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08-31-2004, 04:21 PM | #1 |
Truck addict
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Lincoln, California
Posts: 497
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Do you have to run leaded?
Since our engines weren't designed to run on unleaded fuel is it ok to do so. I read somewhere that if you are going to run unleaded you have to have the valve seats hardened. Is this true? What do you guys run? I don't even know of a gas station that sells leaded fuel anymore.
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1956 Chevy Napco 1972 Cheyenne Super 1970 K20 |
08-31-2004, 04:23 PM | #2 |
67 is sold
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Troy, Michigan
Posts: 6,738
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I've always ran 87 Unleaded in my '67 up to the time I pulled the engine a month or so ago with no issues
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08-31-2004, 04:47 PM | #3 |
Post Whore
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA
Posts: 12,684
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This was my first question on this board more than 4 years ago - most people say go for it and if you have a problem, then have hardened valve seats installed.
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1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 |
08-31-2004, 07:55 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Old Mission, MI, USA
Posts: 2,510
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You will definitely not have a problem in a '72. The valve seats were induction hardened by then for sure in anticipation of the switch to unleaded fuel. They didn't just decide all of a sudden one day to go to unleaded and immediately screw over anyone who had bought a vehicle prior to that day.
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Tim |
08-31-2004, 08:03 PM | #5 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: May 2002
Location: I let ya know as soon as I know
Posts: 3,593
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Didn't know you could buy leaded gas. You can't buy it in Canada
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08-31-2004, 08:51 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Muskegon,MI,USA
Posts: 6,026
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You can buy lead additives to mix with unleaded gasoline. Unless you are pulling a trailer for example where you cause the valves to run hot, you probably will never have a problem. Normal everyday driving does not seem to hurt the trucks and as was mentioned, the 72's had hardened seats. I believe that the 71's had heads with hardened seats in the last 6 months of production.
Jim |
08-31-2004, 09:01 PM | #7 | |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,670
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Quote:
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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08-31-2004, 09:21 PM | #8 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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I remember leaded fuel into the mid 80's here in ohio...I remember my dad had the cat removed from his 78 Aspen Station wagon (318 w/2bbl) so he could run the cheaper leaded fuel.
Loading down an engine with big loads, or running for extended periods of time over 3000 RPM are the two main problems running new gas in old engines. The military spent more money than you and I will ever make to confirm this when the lead started to disapear. The actual lead substitutes are off the shelf now if I am not mistaken...now there are lead substitutes. |
08-31-2004, 10:09 PM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MN
Posts: 380
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I have a '72 with the original 350. It was manufactured Nov. 1971. When I rebuild the heads last fall, the seats were badly pitted from running unleaded. I had a machine shop check and see if they were hardened seats, and they said that they were not. I installed new hardened exhaust seats...
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1972 C10 1972 C20 |
09-01-2004, 01:53 AM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Posts: 7,358
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The actual lead substitutes are off the shelf now if I am not mistaken...now there are lead substitutes.[/QUOTE]
Actually, The Paddock still lists "Max Lead" in their newest catalog. Tetra-ethyl lead octane booster. 12 Oz. good for 20 Gals. Spendy: $9 for a quart or $33/Gallon. Try: www.paddockparts.com They are also the only people to carry '68 interior silver fawn iridescent lacquer.
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. |
09-01-2004, 03:12 AM | #11 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Nor Cal, Sonoma
Posts: 324
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Like longhorn said, if your going to run leaded, makesure you dont have a cat, so you dont burn it up/ melt it down.
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09-01-2004, 01:29 PM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 519
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What Chevron says
Here's how Chevron weighs in on the topic.
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69 C-10 LWB, 350, 700r4, 3.73 posi-traction, front disc brakes. Built for the desert- She can take the heat! Vivat Rex Chevus! |
09-01-2004, 07:29 PM | #14 |
Got Light Emitting Diode?
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Newberg, OR
Posts: 2,485
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how many of you guys have one of these:
"The problem can only occur in older engines when operating under sustained high speeds"
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1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler |
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