Re: 1953 Packard - Valves?

Posted by Don Shields On 2014/10/13 23:52:25

Acquiring a headgasket shouldn't be a problem. The PAC's Packard Yellow Pages lists a dozen vendors under Gaskets. When I needed a headgasket back in '06 I chose Max Merritt but they weren't the only one who had it in stock. With that said, I wouldn't pull the head for this condition just yet. See how it cranks with the spark plugs out and see if the lifters are lifting as Mr. Boyer recommends. I suspect the valves will be OK and even if they're not I don't think they could cause slow, stiff cranking. I'm wondering about the state of your engine's bottom end, the rod and main bearings, as it's sounding to me like the bottom end might be seizing or locking up. Dropping the oil pan and inspecting the rod bearings might be called for. But see if it cranks faster and easier with when the plugs are out first. Performing a compression test at this time is also an excellent suggestion. Good luck.