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I'm performing a valve job on my 51 Packard Patrician 400 with hydraulic valve lifters and see that there is special tool used when checking the lash clearance. This tool fits on top of the tappet and is listed as tool J2553 or J4540. Is there an alternative method as I don't have this tool? Does anyone know the size specs of this tool? Thanks Wayne

With the valve tappet fully down (I do the cylinders one at a time in firing order), drop the valve in place but don't install the spring. There should be a gap of at least .03 but not more than .07 between the valve and seat.
This will insure that the hydraulic lifter will be compressed within its operating range once the valve spring is installed. Adjust per the manual by grinding off the end of the valve stem.

You can do it Ross' way, or just buy the tool, it's been in reproduction for a very long time at a very reasonable cost; IIRC P.N.R. currently offers it. I made and sold dozens of this tool years ago and still have several I could measure for you, but this question of the dimensions has come up before and been answered on this forum - doing a good search of old posts should get you the information you want.

G'day waynej,
to PackardInfo and I invite you to include your '51 Patrician in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo.

You can just use feeler gauges as well. You install the lifters dry and compress the lifter to bottom with the feeler gauge. (It's not that hard to do). If .030 goes in that's good. If .070 doesn't that's good. If .030 doesn't use feeler gauges to reckon the amount to grind off the stem. If .070 goes in you need to replace the valve with a longer stem. Some machine shops can alloy weld onto the stems as well, but they need to be expert welders.

I always used dial a dial indicator, especially on the V-12, but the feeler gauge method will get you through.

Hi Owen, What is this IIRC P.N.R? How do I get in touch with them? Thanks

P.N.R. is the Pacific NW Region of PI.


http://www.packardsintnw.com/

for including your '51 Patrician Touring Sedan in the Registry.