Brief Introduction

[mabbonizio]

Hi All,

I have a 1954 300b Cab D and wanted to introduce myself. I posted in the tech help forum but thought I might get some more insight here as this is the vintage section.

The car has a M186 that runs (kinda) well, has been in my family since 1958, and has been running since about 2000 thanks to my dad. After he passed away the car sat for about a year in storage and I recently pulled it out. I gave it a tune up, except for the points - I have to admit I'm kinda scared to mess with them, changed the motor oil and check the valve clearances.

When checking the valve clearances I found them all within spec, but found (what I think) to be excessive play at the ends of the rocker arm shafts. Here is a video: . Keep in mind the head was rebuilt about 500-800 miles ago. The car has 65k miles.

The engine pulls strong but has a chatter that is best heard with the top and windows up. It's a very fast rhythmic ticking, softer than typical valve chatter predominately under slight load, and through just part of the rpm range - when the engine is warm.

The water pump/generator also seems to have some chatter if I rev the car freely in neutral.

I'm wondering If I've used the correct oil, as per the manual 5-30 weight, but should I use a heavier weight oil or put in an additive?

Just hoping someone on here will be familiar with the M186 and it's fuel injected counterpart the 189 and could shed some light on their typical noises.

Heres she is: