Re: Thunderbolt valve clatter

Posted by JWL On 2011/11/22 15:47:12

Steve, If your 1952 200 Packard was my car I would start off by removing the spark plugs and adjusting the gap as per spec in the service manual (which is available for downloading on this site, but probably about 0.028"). Next, I would make sure the innards of the distributor are in good working condition and that the points are in good shape and gaped correctly (about 0.016" I believe). The gap will also determine the dwell, but don't worry about the dwell. Next I would check the ignition timing for proper setting (the spec is in the SM). As pointed out above, changing the timing will not change the point setting gap/dwell, but changing the point setting gap/dwell will affect the timing. Then, I would do a valve adjustment. I agree with O_D about the rings being replaced without removing the head. It would be easier to give an elephant a root canal than do it the way you described. Good luck and let us know how things develop.

(o[]o)