i have a 69 with a 390 should i worry about the valves??? can i add diesel or kero to the gass to help lub the valve train??? thanks to all ... russ

 

You don't have to worry too much as long as the valves have'nt been re-done. There will be a buildup of lead on them that lasts a long time. Lead substitute is still available, if you are concerned about it. One $2 bottle will treat a tank of gas.
You may want to check the part numbers on the heads if they aren't known to be originals, Ford switched to hardened valve seats around 72-73.

 

At walmart they have what they call CD-2 lead substitute it has a built in measurer in the bottle so you get the right amount. It will treat 160 gallons of gas so it will last alot of fillups. I dont remember the price but it may be around 4 bucks at most. I use it at every fillup with great results. My 70 302 loves it.

 

Russ, My FE runs fine on the cheapest gas around. I recently had heads to go bad because the machine shop that was supposed to do the job didn't and I had one valve 1/8" up in the head. I'm thinking there is something to the hardened seats afterall.

John

 

I've been using CD-2 myself for years now in my '66 390 and haven't had any problems yet with valves falling apart. It say's it is for off-road use only and of course that is where we use it. Isn't that right guys? Of course it is.

-1bigsteve (o:

 

If the heads have been rebuilt or they are of the D2T casting number, they will have the hardened seats, no need for the substitute lead.

--Mike

 

not shure on the history of the motor but will look for the casting # tommrow are thay in plain sight ??

 

You have to pull your valve covers to see the casting numbers.

 

thats cool wanted to do that anyways i pulled the pan plesently suprised no gunk lol

 

On the FE engine heads, the casting numbers are in the location of the two middle spark plugs, left/right of the center head bolt, no need to pull valve covers....

--Mike

 

Thanks mike I am used to small blocks. My mistake.