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| | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 96 Member | | Member Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 96 | As you all know our trucks use to run on leaded gasoline. My truck was parked before they switched to unleaded gasoline so it has never run on unleaded gasoline. What are the effects of running Unleaded gasoline in an engine that was designed to run on leaded gas? thanks | | | | | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,571 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 1,571 | You may or may not have a problem with the softer valve seats. If you're getting the engine rebuilt, I'd have hardened seats installed...if not, I would just drive it and see how it goes. Some of the more experienced mechanics will probably chime in here with better explanations.  | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 477 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2001 Posts: 477 | run her til she drops. tetraethyl lead (big word for a brokedown cop) was used more as a lubricant for the valves, as i understand it. in time, the valve seats take the brunt of the damage. this ain't an overnight thing, so personally iwouldn't worry about it. you can buy a replacement product from aftermarket stores, but personally-------aaaaaaah, why bother | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 466 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 466 | The way I filtered out this is....
If you are running a in-line 6 (low rev. motor), no worry. Even the manufacturer of the additive says it is not needed. On the other hand, if you are running a V-8 (higher rev. motor), it will be a problem WAY OUT in the future. I rebuilt a 283 V-8 and had the hardened seats put in at that time. I don't think it is worth a head rebuild just to do seats.
Drive it and put in additive if it gives you peace of mind, its not much $$$$
Others will chime in.....
Buddy | | | | | Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 75 Member | | Member Joined: Feb 2002 Posts: 75 | I'm as much a VW nut as old truck nut, so here's my .02: It makes a huge diffence on an air cooled engine, where the seats are right on the edge of burning up. For a water cooled beast, the problem is minimal, except in extreme conditions like really lean fuel/air mixtures and advanced timing. Just wait till head rebuild time in the future and consider upgrading then.
'53 chevy 3/4 ton
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 | You can buy a lead additive at most auto parts stores.It is not expensive. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 96 Member | | Member Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 96 | Thanks guys, i just wanted to make sure my engine wont blow up when i start it or it would do serious internal damage. | | |
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