1959 gmc 270 engine help!

[mog797]

Ok so just got this 59 gmc with 270 engine in it however it's missing lots of little things. I am just at a loss of what I need. Not sure where to start on this thing I do have the radiator and water pump no fan blade. Nothing more with the carburetor then what is in the picture's so need to figure out what is missing there and replace it. Figure I would start with the cooling system as most of it I have need some new hoses and radiator cap and cross my fingers it will not leak. Really I just need some help to figure out what's missing and maybe some direction with where to find it. Carburetor is stamped Rochester 7003538 not sure what is missing there or if it's correct. This build doesn't have to be correct just trying to get this up and going for now. The engine number is 2701011747. I have other pictures of the engine and more of my mess of a project if needed. Again trying to figure out what I need to get this engine alive again.

[OrrieG]

The carb is a later model because of the choke housing, originals had a manual choke. Also missing is all the linkage for the throttle and manual choke. here is a pic of the 235 set up I suspect the GMC was the same? I googled the carb looks like it was originally a Zenith. The later carb will work but you need the choke guts, available at any parts store.
t
he oil filter usually mounts on the intake manifold and uses the plugged ports on the drivers side, maybe the 270 is different.

distributor side looks likes its all there, I would check the dist for wear and toss in plugs, points, condenser and wires. Would not mess with the timing or dist rotation, assume it was running before in the position its in. If its been sitting clean the gas tank, flush the lines, install a gas filter before the fuel pump to catch any crud you did not flush out.

Sound like you are all over the water system, I'd replace the T-stat while it was apart.

Assuming you turned it over by hand? While the plugs are out shoot some oil in the cylinder to help with the initial start. I'd pull the valve cover to make sure that everything looks ok and it hasn't dropped a valve, loose rocker arm, etc.

Put in a batter and see if it starts. If it does, drink a cold beverage and congratulate yourself on a job well done. If not start checking the basics, spark and fuel.

[mog797]

Ok let's start with the carb. what am I looking for when you say choke guts? I tried to find more info about it without much luck. Would I be better just going back stock, what is cheaper I am on really no budget as in I don't have the money for this but I try to find and get little things when I can. I can get away with a few $ here and there. I am not sure what I need to linkage either it looks like there is something there just not sure what I need or where to find it or what I could make work. Also the air filer mess I have never messed with an oil bath setup and would rather not still. But do need something and I know in the pic it has lines going to carb area... I posted a pic that I found of a 270 engine but I am still lost as I am missing parts and have wrong carb. Next is the gas tank what should I do as far as cleaning it I can pull it out to do whatever I need to just not sure what I should do to ensure it is clean.

thanks for the help so far...

[SCHRUMGMC]

I have the same engine.. I am still figuring things out on mine

[OrrieG]

These are the parts that go in the round part on the side. It is an electric bimetal coil that hooks the choke lever. As it heats up the coil tightens and rotates the lever to open the choke. It is wired to an ignition on only circuit.

Looks like I was wrong about the oil filter, it is located correctly. Unless you are going for absolute correct parts, I would put the oil bath up on a shelf and get a good aftermarket "paper" filter assembly.

Googling the site in the box above turns up lots of gas tank cleaning threads. When I pulled my stock tank I just used some laquer thinner and a short piece of chain (after removing the sending unit), then followed with simple green and a good flushing and blow dry then put it up in the garage with the openings sealed. tens years after I pulled it I sold it to another member here, it had no rust inside.

[SCHRUMGMC]

What is wrong with the Oil bath breather ?

[mog797]

I have nothing against oil bath filters again get just never used one and have heard they are difficult to work with. I am just trying get to figure out what I need. Still can't find any good info on the carburetor I have been told here it will work I just need "xyz" parts but not where I can get then. Also still need help with the linkage not sure how to find that for the i6 I have fou X lots of options for vs but not what I need even if I could get good pictures I am sure I could make something work I am just on time table hhere. As I live 8. Colorado and the pickup is not going to be in the garage it's full of kids bikes toys tools and god knows what it's a small 1 car the weather is not going good to last much longer and normally winters are hard on my (feels old 32yr) Body. I guess that is what the US Army retired me and said I couldn't play any longer. Also why I am on such of a tight budget. I think the only reason my wife puts up with me and the pickup is cause I have always wanted one and have done so much for others. Idk it's late and maybe I am just a bit more crazy today then normal, maybe I need more sleeping pills to turn my mind off. But cars is better for me to be stuck on then wars! Oh I am sorry I am just rambling now sorry!

