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10-15-2023, 08:30 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: 215 E. 6th Street Northport, Michigan 49670
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1954 Mercury 256 engine question
When my Mercury sits for a couple weeks, it smokes alot for several minutes when started till it clears out. I assume it is valve seals. Can those seals be replaced without removing the head, or do I need to pull the heads and do a valve job while I'm at it.??
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Bob from Northport Northport, Michigan |
10-15-2023, 10:39 AM | #2 |
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Re: 1954 Mercury 256 engine question
Well, they can be replaced while on the car but it requires a couple of special tools.
The rocker arm assemblies have to be removed and an air hose adapter is required to charge the cylinder to keep the valves from dropping. Then you need a tool to compress the springs and release the locks. But the best part is you will be able to examine the rocker arms and shaft(s) for wear and give it a good valve adjustment.
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10-15-2023, 03:45 PM | #3 |
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Re: 1954 Mercury 256 engine question
My '55 with 292 started smoking a little bit about 3 years back. I popped both heads off and used a large C-clamp (with a notch in one end for the valve stem) to compress the valve springs facilitating removal of the valve "keepers". I cleaned the valve seat surfaces with a wire-brush attachment in a drill. I took the valves themselves and ground off the crud on the valves where they mate with the seats. Got a head-gasket set (which comes with the seals at the top of the head). After re-assembly, it didn't smoke anymore.
Took one night after work to do each head, total of two days. The dis-assembly and re-assembly I did in a couple hours each, but I'm slow and careful and detail oriented. This included cleaning with solvent and wiping parts dry. I used a pipe cleaner soaked in engine oil to lube the valve guides before putting valves back in. Some folks will number each valve and put 'em back in the same spot. I didn't, so I had to perform a new valve lash adjustment once I started her up, but even then they were all real close to where I wanted them to be. Costed NOTHINg but for the head gasket set and i'm still good to go. |
10-16-2023, 07:47 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Apr 2019
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Re: 1954 Mercury 256 engine question
Check with auto parts stores that loan tools, they might have valve spring compressors.
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10-16-2023, 12:30 PM | #5 |
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Re: 1954 Mercury 256 engine question
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