We just started up the 1962 after 2 months of being laid up for repairs. The valve train is very noisy and taking quite some time for the lifters to pump up. There "may" be a stuck valve in amongst all that but the noise is coming from more than just one valve. We have only recently bought this car so don't know what grade of oil is it in. I've read some threads on differing views on whether to put a can of engine flush through it. I was then going to put in fresh oil and filter --- 20W / 50 and a can of lifter stuff. Our environment is very similar to California, except probably hotter most summers ( we just had 4 days in a row of 110 F ) The engine is the original and most likely never been out. Miles ?? So, am I on the right track with trying to free up the valve train ?
Also, once I started using Brad Penn 30W I have virtually zero clatter/noise. Prior to that I experienced it at start up most times until operating temperature was reached. 137k miles on my 401.
Ken, 20W / 50 will serve you well. Change oil and DRIVE it a few hundred miles. Change again if it gets dirty right away. Also driving a is more fun than adding snake oil and waiting for results.
Thanks for the advice everybody. Yes Willie, that's what it needs --- a good run. When we get the paperwork , insurance etc. finalized we will give it a decent run. Bought some goop to put in there to hopefully help out.
I don't know if it is still available, but I have had great results with Wynn's Engine Tune up. I'll also take a different route and suggest a very light oil weight - perhaps SAE 10 HD (unless you are driving in 90+ F temperatures). The lighter weight will flow more freely in tight passages. Check the manual on the engine - I have forgotten what Buick recommends, but I know that 10 was approved for certain temperature ranges. If your engine won't maintain decent oil pressure on 10 weight - you have problems that should be looked at anyway.
