How to fix engine blow-by without doing a complete engine job?

Question:

Has anyone come up with a sure-fire way to correct the problem of engine blow-by short of doing a complete engine job? My 1956 Packard 400 has this problem. I tried an over-the-counter engine treatment oil, but it didn’t seem to help much. Maybe I didn’t leave it in long enough, but how long is long enough? Is there anything else I can do?

Answer:

l am not aware of any easy solutions to your problem. While I have seen engine-treatment oil lessen engine knocks and free stuck lifters, I have never seen one that cures blowby. You may be able to solve the problem by honing the cylinder walls and installing new piston rings, which is short of doing a complete engine job. However, once you go to the trouble and expense of removing the engine from the car and disassembling it, you would be foolish not to do everything the engine needs. It is possible that new rings and a honing will fix the blow-by problem, but don’t count on it. Most engines experience blow-by only after they have gone many miles, and engines that have gone many miles usually need more than just new rings.