Leaded Gas for 2 Stroke Engines

**88 Turbo Coupe** · 03-19-2006, 09:36 PM

The 3wheeler 2 strokers were designed to run on leaded gas. Whats happening to our engines without using lead in the fuel? I've got a couple of cases of lead additive, just not sure how much to add.

**grundlegrabber** · 03-19-2006, 09:41 PM

Lead keeps the motor running cooler and helps with added lubrication. Lead has been removed from fuel because it cannot be used in vehicles with catalytic converters, which is just about everything these days. If you buy race fuel (VP C12), it's usually leaded. Not sure how good the lead additive is. I wouldn't go overboard with it, maybe just use a little. One thing you should consider is that much higher quality 2 stroke oils are available today then when your trike was built. That in itself makes a big difference in engine longevity.

**trainingwheeler** · 03-19-2006, 09:42 PM

i dont think the where designed to run on leaded fuel by the time that most 3 wheelers were made unleaded fuel was the common fuel w/the exception of the early 90s& 70's & that brings up an interesting point i wonder if they had hardened exhaust seats in the 70s& 90s thats really the only thing that effects the motors in pre 73 ish car motors because of the lack of the lead .....id like to hear howdy chime in on this subject

**crackshot** · 03-19-2006, 09:43 PM

Unleaded gas has been around for a long time. ATC's during their peak were all running unleaded gas. The only thing lead did was lube valves in cars and 4stroke engines.
All of the cars now have hardened valve stems and seats to run unleaded gas.
If you get a valve job done these days, they add these parts hence the phrase "unleaded heads".
Don't even bother putting lead additive in a 2 stroke engine. The oil does the lubricating.
Why wait for howdy to "chime in". It's a no brainer.

**88 Turbo Coupe** · 03-21-2006, 07:04 AM

OK, Then how does our unleaded gas effect the 4 strokes made in the 70's?

**nd4speed** · 03-21-2006, 08:32 PM

Lead raises octane numbers doesn't it?

I thought it was referred to as "cheater gas" in the 2-stroke MX world.
Leaded fuel will not hurt a 2-stroke as far as I see it. Actually, I think it would be an improvement.

**TeamGeek6** · 03-21-2006, 10:19 PM

There never was Lead in gasoline. It was "tetraethyl lead" a clear liquid that was an octane booster. It was replaced with other chemicals because TEL caused pollution.

It makes no difference what fuel you run, im running a 1938 Chevy right now on unleaded, it could care less.

Lack of "lead" never did damage valves, they were damaged by detonation as a result of overheating and lower octane fuel.

**4cylinders** · 03-23-2006, 12:24 AM

hey, all 4 cycle atv's have aluminum heads with valve inserts, so it's not a problem.

**Banage** · 03-23-2006, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by TeamGeek6

There never was Lead in gasoline. It was "tetraethyl lead" a clear liquid that was an octane booster. It was replaced with other chemicals because TEL caused pollution.

It makes no difference what fuel you run, im running a 1938 Chevy right now on unleaded, it could care less.

Lack of "lead" never did damage valves, they were damaged by detonation as a result of overheating and lower octane fuel.

have you ever seen led additive? its dark gray. and i was allways told it will hurt your valves.

**petesatc** · 03-23-2006, 02:13 PM

OK 2 stroke engines do not need lead in the fuel........Lead was added to gas to help valve stem seals (make them softer so they seal better).... seals are made of different material these days that don't need lead to help soften them ........so using a additive is a waste of cash......

**88 Turbo Coupe** · 03-23-2006, 08:20 PM

On the bottle it says "valve seat anti-wear additive for low lead gasoline. Protects engines requiring leaded fuel from valve damage due to low lead or no lead fuels currently available. Prevents upper cylinder wear".

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Leaded Gas for 2 Stroke Engines