lead supplement?
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New User
Joined: Apr 2007
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lead supplement?
and old-timer i was talking to the other asked me if i put any lead supplement into my '49 and was wondering if anyone else did this and i should start.
The motor is the factory 226 I-6 with the 4 spd.
The motor is the factory 226 I-6 with the 4 spd.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 825
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Several Oil Company studies say that lead additives are not required in old engines that previously used leaded gas. I don't put it in my 55 or my 70 Vette. If it bothers you get some lead substitute at Murrays and use it.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Unless you have had the valve seats replaced with hardened ones, IMHO I would add a can every other fillup.
Another issue is the new oils not having sufficient high pressure lube additives for flat tappet cams, especially ones using high performance valve springs.
Another issue is the new oils not having sufficient high pressure lube additives for flat tappet cams, especially ones using high performance valve springs.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 124
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From: Washougal, Washington
Got a few gallons of real lead additive at the Portland Swap Meet about four years ago. Had to go off the premises with the guy, due to "environmental concerns."
It may be my imagination, but the new gas with ethanol doesn't seem too compatable with the lead.
--van
It may be my imagination, but the new gas with ethanol doesn't seem too compatable with the lead.
--van
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 95
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There been alot of back and forth debate on some of the other forums I hang at where FE's and MEL's are discussed, but the real topic of concensus is the damage done to our vintage flat tappet motors due to the declining amounts of zinc being used in modern motor oils.
Zinc plays an important and noble role in pretecting the valve train during cold starts and especially during fresh motor break-ins.
There are a very few brands still of automotive oils with old school grades of zince, but many in the discussions have moved to diesel grade 10W30's and 10W40's such as the Shell Rotella T with high zinc content.
FWIW...
Brian
Zinc plays an important and noble role in pretecting the valve train during cold starts and especially during fresh motor break-ins.
There are a very few brands still of automotive oils with old school grades of zince, but many in the discussions have moved to diesel grade 10W30's and 10W40's such as the Shell Rotella T with high zinc content.
FWIW...
Brian
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
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From: springfield il
i was wondering aout the lead additives myself but phity five you cured that . i use rottella in everything i own or owned except for the wifes new pt turdzer and it has never caused me any problems in any , new or old . i knew it had all the detergents and additives that modern oil seems to be lacking and if it can protect my 3410 kitty cat 12000 miles before the next service it can darn sure take care of my 4 wheeled toys . i even use it in my 4.6 ford mod motor even though i was warned if it wasn't synthetic it'd cause her to blow , yeah right still goin' strong at 276895 and i dont drive that ol' squad very easy !!
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,400
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From: Central PA
This topic comes up every now and again. Someone brought up a study that found that unless you are hauling heavy loads daily and really working the engine hard you don;t need to add lead. I use to put lead additive in my '54 239 Y-block in the mid 80's. Then I stopped doing it. When I became a member of FTE I thought maybe I should use it. I have not used it since the mid 80's and I have no problems with my engine, no smoke, no tapping, no knocking, etc.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Upper Left Coast
If you think you must put leaded gas in your engine just go to the local small airport and get some avgas. Tell them it's for your homebuilt airplane. In just about all cases you can go to the self serve avgas pump and get it yourself.
I ran unleaded gas in my 292 powered 57 Ford Fairlane for many years from 1968 to 1977 and had no problems. Running leaded gas in cars to "save the valve seats" is over rated.
Cheers,
Rick
I ran unleaded gas in my 292 powered 57 Ford Fairlane for many years from 1968 to 1977 and had no problems. Running leaded gas in cars to "save the valve seats" is over rated.
Cheers,
Rick
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