Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I've finally begun working on my '55 Clipper Super and aside from de-rusting various parts with Evapo-Rust..(Thanks for the review of this product BigKev!) I also removed the left rocker arm cover and low and behold..to no surprise..the rocker arms are covered with greasy sludge...not enough to scrape off just stuck on.. What are your suggestions for cleaning up this mess?

They're pretty much out of favor these days due to environmental issues, but a vapor degreaser is an outstanding method. Otherwise, solvent soaking & cleaning with brushes still works.

Regardless of how you clean them, you have to remove them to do so. One of the design decisions about the V-8 that I don't like is that in order to remove the rocker shaft assy, you have to remove 4 head bolts. Those are really long bolts and as far as I've been able to determine, one cannot find new replacements in the aftermarket. Also, removing those bolts "unloads" the cylinder head clamping force and thereby may lead to a blown head gasket.

Maybe you ought to just leave them on there. What is that stuck-on grease hurting?

Craig

You're right. Too much trouble and it's not hurting anything.
Just will let the fresh oil clean things up.
Thanks for your input!

Cleaning the rocker arms is a major chore.

1. I've never blown a head gasket as a result of removing the rockers. Could happen, just hasn't happened to me

2. When removed and disassembled, many rocker arms need the tips reground.

3. Guaranteed, they're just as dirty inside the shafts as outside. Pulling the soft plugs at the ends of the shafts is a real pain. It requires a long wire brush driven by a drill motor to get all the crud out of the inside.

jack vines