Re: [Amc-list] 252 six (195.6)

[farna@xxxxxxx]

I've got a lot of experience with 195.6 L-head and OHV engines, Marc, and I don't think they are particularly fragile. I've only had one that threw a rod. It wasn't mine, but was in a car I bought for parts. A rod cap came loose shortly after the engine was rebuilt at high rpm. Apparently the rebuilder didn't properly torque (missed?) one rod bolt. That rod snapped and broke the came, ripped a gash through the oil pan, and holed both sides of the block. Other than that I've never seen one that even developed a know without a lot of miles on it. The rods and crank are forged, and though there are only four mains they are relatively wide. it's not a real high rpm engine, and I don't think I'd turn it more than 4K, but it should hold up to that level just fine. Note that 4K rpm is around 30% over stock. It's power rating is around 3K (3200?) and the engine will not turn 3200 rpm pulling the car along unless you're going down a steep hill. 

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Date: Mon, 04 Jun 2007 19:58:54 -0400
From: Archimedes <Freedom@xxxxxxxx>

Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx> said:

>> Funny, I was just thinking hat I need to start doing some research on
>> this older six. I too am curious about the 195.6's lineage.
>> 
>> I suspect the 195.6 OHV is a peculiar dead end, seeing how it's some
>> Nash head grafted onto the flathead motor. But maybe that head has an
>> interesting story. I know Edelbrock or Offenhauser made a finned
>> aluminum head for the early Rambler (Nash) flattie. Always wanted one of
>> those! (Sort of, not really :-)
>> 
>> I do picture a tiny little turbo bolted onto the top of that flathead
>> though, it would be a very funny sight. Even 3 - 4 lbs boost would be a
>> big deal. 150 - 175 hp in the American would be fun and not too
>> stressful (on the parts :-)


If you want to see a 196 do the jitterbug right through your hood, go for it.

They were weak in the bottom end and their most common problem was spinning rod 
bearings and (eventually) throwing rods.

This was why AMC made a big deal about the 232 series being seven main bearing.

-- Marc


--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
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