"Thanks for the input makomark
"Thanks for the input makomark
Looking through my manuals and paperwork I found a Ford Engineering information bullein dated June 20 1985. I would still like to know if my engines are one of these designations? I called pleasurecraft and they were more interested in rebuilding my motors(3600.00)then finding out if my motors were on the list.
Subject: EPA's lead phaedown of regular leaded gasoline
EPA issued a final ruling on March 7 1985 that reduces the leadcontent of leaded gasoline from the current 1.10 gm/gal to .5 gm/gal on july 1 1985 and to .1 gm/gal on Jan 1 1986.
Since 1974 the majority of gasoline engines sold by Industrail Engine Operations have incorperated induction hardened or inserted exhaust valve seats (designed to operate on unleaded fuel). It is our judgement thatthe reduction in lead level of regular leaded gasoline will not affect the continued satisfactory operation of these engines.
The only engines sold by IEO since 1974 which did not have induction hardened or inserted exaust valve seats were the V4-104, KSG-411, some KSG-416 and some VSG-411 engines. All VSG-411 enginesengines will have exhaust valve seat inserts byJan 1 1986. The new VSG-413 engine will have inserts at introduction later this year There is a cylinder head availible for the KSG-416 engine engine with induction Hardened exhaust valve seats.
There is is very little test data availible on the effect gasoline with a .1gm/gal lead level will have on engines(designed to operate on leaded fuel)which do not have induction hardenedor inserted exhaust valve seats. The rate and amount of valve seat wear will depend Engines operating on low speed and light load duty cycles should not experience any adverse effects. Engines run at high speeds and high power levels may be susceptible to some greater than normal exhaust valve recession with extended use of 0.1 gm/gal lead level gasoline. It is not know at this time if non-lead gasoline additives for valve seat lubricantion will be available to offset the reduction in lead of regular leaded gasoline.
The octane level of regular leaded gasoline is 89 (R+M/2). If the new 0.1 gm/gal lead gasoline maintains this octane level, engine performance should not be affected. We believe the oil companies will maintain an octane level that meets the operating requirements of engines designed to run on regular leaded gasoline. However, if a lower octane level gasoline is used, ignition initial timing may have t be retarded to eliminate detonation and this could result in a loss of power.
C. F. Maddox
Prooduct Engineer Dept.
I think I'll use your first suggestion and just run the unleaded fuel."