Filling the gas tank of a M211 - Do I need lead additive?

[badgeboy16]

OK, another dumb question here.....Do I need to add lead substitute additive to the gas?

I saw this truck run when I bought it three weeks ago, had it trucked home, pulled the batteries and there it sits. I really want to drive this truck around....but want to make sure that all the needed PM is done first.

As always, I greatly appreciate all of you help!

 

[Westech]

RE: Filling the gas tank of a M211 - Do I need lead additive

dont think so.

 

[westfolk]

RE: Filling the gas tank of a M211 - Do I need lead additive

Your call. Of all the ones I've had, around 20 of them(still have M135) I never added it. It wouldn't hurt to give it to the engine. I never experienced any problems though.

 

[clinto]

RE: Filling the gas tank of a M211 - Do I need lead additive

Biggest reason lead subsitute would be added to an older engine is to combat exhaust valve seat recession. In older engines, the lead actually helped protect the exhaust valve seat from wearing away. In modern engines, they have hardened exhaust valve seats to protect against this (since lead is gone).

I have owned antique cars most of my life and never run a lead substitute. When you rebuild it or pull the head, have a machine shop install hardened exhaust valve seats and don't worry about it.

 

[JasonS]

Lead was added because it was a cheap way to increase the octane. Supposedly, it is harder on the exhaust seats.

 

[n1vbn]

As I remember the US Military used lead free mogas during WW II and all gas engines for the Military in WW II were built with hardened valve seats.

Jim

 

[DDoyle]

Even in the 50s leaded gas was not typical globally - as the U.S. military buys vehicles to operate worldwide, leaded gasoline was not a factor at the time, nor was high octane. Essentially, if the product is labelled "gasoline" the GMC should burn it without problem, or damage.

Hope this helps,
David Doyle

 

[Westech]

even in cars that take led gas.. as long as you dont race them the seats are good to go. its only under really high heat do the seats start to get soft.