Putting a 1020 engine in 350

[Jerseymill]

My 350 gas dozer needs an engine I have a gas engine from a 301a for rebuild but the cost of rebuilding the gas 3.135 doesn’t seem worth it to me. So I found a 1020 diesel wheel tractor in a junk yard. My question is will it bolt in to my 350 and is it the same horse power as the 3.152 industrial version. The specs say it is 36 hp compared to the 350 Diesel engine at 45 hp. Let me know what you all think. Also I have found a couple 350 Diesel engines running for about $2000 but they are too far and no guarantee.

[gregjo1948]

If it were me, I'd rebuild the 350 engine. I guess it depends on how much you're going to use the machine and what condition the rest of it is in.

[dtoots1]

there has been some mention in other post here in regards to...some machines having a bit heftier mechanicals..from factory when diesel being used..meaning can swap down to gas and be safe..tho somewhat questionable to upgrade to diesel.
unless i were to be able to swap a known engine..one that i had operated...i would be leary of going thru all the work and find out there was something wrong with it.
If original gas engine is repairable..rebuild it and know what you have

[LeonardL]

To answer whether or not you can swap the Ag motor into your 350 is "Yes" you can. You will need to change the mounting plates from the 350 motor over to the Ag motor. You will also have to change the water pump plate and water pump from the 350 over to the Ag motor. There may be other things as well like oil cooler and alternator bracket. Going from gas to diesel is no big deal on a 350 except you will need to make sure you get all of the gas out of the system and install a return fuel line back to the fuel tank. I have done several of these change overs going both ways.

However that being said, I agree with these other guys in that I would want to know what I have before I do all of the labor. Even if you do a swap I would take the Ag motor apart to see what it looks like. It would be the time to maybe roll in a new set of bearings both rod and main bearings. And also a good time to pressure check the cooling system with the pan off to make sure the sleeve seals are good. I would also change the front timing cover oil seal and rear main seal as well. Personally, I would rebuild whatever I was going back with. Unless like was mentioned, you know the engine from experience. Other wise you have a pig in a poke.

If memory serves your 1020 diesel should be about 38 horse and your 350 gas should be about 45 hp. I doubt you would notice a lot of difference although it would be some for sure. You might gain a bit in low end torque with the diesel as well as fuel economy. Diesel burns about half what a gas machine will. Overall it comes down to what these other guys have pointed out. I would really look at these engines and think about it before I did anything.

[Lavoy]

I would add my thoughts to rebuilding the gas. A used diesel is a used engine. You have a used gas engine now, would you want to buy it like you are buying a used diesel? It is cheaper (maybe) to buy a used engine with no idea as to condition because that is exactly what you have, no true idea as to condition. If you rebuild your gas, you know exactly what you have.
I have a gas 350, it pulls like a horse, torque like a 2 cylinder down very low, I would say not much different than a diesel as far as seat of the pants.
Lavoy

[dtoots1]

I hope he does have the old engine....wording is a mite unclear as to that....Impression mite be that it is broken in some manner..perhaps the block which may be the recourse to different engine....that is why i mentioned the difference between the gas and diesel...
If that is the case then obtaining a used engine would appear necessary....however again, that would entail making sure that it was in proper condition to be installed whether gas or diesel as appears either will function in the 350s from other comments...

[Jerseymill]

I have a good gas block that just needs rebuilding. The crankshaft needs to be ground and I took it the machine shop. They say they might be able to recondition it. Already ground .010 and hopefully they can get it ground with .030. If not I have to buy a crankshaft and they are scarce. Used ones are around $500 so hopefully they can fix mine then I can proceed with rebuilding the gas motor. Thanks everyone