Re: low compression, no oil pressure

Posted by tsherry On 2024/10/19 20:56:27

The subject engine was mostly assembled when I picked it up in 2019, so I'd thought that it had (at least) had rings--one rod bearing cap was off the engine, the bearings were all checked with plastigage and were within spec; the crank had been turned, inserts were not original. I did not pull the pistons, as they were clean (not new) and the cylinders cross hatched. Innards of the engine were perfectly clean. I did not check any of the galley plugs though.

Today, I taped up the head to keep critters out of the nice, shiny Packard-green engine,(manifold is off) reinserted the new plugs, and pushed her out in the field for at least a few weeks (if not all winter). Covered her over with a couple of car covers and strapped them down. Then took the skidsteer, happily equipped with pallet forks, grabbed the engine that I removed from the '40, put that on the engine stand, and started tearing her down.

Significant amount of sludge in the valve area; haven't pulled the pan yet but I'm expecting about the same amount of crap that I had in my **other** 245, meaning, a ****whole lot****.

The 245 engine that was in the '40 when I bought it in 1989 turned out to be from 1947. I bought another running, good compression 1947 245 a couple of years ago(saw a video of it running, saw a compression check, good vacuum). Paid $500, opened it up and it was a sludge fest, the entire valve gallery was nearly one big block of crud, the pan had 3/4" of crap in it and had rusted through, the crud sealed up the holes though. Used it for parts for the 245 that was part of the package deal for my '37 115c (that still has it's original engine).

Turns out the '47 engines were made about a month apart, if serial numbers are to be believed.

Another mechanical adventure awaits. Oh, joy.

Anyone need a '47 Clipper Six 3 speed? (My '40 has an OD, so I don't need it). Free to a good home....