Hash Valve Job

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Hi - How hard is it to do a valve job on a '55 Hudson with a 308? Can the valve springs be compressed and keepers removed (and replaced) from underneath? With the manifolds in place? Thanks Norm

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  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Norm, there will be others with more experience of these cars than me around, but the main problem is that you cannot get acces to the valve chamber in these cars because of the construction of the engine bay. And you cannot remove the manifolds with the engine in place, so it is quite difficult. The one I worked on, we had to undo the engine mounts and exhaust, and jack the engine over to get clearance to get the manifold off. It helps to be a contortionist as well, to be able to get down into the valve chamber! It may be easier to take the engine out. Good luck,

    Geoff.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Norm, I have to agree with Geoff, just getting the manifolds off is a major job. With the tower in the way unless you have the car on a lift you won't be able to get to the valves. I think the best thing to do is pull the engine.



    Harry
  • Nevada Hudson
    Nevada Hudson Senior Contributor
    Thats why they put hydraulic lifters in the Hornet in 1956.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I guess so, I know I can here a little lifter noise but I'm not going to do anything until I can do a complete rebuild. If I have to pull the engine I'm going to make it worth my while.



    Harry
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    herm wrote:
    Hi - How hard is it to do a valve job on a '55 Hudson with a 308? Can the valve springs be compressed and keepers removed (and replaced) from underneath? With the manifolds in place? Thanks Norm
    WALT MORDENTI HERE. FROM DAY ONE YOU HAD TO PULL THE ENGINE JUST TO ADJUST THE VALVES. THE ENGINE DROPS OUT FROM THE BOTTOM. CROSS MEMBERS ARE MADE TO REMOVE. THIS CAN BE DONE ON A LIFT. THE FACTORY GAVE A TIME OF 5 HOURS TO RESET THE VALVES. THE ONLY THING IS WHO HAS THAT SPECIAL JACK TO SUPPORT THE ENGINE TODAY. YOU LOWERED THE ENGINE, SET THE VALVES AND PUT IT RIGHT BACK INTO THE CHASSIS.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Walt, would a transmission jack support the engine?



    Harry
  • SamJ
    SamJ Senior Contributor
    Herm, I've never known you to make a hash of a valve job...:D
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Harry Hill wrote:
    Walt, would a transmission jack support the engine?



    Harry
    When they were being built the engine, transmission and the torque tube rear was installed from underside as a complete unit. Disconnecta all lines and electrical connections, drain water and remove hoses. You then will have to disconnect the torque tube from the transmission then you can lower the unit as one. I don't think a transmission jack would support and balance that mush weight. You will need to make a jig to fit the oil pan and also fit the transmission. We used to raise the car, unhook the sway bar, disconnect the brake line and remove all bolts except one at the torque bell. Lower the car and remove the lower shock nuts and take off the bolt at the bell housing and slide the rear back. One half hour job. Then raise the car, fit the jack and remove the cross member bolts and down it will come. Adjust valves while standing up. I'll bet those special jacks all ended up in scrap. Walt.
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