The Ford Barn

Bob from Northport · 10-15-2023, 08:30 AM

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.??

KULTULZ · 10-15-2023, 10:39 AM

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.

Daves55Sedan · 10-15-2023, 03:45 PM

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.

58Yeoman · 10-16-2023, 07:47 AM

Check with auto parts stores that loan tools, they might have valve spring compressors.

darrell · 10-16-2023, 12:30 PM

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if you dont have air you can bring the pistons to the top.

10-15-2023, 08:30 AM	#1
Bob from Northport Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: 215 E. 6th Street Northport, Michigan 49670 Posts: 941	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.?? __________________ Bob from Northport Northport, Michigan

10-15-2023, 10:39 AM	#2
KULTULZ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: IN A 'GALAXIE' FAR FAR AWAY Posts: 6,485	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. __________________ ***** We should have a contest. The player has to start at the very last post of a thread & then try to guess what the OP's original question was about ...

10-15-2023, 03:45 PM	#3
Daves55Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Granite City, Illinois Posts: 3,008	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
58Yeoman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Posts: 187	Re: 1954 Mercury 256 engine question Check with auto parts stores that loan tools, they might have valve spring compressors.

10-16-2023, 12:30 PM	#5
darrell Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: p.e.i. Posts: 1,060	Re: 1954 Mercury 256 engine question Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) if you dont have air you can bring the pistons to the top.