Nathaniel

[mog797]

Okay so random note carb is actually 7003536

[tmoble]

with that number you should be able to get a carb kit at any number of places. Try your local NAPA.

Looks like you have part of the throttle linkage.

[OrrieG]

Just looked at this again and sent you a PM. I might have some of the choke parts you need for the one you have too, will have to look.

[eagleuh1]

You could probably make the section of carb linkage that you are missing from some light steel rod, bent up to fit. I will take a pick of the one off my 270 GMC in the morning and post. Get the water pump rebuilt if you can budget it first. The choke guts should be able to pick up at NAPA. Also can pick up new oil filter inserts at NAPA or O'Reillys. I would pull plugs and squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil in and let it soak while you fix everything else. Then check oil, top off or change if you can . Add 50/50 coolant mix, vent off the head to make sure filled. Clean the points and Regap. Check and clean plugs. Check valves are all good, no bent pushrods....clean up top. Pour some oil in up top to the rockers and down to the cam.Spin with no plugs till you get oil pressure built up. Reinstall plugs. Of course change out any filters, rubber fuel hose, and blow out the fuel lines after draining , cleaning fuel tank. Then get out the video camera and try and start. Good luck. jim

[eagleuh1]

Early pic. This is what was on my 1950 GMC 450 270 engine. It's a Carter YF with oil bath air cleaner, which works just fine by the way. Also the linkage that you are missing.

[eagleuh1]

Linkage.

[eagleuh1]

Again

[eagleuh1]

Let me no if you need more pics. Jim

[eagleuh1]

Again.

[eagleuh1]

Again

[mog797]

Thanks Jim I had thought of using door rods from a car door that are used to operate locks and handles. Cooling system is "ok" found a small leak in radiator and I might have managed to tear off the overflow outlet but that is an easy fix over the leak. Oil and fuel system has been gone though and replaced what was bad or is on a shelf waiting to be. Tank and carburetor still need some love tank has a few holes I plan to try welding up. And NAPA is a place I am finding can get a lot of hard to find parts. I also replaced all the ignition system except generator and v/r but that latter is on the chopping block that includes all the wiring well it not in yet but maybe not to long.

Thanks again for all the help!
Nathaniel

[Highsider]

tank has a few holes I plan to try welding up

Interesting. I wouldn't be inclined.

[eagleuh1]

Have it boiled out at a radiator shop before attempting to weld on it. Can be a very explosive situation if not. Good luck with it . Jim

[Old Crow]

Wonder what's cheaper, a new tank or a ER visit?

[SCHRUMGMC]

Do they make an aftermarket Intake? Mine is cracked

[Indian113]

Originally Posted by SCHRUMGMC

Do they make an aftermarket Intake? Mine is cracked

a good welding shop can weld cast if you can't find a replacement. It takes a old timer I've seen it done.

[OrrieG]

My experience with gas tanks is if you have one pin hole there are 20 just waiting to show up. Repops are available. Lots of NOS or repop parts are available from NAPA, same ones the aftermarket specialty shops use at 2-3x mark up. Standard and Echlin still make the electrical stuff. Dorman a lot of the hardware. If you have a local store you can buy it online and have it dropped at the store. I buy so much that they finally just gave me their master catalog so I could look it up before hand to save us both time. Don't buy any carb parts until I check my stash and get back to you per the PMs.

[mog797]

Yes I have given the tank thing lots of thought but not to much legwork with what is out there for replacement. But know it's more then I want to pay that would be anything... or maybe just vary little. As far as gas vapors in the tank they are long gone tank has been empty for years only thing I have had in it is water and vinegar and my flashlight a few times... OrrieG not doing anything with carburetor till I hear from you just more scratching of the head