Re: 1951 Packard 200, "kabusted 288 engine"

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2013/11/11 17:58:48

I never mentioned the head gasket but go ahead and torque the head if you want to. It can't hurt anything.

To clarify, what I said was this:

1) At 97,000 miles your engine is shot. Kaput, worn out, due for a complete rebuild.

2) There is a chance it was already rebuilt and it now has a relatively minor problem.

3) The only way to know for sure is to take the head off and look.

4) If you are not a mechanic it will be best to seek out an old time mechanic familiar with this type of car.

A new car mechanic would be completely lost. For example anyone with less than 20 years experience had probably never worked on a carburetor or points ignition.

If he has than 50 years experience he has probably never worked on a flathead engine. Unless he specializes in antique cars.

A good way to find someone like that is to ask your antique car club buddies.