Re: 1941 One Eighty - curious engine problem

Posted by Tim Cole On 2011/1/15 0:59:36

Hey, Thanks for the compliment.

Valve work on these cars is done under the fenders by removing the splasher shields. With electromatic the cylinder head is also a chore. The hood must be removed as well. The Packard MoCo sold a tool that screwed into the spark plug holes for lifting the head off. These can be made from used spark plugs or long metric bolts.

Anyway, The pitting is caused by rust, and sludge collects in the pitting which then hardens under heat soak to form varnish. When the motor is started the varnish combines with whatever other forms of dirt is in the guides and acts like a wedge that seizes the valve. In petroleum engineering glossaries varnish is defined as heat hardended sludges.

These varnishes can form very quickly in motors that do not reach full operating temperatures sufficient to boil off sludges while running and this explains the trailer show cars with brand new engines that run like crap because the valves are sticking.

Another really should have is a thermostat. Given that these old blocks run warmer and are thinner than new a 160F should be sufficient.

As to oils, I really like 10w-30, but if the ever popular 15w-40 is desired then use that with a quart of Rislone.

Good luck