1938 Cadillac V16 - GM Heritage Center

Developed for and first
used by Cadillac, this
machine polishes all
the lobes of the camshaft
at once to an extremely
smooth finish,
which could not possibly
be obtained by antedated
hand methods.
Accuracy of cam contours
are carefully
checked because of their
importance to performance,
with a micrometer
and wheel graduated
into minutes to
simplify the reading of
very slight irregularities
on the cam surface.
The block test provides
a carefully covered run
in with special oil under
constant pressure to remove
all metallic particles
and foreign matter,
and to provide an
opportunity for inspectors
to check the operation
of every part of
the completed engine.
This relieves owners of
the tiresome 500 mile
break-in so necessary
in other makes of cars.
Briefly outlined and illustrated, these are but a few of the craftsmanship
operations in every day use at the Cadillac factory. No mention has been
made, for example, of transmission and rear axle construction or propeller
shaft balance. Reference to precision is necessarily frequent on all of the
following pages describing the detailed construction of all parts of Cadillac-
La Salle cars because every skilled workman at the plant adheres conscientiously
to Cadillac's motto, "Craftsmanship a Creed Accuracy a Law."
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