1915 Buick "Twin Six", V-12

[electra225]

I had no idea such a machine was ever built. This video says two were built, only this one survives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dur_qIMyloI

[TC Chris]

Was there any lube for the valve train?

Chris Campbell

[electra225]

The little tubes on top of the rocker arms were for oiling the rockers. Buick sixes of that ear were like that, with open push rods. I think 1917 was the first year the valve train was covered on Buick engines.

[William]

Can you imagine how much dirt all those moving oily parts would attract. Living where you live, Greg, and driving it in one of your dust storms. Or, up north during the winter and all of the salt. That is a cool engine but I can see why Buick only made 2.

Bill

[electra225]

When did the Packard Twin Six come out, I think it was around that time. Can you imagine Buick being in hard competition with Packard? All of Buick's engines of that era ran open pushrods. And, yeah, by today's standards, engine wear must have been horrendous. I know a guy who has a 1910 Buick that he still drives. You have to fill the "primers" and do perform certain maintenance and operational procedures we don't even think about today. The open valve train parts had to be replaced frequently, maybe every 1000 miles.....