Re: 288 smokes and tranny issue

Posted by Ernie Vitucci On 2020/2/25 19:27:14

Good afternoon...Since the car has been sleeping in the barn for a while, start with a compression check to see what is happening with the rings and valves. 7 years ago, we purchased a 1949 Deluxe 'Miss Prudence'. Before we did any driving, we dropped the oil pan and cleaned it out. We cleaned out the oil pump which was full of sludge and finally set the valve lash to factory specs. We purchased several oil filter cartridges and changed the oil at 100 miles three times...then the old girl began to run pretty well. We also drained the transmission and filled it with 140 weight oil as it was getting caught between first and second gear and locking in second gear. Only God knows what was in that transmission...many people run 15/40 oil in the crank case of these old girls...check, clean and set your points properly and clean all of the electrical connections and make sure they are nice and snug. Flush the engine and radiator and then start to use the old girl around town at 40 miles an hour or so and also give the old girl a good lube job while changing the oil for the first time...they tend to wake up slowly...so follow the above and let her limber up. One more thing for safety..have the shop that changes the oil and lubes her, check the wheel bearings check the brake system to make sure it functions and does not pull hard to one side...just treat her like along lost girl friend and she will make you smile. Ernie in Arizona