1938 LaSalle Production - GM Heritage Center

directly to the cooling water whereas valve seat inserts
retard heat dissipation.
An additional objection arising from the use of valve
seat inserts is the reduction of valve openings which
curbs power output and engine efficiency. Also warpage
and distortion of valve seat within the block results
from the unequal heat expansion and coefficients of the
two metals. This causes incorrect valve fitting and
wasted power.
Cadillac not only uses quality block material of high
heat dissipating characteristics, but also positively and
forcefully cools valve seats by direct water flow.
Through the use of hydraulic valve silencers, constantly
accurate valve adjustment is maintained which postpones
the need for valve grinding far longer than the
conventional valve mechanism with inserts.
Camshaft
The camshaft is a case-hardened steel forging driven
by a silent chain from the crankshaft. Chain drive is far
superior to any type or material of gears because it is
stronger, quieter and greatly reduces wear. Hence, it
is longer lived and more positive without servicing.
Bearings are steel-backed for strength and are lubricated
directly through passages in the crankcase. Only
three are necessary because of compact "V-type design.
By using hydraulic valve silencers, Cadillac has
designed special cam contours which permit fast opening
and closing of valves and large openings, admitting
great quantities of fuel mixture for high power output
and acceleration.
Integral with the camshaft at the rear is an accessory
drive gear which drives the distributor and oil pump
drive shafts.
REVISED 12-15-37
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