Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

I have a 288 AT cylinder head from a 1951. I can't seem to find the machining specs for it. I'd like to have it machined flat before I reinstall it but the machine shop is having trouble finding the info that would tell them how much material they can remove. Don't see it in the service manual. Anyone know where I can look?

There are no specs for that, at least not that I've ever seen or heard of. There is a spec for the combustion chamber volume so you could "cc" the chambers and thus determine if the head has been resurfaced previously. Knowing that, you can rely on past experience of others who have safely had their heads done - I expect some folks will be along with how much they got away with, or didn't. The safest route is to only resurface if it is absolutely essential, and if you do, by all means check for valve clearance before you reassemble. You'll find plenty of posts here about techniques for checking valve clearances to the roof of the combustion chamber. Actually measuring the clearance will tell you how much room you have to work within for resurfacing.

If I recall, 2-3 years ago Ross posted a number that included a fraction for the cylinder heads. I don't know if that was a published spec or one he compiled by measurement but if someone wanted to do a search the post might be found. If no luck maybe if he sees this thread he will post it again or you could send him a PM.