Story 1 A rain last Thursday washed the salt away and temps are climbing since Saturday in Northern Ohio. Took the '49 out for a good test run. The engine always had a bit of a lope and last fall developed a tick. Long story short, found several push rods severely worn and they were all in upside down. On the '49 the ends are different. Replace the push rods and she ran rough. With advice from guys on the forum much smarter than me, experimented with shims under the rocker assembly and - tada - runs great. Weather prevented a good run last fall, so now she's been out and the engine is fantastic. Still have a chassis vibration on a sweeping turn, but will post that separately on technical section.
Story 2 After a run in the '49, took the '70 for a good run. Purchased this pristine 7,000 mile CDV last fall knowing it had an engine tick when warm, but price was right and took the leap. Through another forum guy smarter than me I was directed to a June 1970 service bulletin that indicated on some engines a retainer that prevented walking by the rocker arms needed to tightened. So we pulled the valve covers, started the engine, waited to get warm and tick, place a large screwdriver against the retainer and - tada - the tick stopped. Pulled the retainers, pressed the ends in a bit to tighten. Again, had to wait for better weather for a good run and yesterday was it. That 472 is magnificent. So now I'm a happy camper after taking advantage to some mid-winter "Cadillac Weather".
Interesting story, Jim. Indeed, my '72 CdV is making also a ticking noise when warm. Do you have a picture about that retainer?
Jim,
That is great news, but isn't the 41 feeling neglected?
Is the retainer you are referring the thing with the right arrow?
Engine's valves.jpg
Yes Roger. The bulletin suggested pushing against that tab with a screwdriver which we did and the tick stopped. We removed the last two retainers on the left engine bank and bend the tabs in slightly and reinstalled. Worked fine. Ill try to upload the bulletin.
1970 Service Bulletin.png
Bob
I don't want to take the '41 out until I get a new bronze bushing in the clutch pivot. I found a lot of play in it. It works fine, but just don't want to push it until fixed.
Jim
Thanks for the bulletin; it's perfectly clear now!
Yes, it was a very nice February weekend here in Ohio, at least in Columbus. Got both my 66 Feetwood and my 63 GM brand 'P' out for a good run to a Saturday and a Sunday Cars and coffee event. I drive these as often as I can, even in the winter, provided that rains have washed the salt away.