Re: 1st time startup

Posted by Fred Puhn On 2010/12/1 14:11:47

The experience with no compression reminds me of my 1935 Diamond T truck. This is an original truck with 50,000 miles. It supposedly "ran when parked." The former owner said he started it up every once in a while and then one day it would no longer start so he did not try again. The truck was stored outdoors in the dry desert for years.
When I got the truck I expected to dump some light oil in the cylinders and start it up. After putting in the oil I turned the engine with a crank handle and it spun over very freely (WAY TOO FREELY!). I checked the compression and it was near zero on every cylinder, just like the Packard being discussed. After I took off the head I found every valve stuck open.
Apparently it is possible for all valves to stick if the car is sitting for a long time. Maybe this is a combination of solidifying old oil turning to glue with time. Maybe some light corrosion on the valve stems helps too.
I suggest taking the valve cover off and seeing if the valves are moving up and down. Also you need to be sure they are totally closing, not just moving a little. Check the valve lash when the valves are in the closed position. If they are stuck perhaps a heavy dose of Kroil could loosen things up. (On my Diamond T I overhauled the engine).