala 327/275 HP w/Power glide,4-Brl,Hyd Cam, A.I.R.
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Old Aug 25, 2013 | 09:32 PM
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Thanks everyone for the help.I dont want anybody to think I am being rude or a butthead,but I am putting this project on the back burner for a couple of weeks.I have put a lot of time into this car and I just lost my brother recently,so I have other things I have to take care of.Please understand and I appreciate everbodies input and please keep them coming.I am learning alot from all and you are a great group.
I will keep everbody informed.
Again Thanks
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Old Aug 25, 2013 | 09:35 PM
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Mike, thanks for the info.

And... thanks to 68Cuda383 for this slight deviation of thread.
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Old Aug 25, 2013 | 09:48 PM
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No problem 1959RedConv,I dont mind,It is a learning experience for me.This is what its all about,helping each other out.I hope some day I can return the favor
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