Re: 1940 Super 8 160 Model 1803 Project

Posted by Jim On 2011/5/14 2:33:04

After taking a night off to do some research on the valve gauge block situation I got back at it after dinner out with friends this evening. Firstly, I find according to the 1940 Super 8 owners manual / service manual supplement you need only the tappet installed with no oil in it what so ever and to depress the plunger all the way down; measuring with feeler gauge no less than .030" and no more than .070" clearance. I was very surprised to learn this given all the discussion about the gauge block method. I am also surprised to find that Packard engineers wanted the lifter plunger sunk that deep into the lifter body, but that is what they wanted and they built a fine silent running engine that provided great long-term service.

One of our forum members was kind enough to provide gauge block specs today. I compared the gauge block specs to fully compressed lifter and what do you know... they are exactly the same! So, after all the discussion about the gauge block, and understanding that this tool would make it very quick and efficient in checking valve stem to tappet clearance, I felt compelled to go ahead and make one to use this evening.

Grabbed some steel and got after it. Not a tough or terribly time consuming project. Below are a few images of DIY gauge block production.

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