David;
The first thing that you need to do is perform a compression test on each
cylinder. If you find a cylinder that is way bellow spec., squirt some oil
down them and check the compression again. If it improves then you will have
a ring job coming up, if it doesn't then you have a valve, or a gasket,
problem. Of course the result is the same in any case, you still have to
pull the heads. If you have oil in the radiator I would make sure that the
transmission cooler isn't leaking by taking the cooler to a radiator shop
and having it checked out. More then likely you just have a bad head, or
intake, gasket but it's better to be safe then sorry.
With regards to a ring job, you can pull the pistons out with the engine in
the car but it is a pain. However if it needs reboring , and not just a
honing, you will have to pull the engine anyhow. The only way to determine
whether it needs a rebore and new pistons is by measuring, something that I
need to do myself. I have found with my own 54' Imperial that to get at the
pistons, or valves, with the engine in the car involves as much work as
pulling the complete engine but without the convience of being able to get
at everything with ordinary wrenches and socket drivers. Plus if you pull
the engine you can actually paint the engine block and the engine room while
it is out. If you can find an old D.I.Y mechanics book like, "How To Fix
Your Plymouth", or an old Motor Manual it will explain how to measure
everything of interest.
Best Regards
Arran Foster
1954 Imperial Newport
Needing A Left Side Tailight Bezel and other trim parts.
----- Original Message -----
From: <ChickDJC@xxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2002 3:44 PM
Subject: IML: Help! Attention Engine Specialists
> I need advice from the engine folks. My 54 Custom Imperial (331 Hemi) is
> running just fine...but bad symptoms are just starting to occur (original
> miles 90k). There is black, wet (as in water) soot coming from the
exhaust
> pipes. And, there is oil in the radiator. My assumption: bad head
gasket.
> Also, the car burns a bit too much oil for my taste.
>
> So, here is the question: What is the most and least I can do in my garage
on
> my own (without pulling the engine, and without getting a machine shop
> involved or a costly mechanic)?
>
> For example: Pulling the heads should not be a problem. And therefore
> redoing the head gasket should not be a problem either, right? Should I
have
> any work done on the heads with them off?
>
> Okay, what about the engine burning too much oil? Sounds like the rings,
> right? What type of piston/ring work can be done on a car without pulling
> the engine?
>
> What other advice do you have for me? I am being too cheap...and should
pull
> the engine and have the thing re-bored, honed, new pistons, rings etc.?
>
> You advice is most appreciated.
>
> David
> 54 Imperial
>
>
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