Fuel For Non-Catalytic Engine
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New User
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Olympia, Wa.
Fuel For Non-Catalytic Engine
I've been enjoying our new (to us) 1977 F150, and hanging out in this little corner of the internet 
A question for y'all:
We have the straight-six 300 non-catalytic engine. What type of fuel should we be running? We are fortunate enough to have a few stations in town that offer ethanol-free fuel, but I haven't any idea what octane rating it is; I've been told that the higher the octane the better...
Suggestions?
Thanks!
A question for y'all:
We have the straight-six 300 non-catalytic engine. What type of fuel should we be running? We are fortunate enough to have a few stations in town that offer ethanol-free fuel, but I haven't any idea what octane rating it is; I've been told that the higher the octane the better...
Suggestions?
Thanks!
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Higher octane fuel is only "good" if the engine requires it. If it doesn't, you're spending money unnecessarily.
Because you have a non-catalytic engine, it was designed to run on leaded regular fuel, unavailable now days.
Personally I prefer non-ethanol fuel for these old trucks.
The heads in these engines were built to run on either leaded or unleaded fuel so the valve seats were induction hardened to help prevent valve seat recession when operated on unleaded fuel, however, after many miles and valve jobs, the hardening is probably gone so I would add a lead substitute to the fuel.
Because you have a non-catalytic engine, it was designed to run on leaded regular fuel, unavailable now days.
Personally I prefer non-ethanol fuel for these old trucks.
The heads in these engines were built to run on either leaded or unleaded fuel so the valve seats were induction hardened to help prevent valve seat recession when operated on unleaded fuel, however, after many miles and valve jobs, the hardening is probably gone so I would add a lead substitute to the fuel.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
As Mike said, anything built from about 72/73 on was made for unleaded fuel... even if it did not need it. The 300, unless heavily modified, would have been made for "regular". If it runs well and does not "ping" on regular should be fine.
I too prefer non-Ethanol fuel... but like to run what is available and often ethanol fuel is what is available so that's what I run when needed.
Older rubber parts like fuel lines may not hold up to ethanol fuel to so well. They can get soft and collapse under fuel pump suction or crack and leak air or fuel. By now - probably - these old parts have been changed with ethanol compatible versions. Good idea to inspect and change if needed the rubber lines in your fuel system. This drove me nuts on my truck until I figured it out.
I too prefer non-Ethanol fuel... but like to run what is available and often ethanol fuel is what is available so that's what I run when needed.
Older rubber parts like fuel lines may not hold up to ethanol fuel to so well. They can get soft and collapse under fuel pump suction or crack and leak air or fuel. By now - probably - these old parts have been changed with ethanol compatible versions. Good idea to inspect and change if needed the rubber lines in your fuel system. This drove me nuts on my truck until I figured it out.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
on was made for unleaded fuel... even if it did not need it. The 300, unless heavily modified, would have been made for "regular". If it runs well and does not "ping" on regular should be fine.When first introduced (1970/72), it was mandatory in sold new in CA Passenger Cars, Bronco's, Econolines and F100's.
Other states may have mandated it as well. By 1979, most states mandated Evaporative Emission.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 611
Likes: 3
From: Estevan, Saskatchewan
I try to stick with the "real" gasoline with no or little ethanol in it. Locally I have Esso, Fast Gas and Gas bar that are still on the old fashioned stuff. I find that Shell and Petrocanada and Coop are not too bad.
Used to have a gas station "Mohawk" that was insanely high ethanol rating. Found out the hard way with my old 80 chevy heavy half. Would burn through a tank in the time it took me to use half a tank of the real stuff!
Used to have a gas station "Mohawk" that was insanely high ethanol rating. Found out the hard way with my old 80 chevy heavy half. Would burn through a tank in the time it took me to use half a tank of the real stuff!
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