Re: 1941 One Eighty - curious engine problem

Posted by Tim Cole On 2011/1/14 20:43:48

Okay, back on topic.

I have a lot of experience with this problem - sticky valves.

What is happening is the valve stems are pitted and full of varnish.

To verify: start the car, raise to fast idle, and judiciously feed the motor Gumout. The missing should improve.

Since your case is not severe enough to cause clatter then dropping the oil pan and switching to detergent oil 10w-30 may stop the problem without laying up the car.

The other solution is new valves and guides, although some long time owners I knew in the old days were able to eliminate the problem by dressing each valve stem with emery cloth and reassembling.

Good luck.

Also, my experience with RR P-II and III is that, when they are driven and maintained as directed by RR, they had longevity that was marvelous and a quality of machine and materials technology that was the best in the world. RR more than any other achieved close to true hydro-dynamic lubrication and that in itself is monumental.