Re: V-8 engine design flaws

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2010/1/24 19:59:13

Most new designs have teething troubles. The Chev V8 as initially produced had a design flaw that stopped oil from circulating if the distributor was put in wrong. They solved this by changing from a flat spot on the distributor to a groove. But a few engines suffered lubrication problems first.

The first Chrysler and Studebaker V8s had problems with premature cam and lifter wear. They were not used to dealing with the heavy cam loads of OHV engines. Chrysler changed the design of their lifters twice, Studebaker changed the material they used.

Ford's Y block also had problems with the lubrication system either leaking out the oil or clogging up and not oiling the valves at all.

The list could be extended indefinitely. The point is that it is practically impossible to design something as complicated as a car engine and have every part perfect first try. It is normal for bugs to show up, the best car makers correct these faults quickly and if necessary recall the defective cars and fix them before the owner has trouble.

Packards were far from the worst.

Evidently their oil pumps had a flaw that caused problems in a few cars. They moved quickly to redesign the pump and correct the problem.

Don't make too much out of this.