Re: Thunderbolt valve clatter

Posted by Jim L. in OR On 2011/11/24 20:01:10

I think I've solved my mystery hydraulic lifter engine problem. Thanks to Owen posting in another topic, I discovered the Service Counselor for September, 1954. Under Service Replacement Engines it states that service engines for 24th - 54th Series cars - all models - would "come with Hydraulic Tappets and will be built up for use on Ultramatic equipped cars". While I don't find anything about engine numbers, I'm thinking it wouldn't make much sense to number them because of potential State Registration confusion.

Since my '51 was placed in the hands of a Dealer's family member in 1955, it might follow that the engine on a then four year old car might be replaced with a new Service Engine as "preventative maintenance".