After driving the hell out of my car this summer, at least 5K miles, I decided it was time to do the valves. It has been about 6.5K miles since the last time and I usually am more prompt than that. So I open her up, run through the valves and not one is out more than 0.002 if that, as the spec usually doesn't get it that close. Personally I set at .018. I am so impressed with the service this engine is given me. I have maybe 30,000 miles on the rebuild I did years ago, and on a recent 2300 mile return trip I made to look at a bus ('53 GM PD4104 which I just bought) it used maybe 1 litre of oil. We are talking summer driving through rolling country side with lots of long grades and long 16 hr + days. Plus the added bonus, if you remove the bench seat of a 220, you can sleep quite comfortably back there on a road trip. . The oil consumption has actually gone down over the years, I think maybe the rings are just starting to seat themselves perfectly.
All this to say, I have a '68 220, with electronic ('75 240) ignition, o.d. tranny (same '75 240) cruise control and a tach. Untill this weekend all the work I had done in the past 3 years was oilchanges and fluids. I did the tie rods sunday, and will do the shocks this week, and since I am a maintenance freak, I will repack the bearing before the next long trip, but this car is truly the best a car can get.
I really think the electronic ignition helps get a cleaner burning higher reving engine, when I had points I just couldn't get it to run smooth like now, this means a better burn and less valve damage. It's funny though, I still keep the original points distributor, all fine tuned and ready to go in the spare wheel well, I will not be stranded by electronics! BTDT.
So all you out there who are wrestling with the assorted gremlins that POs and time have wormed into your car, keep on keeping on! Once you get these babies sorted there is nothing like a 60s 120 (except maybe a '60s P1800 but they aren't as practical and are heavier if I remember correctly).
Also thank you to all those at brickboard who have helped me over the years, without BB I don't think I would have had the depth of experience to make such a tight hardworking car. Patrick.