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I recently started my 37 six and determined the head was not true as I had some seepage between the head and block. A local machine shop said he would shave it to 5 thousand but had to go to 10 . Will this be okay as far as valve clearance ? Thanks

Reading this recent thread will help.

Hi Coraseven:

Your motor will be fine, but I would have the head checked for cracks as well. Store the head on its side to prevent distortion.

Make sure the mating surfaces are carefully cleaned, run a die over all the studs, and a tap through all the nuts.

At one point Packard specified these parts be assembled dry and I never had a problem using that method. However, for the junior cars this is not specified and they recommend using a paste sealer such as Permatex #1 or #2. Lubricating the threads will increase clamping force by at least 40%.

These other horror stories about cylinder heads are something I never experienced.

Thanks Tim for your reply

Shaving a cylinder head 10 thousandths should not be a problem. If you trust your machine shop and he says it needs 10 thou removed, I would do it. A good test to make sure everything is OK is to bolt the head down first without the head gasket in place and turn the engine over several times to make sure nothing is touching. It it is fine without the head gasket, it will certainly be fine when you re-install the head gasket. As the above post said, clean everything real good including the mating surface on the block, etc.

Thank you Q Z. I appreciate your reply

Be sure to post your results after you get the engine back together. I'm quite interested.
Pat

Hi Pat,
It worked out fine, had .010 shaved with no problem. Car runs great.

A good test to make sure everything is OK is to bolt the head down first without the head gasket in place and turn the engine over several times to make sure nothing is touching.

A good test, but DO NOT bolt it down, just leave it lay with it's own weight and see if it rocks when the engine turns over. If you bolt it down and there isn't enough clearance you'll bend a valve or worse.