1939 Milk Truck

I have a 39 Milk Truck and have been told it has the Economy Six engine. I’m looking to get the engine rebuilt and an wondering if this engine would have Babbitt bearings? Thanks for the help!

Welcome!

In my limited experience with these wonderful old trucks. I have yet to hear any of the motors referred to as "economy". A little more information would be helpful or even pictures. My motors manual lists all of these for the 1937-1940 6 cylinder applications. Is it a flathead?


FAB-241
FAB-259
FBB-298
FBB-298A
FBB-361
FBB-361A
FBB-401
FBB-401A
FBB450A
FEB-648
HD-174 A,B, and C
HD-213 A,B, and C
HD-232
HD-232A

As noted in the manual "A" indicates updraft carburetion

In the D-2 parts catalog the HD-174 is identified as the economy engine. Same as an HD-213 except has a 3 inch bore, and originally used a Tillotson carburetor.

My truck is apparently a D15M, as they made the "M"s for milk trucks and "B"s for bakery trucks. From the literature I have for the D15s it shows the small motor as a 174.9 cu in and a guy I talked to said they called those the Economy Six.

Yes it is a flat head 6.

Then the answer is no to Babbitt bearings. You can send the shells in to egge machine to be relined if needed. Good luck finding replacements in any size or finding a modern equivalent. Been down this road (and a few others) Still here, still doing it. Hope to fire off my HD today. But we shall see.

Now, one thing to note. There is writing (not just talk) in the motors manual about shims under at least the rod caps. These can be removed (some or all) to make up proper clearances. I found none in the two flathead motors I have.