Re: The 1951 Patrician of Jim L. in OR

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2014/11/23 0:05:09

After the ice storm of last week, the temperature has warmed up enough (50 - 55 degrees) for me to do a few things with the car. I'm still in the "getting to know you" stage but I'm focusing in on cleaning up the engine. As the attached pictures show, it really needs it. The previous owner has taken everything off the front of the car so at least I won't have to be a contortionist to work on it. He also cleaned and painted the head so the contrast with the block and etc is "striking" to say the least. After I clean up the engine I'm going to make sure the valves are all moving throughout their entire range. I've had enough stuck valve related lifter problems with my '51 200 Deluxe to last me for the rest of my life. If everything in the valve department seems "up for the game" the plan is to order a head gasket, tighten down the head (if I can find all the head nuts), do a desperately needed oil change and do a compression check after spinning the engine - hopefully with the starter to get fresh oil in every nook and cranny. If the compression check reads good, I'll try putting the carb and fuel pump back, hook up some fuel line to the lawn more can (it won't be needing it for a while), install the new engine compartment wiring harness and see if she'll come to life. I rather think she will as she turns very easily and smoothly by hand with the head just sitting on the block. I'd like to have Santa grant me my wish for the engine to run by Christmas but we'll have to see. He might have a few issues with me over my behavior during the last year - but I'm hopeful.

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