'48 awakened from long slumber

[Cheyenne75]

Hi everyone, I haven't had much time in a long time to work on my '48 chevy due to my job. As of this past Sunday, the engine is running! Hasn't ran in 35+ years. I spent all Saturday and Sunday working on getting engine ready for firing engine. 60 psi oil pressure at idle, engine doesn't smoke, purrs like a cat lol.

Here's my question, I noticed there was a puddle of water underneath. There was a tan color under the flywheel. It appears to been coming from the input shaft of the 4 speed, inside the bell housing. Has anyone heard of this, or had a similar incident?

The engine is a I believe a 283, not sure. Has a weird pvc valve where road draft tube is on back of engine. Has stock inclosed driveline 4 speed trans backed behind it. Gotta rebuild 2 barrel, and order brake parts for this weekends visit.
Many thanks, Dave

[Highsider]

...and post photos!

Sounds like you are back on the project, though.

[59chev]

Originally Posted by Cheyenne75

Hi everyone, I haven't had much time in a long time to work on my '48 chevy due to my job. As of this past Sunday, the engine is running! Hasn't ran in 35+ years. I spent all Saturday and Sunday working on getting engine ready for firing engine. 60 psi oil pressure at idle, engine doesn't smoke, purrs like a cat lol.

Here's my question, I noticed there was a puddle of water underneath. There was a tan color under the flywheel. It appears to been coming from the input shaft of the 4 speed, inside the bell housing. Has anyone heard of this, or had a similar incident?

The engine is a I believe a 283, not sure. Has a weird pvc valve where road draft tube is on back of engine. Has stock inclosed driveline 4 speed trans backed behind it. Gotta rebuild 2 barrel, and order brake parts for this weekends visit.
Many thanks, Dave

Small Journal 327's 1962-67 had these from the factory. In 68/69 327's used the same block as the 350. The road draft tube hole was no longer cast into the block as the pcv valve moved from the road draft tube hole to the valve covers. Someone may have replaced the road draft tube on the 283 with the factory pcv pieces from a 327. Either that or you have an early 327. What heads are on it?

[Cheyenne75]

Hi guys, thanks. I'll try to get photos up. Not sure what the heads are, will pull valve cover to get number, there is a triangle on the front of heads. No bolt holes for accessories. Engine is pretty close to firewall to read rear left side on block. I wrote down the numbers from front passenger side pad, F0I27GF.

[OrrieG]

Might have one of these freeze plugs leaking. First attempts at PVC systems replaced the draft tube with a fitting and hose to bottom of carb.

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Might have one of these freeze plugs leaking. First attempts at PVC systems replaced the draft tube with a fitting and hose to bottom of carb.

+1. If you've got water coming from back there it can really only be the freeze plugs or the intake leaking. When I put the 350 in my '57, upon filling the radiator I had a massive leak back there and it turned out to be a busted freeze plug.... Talk about aggravated, had to pull the trans back out to put a new one in.

[Cheyenne75]

Hi guys, back of the block was dry, just the input shaft side of trans was wet. I did manage to get the brake system rebuilt/replaced last weekend. Doing electrical, and hopefully exhaust this weekend. Will have to look into the mystery leak more while under there . I cannot figure out how to post pics from my phone, is there a forum or something on Facebook you guys go to?
Dave