lead additive

[trebmaster]

one of my machines has an older tucompshi motor in it and I would like to run Lead additive in it to keep the valves fresh. is one brand better then another?

[trebmaster]

do I need to run lead?

[boncrshr]

Kinda hoping the brain trust will chime in on this one. I heard somewhere on the news about how the ethanol in gasoline these days is hard on the small motors.

Should we all be running any type of additives to counter the ethanol??

[racerone3]

i've been told that the biggest problem with the ethanol is that it will absorb water. race gas that is pure gasoline can be stored in a sealed drum for over a year without going bad, but pump "gas" will foul in 60 days. a lot of small engines sit for long periods so on pump gas they are more likley to get water in the fuel leading to corrosion. as for lead, i'm not sure. my 71 bronco loves leaded fuel... runs better and quieter. i would say that your best bet would be to find an engine manual online. if the manufacturer recomended leaded fuel, then go for it. i've also read that todays gas has additives other than lead to cushion the valve seats. if no one here chimes in with more usefull info, do a web search for leaded gas and do some reading.

[Roger S]

I have gas stations that offer pure gas for a litle extra cost. Might be worth it since it makes more power/mileage than gas with ethanol.

[LarryW]

I always thought you need leaded fuel in the old days before they made valves out of better metal. The improved the valves so the unleaded gas dont hurt them now. And if you had a old motor you could put the better valves in it and it would be fine. Not sure what old is thought. Must be like 60's or older.