Tappet Clearance Tool J-4540? Valve Guide Driver J-2577?

Posted by JeromeSolberg On 2020/7/14 21:56:43

Hi Folks,

I am trying to put together the list of things to do and need to have in order to overhaul/rebuild my 1953 Cavalier engine, which may go from being a simple valve-and-ring job to a full-on rebuild, depending on what I find as I undertake this job. One way or another I intend to give the engine a good going over, and I may end up taking the engine to a machinist (I have found a few around here who can do the job, particularly Tech Machine in Livermore, which a few years ago rebuilt another 1953 327 Packard Engine, and Central Machine in Oakland).

From reading the service manual, one tool it seems would be good to have is the tool J-4540, for measuring the hydraulic tappet clearance. I understood this was available from Pacific Northwest Packards in the past. However, it doesn't appear on their "Projects" page on their website anymore. I wrote them and haven't heard back. I read the note on another post by Tim Cole about putting the lifter in place dry, and pushing the spring down with the feeler gauge, or Mr. Dyneto's note about measuring how far above the valve seat the Valve rests when the lifter is in place. But perhaps the tool is a better solution if one can be obtained?

I am not sure how important the Valve Guide Driver/Deloth Gage J-2577 is, if I am lucky I will not have to replace the valve guides. But if I have to, is this tool available? Or is there another solution to how to drive in the valve guides?

I have the Service Manual, the Parts Manual, the Service Counselors. I also have a 1955 Motors Manual on order, hope it arrives soon.

Thanks and Sincerely,

Jerome Solberg