288 stuck valves

Posted by Robin On 2012/7/16 21:09:01

We have a 1952 Clipper that had the engine (288) completely overhauled about five years ago. Only drove the car about 100 miles due to circumstances beyond my control but it ran really nice. One valve loosened up a bit and I adjusted it back to spec. Fast forward five years (car was in storage in an underground parking lot) and we decide to put this engine in a very nice 1951 2 door Clipper. Had a very difficult time getting it to start but eventually it came to life. It is running on six cylinders. #7 and #8 are showing 0 on the compression tester. The rest are 90 psi. Had the lifter covers off and observed all valves moving as well as proper valve lifter clearance. I have read where these engines are prone to sticking valves but I cannot understand why this engine, being practically new, is acting like this. I tried some water injection through the vacuum line at the base of the carb, no difference. Looks like the head is coming off.