VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Engine Problem Follow-up

On 07-21-18 I posted a noise and low compression (40 Lbs.) on the #2 cylinder on the 1954 235 engine in my 1952 Styleline Deluxe 4-door. On disassembly the problem turned out to be 2 broken rings on the #2 piston. The piston also had a very small crack at the pin hole so we are also replacing the piston. We were surprised to find that the cylinder bore and the connecting rod inserts are standard, and that there is virtually no ridge at the top of the bore. I didn't expect to find that on a 64 year old engine. Although the cylinder head appears to be fine, we decided to have a machine shop go over it since it is already off the engine. I was able to get the head gasket set (copper clad rather than fiber), oil pan gasket set, piston and rings, at NAPA by special order. I will send another post when it is back together and running.
Fred

Thanks for the up-date. That is not a common 235 problem UNLESS THE PREVIOUS OWNER USED AN EXTENDED TIP SPARK PLUG (HAS NUMBER ENDING IN A "S" IF AC OR A CHAMPION J12Y FOR EXAMPLE.

The plugs are AC45-5. The stock plug for the 235 engine is an AC44-5. The AC45-5 does not have an extended tip and should not have caused the problem. Although I am aware that broken rings can occur, this is my first experience with this problem over many years and many antique and classic cars I have owned and worked on. I guess there is a first time for everything. We never stop learning. I learned that ADVANCE AUTO PARTS had the exact same gasket sets, piston, and rings, online for less money, plus a 22% discount and free shipping. I cancelled the NAPA order and saved a substantial amount of money.
Fred

There is no AC plug number as 45-5.....do you mean just 45? That is all AC makes today and a good heat range.
The old orginal 44-5 was discontinued many years ago.

The plugs are AC45 and not AC45-5. I added the 5 without double checking. The AC44-5 was a popular plug in its day and , although discontinued years ago, NOS plugs still show up at car show flea markets and on E-Bay.
Fred