Re: 1951 Packard 200, "kabusted 288 engine"

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2013/11/8 14:24:19

An engine of that age is due for a complete rebuild at 97000 miles if not before.

It's the if not before that bothers me. If it was rebuilt already then it might be possible to fix what is wrong without taking the engine out of the car.

The only way to know for sure is to take the head off and examine the valves and cylinders. If the cylinders are not scored or worn over .007 they do not need to be rebored. Valve guides can be knurled or replaced and valves can be ground or replaced in the car.

If the cylinders are ok you will need to take the pan off and see how the bearings and journals look.

Rings, valves and possibly new bearings will put your engine back in commission for 30000 to 50000 miles if it is not too worn.

But with 97000 miles chances are you need a complete engine out rebuild, unless it was already rebuilt.