Hi All
I have recently acquired a 1955 C3100, 235 inline 6, first series that the owner I bought from said the engine was recently rebuilt by the previous owner.
I examined the engine and it is clean, has no leaks and starts right up and idles well, has no indication of blue smoke, etc. I have no indication it has not been rebuilt, although my spring tests will now also include compression tests and vacuum tests (Just got a compression gauge, dwell meter, etc. to work on her after getting rid of those tools years ago)
The owner I bought it from was able to answer all of my questions on the engine but one, and that was regarding if the 235 was rebuilt with hardened valve seats for unleaded gas. The person I bought it from did not know, but was otherwise quite knowledgeable on the engine, which was a bit surprising to me.
So, as it sits in my garage waiting for spring, I am wondering if I should take up adding lead substitute I see available in the auto stores to each tank of gas. If I assume the head was also rebuilt with the block, and both were done within the last 5 years or so (Owner I bought it from only had it 2 years), then I would guess the shop would add hardened seats as a matter of standard practice.
I cannot think of any way to tell if this is the case, so I am leaning towards adding lead substitute to each tank of gas as a precaution. I should add I will only be driving the truck a few thousand miles a year for enjoyment, not work or daily driver
I would appreciate opinions or advice here - any other way to check for hardened valve seats? — The previous owner, who did not put a significant amount of mileage on the rebuilt motor, said he ran without additive. I am concerned I will hammer the valve train if no lead is in the gas and no remedial action was taken on the original head and valve seats
thanks to all who respond
Joe
