Lead additive and Ethanol fuel treatments
Does anyone have any thoughts regarding using lead substitute in my '63 Chevrolet BelAir with the 283 CID V-8 engine? I currently have it in winter storage with 89 octane unleaded fuel with StaBil in the tank. I have had some folks tell me they use the stuff religiously others tell me they never use the stuff and have no problems. Also thoughts on using an additive to counteract harmful effects of Ethanol? We run E-10 in this area.
I wouldn't worry about the lead unless you are planning the Bel Air as a daily driver. The lead provided lubrication on the valve seals. Without lead, they wear out sooner and leak. If you're driving around a couple - three thousand miles a year, you'll be fine. I would continue to use StaBil to keep the alcohol in the gasoline stable.
Absolutely need the StaBil. You may find, to, that the rubber parts of the fuel system will need changing, and the carburetor may need rebuilding, as the ethanol is lousy for them, too.
Thanks everyone, I appreciate each and every reply. I don't know of anywhere I can buy non ethanol fuel except aviation fuel at a gazillion dollars a gallon. Based on your replies I think I'll continue to run the lead substitute and the Lucas or StarTron Ethanol treatment with 89 octane unleaded mid grade fuel. The additives aren't that pricey and all the possible problems with not using them sound expensive. I don't plan on making the Bel Air a daily driver but I would like to take some longer trips where I will be getting up to highway speeds for extended periods of time, in other words I won't be trailering it either. Probably about 2 to 3 K miles a summer. My only hangup with the Ethanol additives is I don't really see from their advertising what they actually DO. Thanks again to all for your informative replies. :-)
I have a question? I have a 63 Chevy bel air. Why would it keep stalling out. Ty
Wow!! I'm no mechanic , but first question would be gasoline. What octane are you running? How old is the gasoline? Did your car just come out of storage? Is there a possibility of water in your gasoline? How many miles on the spark plugs? Does your car still use points and a condensor or is it electronic ignition conversion. ? I'd start cheap with a can of dry gas and fresh gasoline. Check with some classic car guys and find who in your area is Knowledgable with carburetors. a new fuel filter is pretty cheap too if you want to tackle this issue by hanging parts :-)
