g741.org

Just bought a 1953 M37 and have a few questions. The engine seems to be blowing oil out, just above the disteributor. Is this normal or a problem that can be fixed? The next is. Is there a govenor on these trucks? If so where is it and can it be truned to a higher speed. It was a long drive home at 40 mph.

If your engine was "blowing oil out just above the distributor," I'd guess that you have a blown head gasket. If it was still running when you shut it off, it can probably be repaired with just a new gasket.

You'lll want to check to make sure there's no oil in your coolant or vice versa, too. Either scenario can ruin your engine in short order. (Water in your oil will appear as a brown, frothy foam on your dip stick.)

Yes, our engines have governors on 'em. Most are set so that 50 mph is the top end in 4th gear. Anything over that will over-rev your engine with stock gearing.

If your problem is just the head gasket, fixing it should solve your 40 mph top end problem.

Check it out, and let us know what you find. We're always ready with free advice!

Hello new member, and Hello to you Lifer. I have 4:89 gearing in my 1952. How will the governor effect me? And what is the top RPM for my engine anyway?

The governed RPM is 3200. That will take you to ride at 55MPH or a little more with a good engine. The governor not only needs to be set at that RPM cut off point, but it must be tuned to get optimum performance.

Well Charles, I asked, and I got the answer....( gulp ). I will finish setting my idle speed and maybe mount my 6" vise, ( some simple pleasure, please ) and then proceed with more brain aching work such as this ...

It isn't a blown head gasket it is actually getting better probably the seal was dry and is starting to swell a little, I was told there is a square seal under the distributer that goes bad. The engine has lots of power when I hit 43ish then the govenor kicks in and I loose the top end I drive school bus and they all have 60mph govs set on them and my m37 is the same actually going down hill it kicks out just like my school bus. Where is the gov located and how do I adjust it.