Is Lead Replacement Necessary?
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Joined: May 2019
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Maybe.
Lots of these engines run fine for years on unleaded. Are you going to work yours hard? Tow, haul etc? The harder the engine works, the greater the chance you will have valve issues due to the lack of lead.
Even "in the day" a burned valve was not a surprise, even under 100,000 miles. (our '66, 41000 miles for a burned valve)
As to the 360, it is a low compression, sunken piston engine that lasts a long time, burns a lot of gas, and makes modest power.
As an added feature, Ford neoprene umbrella valve seals start to crack and break on the drive home from the new vehicle dealer. So, you might be getting a touch of valve and upper cylinder lube already. Do you get a blue puff or cloud on start up?
Lots of these engines run fine for years on unleaded. Are you going to work yours hard? Tow, haul etc? The harder the engine works, the greater the chance you will have valve issues due to the lack of lead.
Even "in the day" a burned valve was not a surprise, even under 100,000 miles. (our '66, 41000 miles for a burned valve)
As to the 360, it is a low compression, sunken piston engine that lasts a long time, burns a lot of gas, and makes modest power.
As an added feature, Ford neoprene umbrella valve seals start to crack and break on the drive home from the new vehicle dealer. So, you might be getting a touch of valve and upper cylinder lube already. Do you get a blue puff or cloud on start up?
No, I won't be working the truck hard -- nor even using it much. I just need something to make runs to the dump, or to pick up something from the 'box store' that's too big for the car, etc. But since I own it, I'd like it to run well, and I want to be mindful of things that might be harmful to it. And of course, I'm hoping to make it look really nice over time...
I haven't enough experience with it yet to answer your blue-cloud question -- but given its age (and present running condition), I'd be pretty surprised if it doesn't. Whether it's valve related or not....
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,295
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From: Southern CA
As I only drive my 1971 F250 L6 300 2-3 times a week with very light loads or empty I run 87 octane gas in it. I run Rotella 15w40 oil that has a bit more zink in it. Motor RPM are 2500-3500 most of the time. Just a fun old cruiser.
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