1949 Chevy 3800 AD Dually

First attempt at welding a nut failed. I realized that part of the bolt was sticking out past the other side of the block. I tried welding a nut on that side with a washer and success.


Now I am able to get it up on the engine stand and dive into it.


The first thing to go was the harness and computer. I might look for a standalone harness to make it less complicated but more expensive.


I pulled the valve covers off to get an idea of the condition of the rest of the engine. Not as clean as I’d like to see but honestly not as bad it could be. It has 170k miles so what was I expecting? Sparkling? Nah…

I might just leave it as is and get a standalone harness and call it good. Of course new gaskets would be a must since it’s got some leaking going on.



Well scratch that I noticed 3 exhaust manifold bolts were broken off in the heads. Looks like I might as well pull the heads off and do a head gasket while I’m at it. Might even send them off to get cleaned and checked.

Did some engine tear down today… Brought it to my garage instead of being out at the shop.

Pulled the intake off and got to work pulling the heads.


I’m not used to aluminum heads! Those suckers are light!




Cylinder walls don’t look terrible and there isn’t any noticeable damage.



Should clean up nicely

Pulled all the pistons out.


Figured dirt got down into the block when taking everything apart might as well disassemble and send it off to be tanked and cleaned.

Inspected the rod bearings and I’m not an expert but they don’t seem that bad.



Camshaft is out and shows signs of wear. Reminder 170k miles so might as well replace it with something beefier


I’m going to try and get the main caps off and inspect the bearings. Hopefully nothing threatening under them…

BTR has military discount if your active or a veteran. And a stock replacement is about the same price as an "upgrade".

Camar068 said:

BTR has military discount if your active or a veteran. And a stock replacement is about the same price as an "upgrade".

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Good to know, however I am not military. I’m mainly doing this teardown/rebuild for the experience.

I was bouncing back and forth on pulling the mains or sending it. Today I committed to pulling them. Since I want it hot tanked and checked etc the crankshaft has to come out.

The main caps weren’t as bad removing them as I expected either.

And to my surprise main #1 doesn’t look too bad, mind you I’m no expert.


But…there’s always a but, looking at the main journal a different story is being told.

And main #2 journal


Hopefully just a polish is in order but who knows. The other side of the bearings look decent once I pulled the crank out.


Just about time to head to the machine shop.

Overalll I’d say you’re in very good shape!!

RangRayy said:

I was bouncing back and forth on pulling the mains or sending it. Today I committed to pulling them. Since I want it hot tanked and checked etc the crankshaft has to come out.

The main caps weren’t as bad removing them as I expected either.

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And to my surprise main #1 doesn’t look too bad, mind you I’m no expert.

You must be registered for see images attach

But…there’s always a but, looking at the main journal a different story is being told.

You must be registered for see images attach

And main #2 journal

You must be registered for see images attach

Hopefully just a polish is in order but who knows. The other side of the bearings look decent once I pulled the crank out.

You must be registered for see images attach

Just about time to head to the machine shop.

Click to expand...

Look at upgrading the rocker arms with the trunion upgrade if it's not going to kill your budget. As well as new lifters/pushrods/lifter trays. All because your already there, might as well.

Michigan Motorsports

Camar068 said:

Look at upgrading the rocker arms with the trunion upgrade if it's not going to kill you budget.

Michigan Motorsports

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I had seen a couple mentions on LS sites about doing this upgrade. Seems like a reasonable upgrade and not breaking the bank. Thanks for the link!