1954 Buick Century Help with ID engine

[heybozo]

hello, I am new to this site, I have a 1954 buick Century, though engine smokes a bite I am trying to ID the engine but not having that much luck. The number I found on the drive side of the block is V5186356.

I do not know why it smokes maybe stuck rings? need some assistance, thank you
Kevin

[Airy Cat]

That engine number is correct for a 1954 Model 60. The last number in the serial number is a 6 which means you have the 322 cid century engine. If it ended in a 4 it would be a 264 cid Special, a 5 Super, and a 7 Roadmaster.

[heybozo]

Thank you for the information, it helps alot, though i have a bigger problem the smoke coming form my enigne is due to the rings, I just purchase this vechicel and i thought the engine would be the good part of this buick. The previous owner has done a valve job on the engine but didn't do the bottom half. I need a little help on what to do. I really don't have the time to do the engine myself, and i would like to get a working " i mean good nailhead" engine in there as sone as possible. I would like to throw it out there too you guys to get your opinion.

Some times you need to kick the tires to find some answer. What to do, what to do?

[Tom Gallagher]

Hey Kevin

I see that You are a NEW MEMBER !

WELCOME ABOARD!
YOU certainly have come to the RIGHT PLACE

The Smoke could be caused by almost anything

Dirty or improperly set carb

Oil deposits etc.

Change the oil and filter and open her up a bit and let her breath some fresh air and work a little bit and see what happens.

A good run will blow out a LOT of problems.

It doesn't solve ALL problems...but it will give You a place to start.

ALL these things are Trial and Error by the process of Elimination.

Just my 2 Cents worth.

Tell US more about Your Car, How You found it Color etc.

The difference between a Mid 50's Buick and a Chevy is that You got Twice the Car at Half the Price and a "Bow-Tie" in Your Rear View Mirror.

Regards and Congrats on Your New Buick,

Tom Gallagher

[heybozo]

Thank you Tom for your two cents, I need all the cents i can get. Okay about the 54 Buick. Its going to need some TLC I am a newbee to Buicks but i love the look of the car the first time I saw one when i wan around 10 year old. My Buick is more of a rat rod lower a little wide white wall tires and a cream color I think.


But all that will change in do time. But first thing first is to get the 54 running in top form. I going to do what Tom mention change the oil open the girl up an let her breath..

I will enjoy the help from all you guy on my 54 buick project. i try to upload some pictures next time.. All so, if you guy now of a good shop near the Downey area please let me now?


Kevin

[Tom Gallagher]

Hey Kevin,

Who Knows what type of Fuel is in the System or how long it's been there.

Some Gumout in the Carb and some ( or some of that SEAFOAM Additive) in the Tank my HELP!

Cruise around a bit and empty the tank.

Refill with some good Premium Fuel and add some STABLE

Flush out the Radiator.

Old Anti-freeze is corrosive as hell and eats away at the lead soldier joints

Since you don't know the vehicles history I would change ALL Fluids, start from scratch and at least get a handle on a new updated Maintenance schedule.

The Front End is Also a Concern in that there are about 2 dozen "greese fittings" in the suspension and Steering controls.

We also can't forget the "Breaking System" which is a week point even when in fully operating condition (numerious instances of "Brake Fade")

Just thought that I would give You a "Heads-Up" on what problem you could run into.

Regards,

Tom Gallagher