Re: 1956 Clipper Hot Rod

Posted by BH On 2012/9/1 19:44:00

Not sure why all the talk about valve retainers.

The first sign of trouble was that your engine locked as the crank was turned by hand. At that time, I suspected a dropped valve was obstructing piston travel. However, inspection with valve covers removed showed no evidence of that. Subsequent removal of heads revealed a bent valve.

Now, you report that another "valve let loose" and that the push rod is bent.

In lieu of additional details, I'm thinking that a piston hit a valve, but suspect the valve was opened by the cam - not because it dropped. As such, I have to wonder if the cam timing is off - perhaps timing chain is slack or jumped a tooth. Although there may be damage to the corresponding lifter and cam lobe, they were likely on the receiving end - collateral damage.

Personally, I wouldn't replace this (352) motor with a 374 mill. Not sure which carbs you have but they would need to be rejetted, at the very least. I suspect the distributor would also need to be brought up to 5688 specs - recurved or replaced.

It would be far easier to stick with a 352. Yet, how sure are you of the quality/condition of parts and build of another engine?

If it were my car, I'd want the engine that came with the car rebuilt (if possible), but it's your car and your decision.