Tweet
Ran into a problem last week when I went to start my '57 283 which I rebuilt in 2000. Distributor wouldn't seat all the way. To make a long story short the parts house gave me a Melling M55 with a IS46 (6.83 inches long) pump shaft. Checked the Melling web site and it shows the M55 is the correct oil pump. Checked with a friend of mine that I had the wrong pump and the M46 is correct for a '57 283 with a IS46 shaft. Melling Tech Support confirmed that information. So, I ordered a M46 oil pump, IS46 pump shaft and oil pickup. Fortunately, I had a new IS46 pump shaft that came with the M55 oil pump, as there were none to be found. Also, Melling doesn't make an oil pickup for the M46 pump and had to use the new one from the M55 oil pump. Pan fit okay, but had to wiggle it around to get it past the pickup. Don't know if this unique only to '57 283's or not. Gary....
-
Shopping online for all your Home/Work/Auto needs?
click here to support the NCRS Foundation Scholarship Program -
Re: '57 283 Correct Oil Pump Application
Gary-----
What you suffered from here is the "all Chevrolet small blocks have interchangeable oil pumps" OR "the Melling M55 works on all small blocks" syndrome. As you've found, that isn't the way it is.
1955-58 small blocks used a different oil pump that is NOT interchangeable with later. Originally, this pump was GM #3836619 (yes, that's the ORIGINAL part number and NOT a later replacement part number, one of many examples contrary to the "rule-of-thumb" relationship between part numbers and release dates). In August, 1958 the GM #3836619 was discontinued and replaced by GM #3755420. The latter was a KIT which included the 3836619 pump, intermediate shaft, and pick-up screen. By the way, the 3836619 pump and 3755421 kit were also applicable to 1958 348 cid engines. The GM #3755420 was discontinued without supercession in July, 1983.
The 55-58 models also used a different intermediate shaft than later. This shaft was GM #3739826. It was discontinued without supercession in October, 1985.
1955-1957 used a different pick-up screen than 1958 and later, too. It was GM #3754942 and was discontinued without supercession in August, 1985.
Although long-discontinued, the above numbers may be of assistance in cross-referencing part numbers for currently available aftermarket pieces.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: '57 283 Correct Oil Pump Application
Joe, thanks for sharing the info. Originally I thought the oil pump was the same for all 283's and the change over didn't occur until the 327 changeover. Didn't remember the SBC design being change in 1959. Appreciate your research as always. Gary....Shopping online for all your Home/Work/Auto needs?
click here to support the NCRS Foundation Scholarship ProgramComment
-
Re: '57 283 Correct Oil Pump Application
Gary------
The same oil pump used for 1959 small blocks, GM #3764547, was used right through 1985 for most small blocks, including 283, 305, 307, 327, 350 and 400. Exceptions included most 63-72 small blocks with mechanical lifters. Even then, the basic pump was exactly the same; only the pressure relief spring was different.
I first came to understand the difference in oil pumps regarding the 55-58 engines many years ago when I got "tripped up" making the same kind of incorrect assumptions that your folks did. It took me awhile to figure it out. I never forgot the "object lesson", though.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: '57 283 Correct Oil Pump Application
What's the Melling part number for the 3764547 pump?Comment
-
How about Clevite?
I've found their engine parts cross reference to be very good - even for ancient, long discontinued GM part numbers. For example, they cross the ancient pre-'67 3733431 300 HP camshaft, which has been discontinued for nearly 40 years to the current replacement for the 3896929 and 14088839, which is the functionally correct replacement 300 HP cam of the '67-up design.
And if you check out their buyer's guide, they list all the GM parts that their parts replace, which includes OE parts and all the subsequent GM replacement numbers. The site is not easy to navigate, so you have to fool around with it for a while to find all the good stuff. You can also download all their paper catalogs in PDF form, but they are huge files.
Clevite is a long established brand that was formerly owned by TRW and is now owned by Dana Corporation. Dana also owns NAPA, so you can order any Clevite parts from your local NAPA store. Run the part number through the Clevite cross reference, then run the Clevite number at www.napaonline.com for the price and availability. Makes it pretty easy to order high quality OE replacement parts from your office instead of thumbing through catalogs and running all over town.
BTW, I would not recommend using the old 431 cam even if you happened across a NOS example. It has very harsh dynamics compared to the 929 and subsequent replacment "300 HP" camshafts.
DukeComment
-
Re: '57 283 Correct Oil Pump Application
chris----
M55In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
-
Re: How about Clevite?
Duke, you're right - it was a monster file 60 meg to download their catalog. Tried to search their site, but no joy for the listed part no. Good point about them before the NAPA supplier. I used an original Duntov 097 camshaft. Thank for all the info you provide. Regards, Gary....Shopping online for all your Home/Work/Auto needs?
click here to support the NCRS Foundation Scholarship ProgramComment
-
Re: How about Clevite?
The link I posted takes you directly to the Clevite online cross reference. If you have an OE GM number, or GM replacement number, or number from another aftermarket vendor just type it in and the Clevite number comes back in a few seconds.
The PDF catalogs are nice to have, but not necessary to use the online cross reference.
The Sealed Power web site has similar useful parts finding tools.
DukeComment
Comment