jrc (02/10/83)
I have heard from several independent sources that leaded
("regular") gas is actually better for your engine, if you
can use it. The theory states that lead, being a very soft
metal, makes an excellent lubricant when heated to engine
temperature. Thus the life of your engine can be significantly
extended by using regular gas. This effect should be particularly
noticeable in motorcycles, whose engines are run at much higher
rpm's than most automobiles.
My social conscience led me to begin using unleaded gas in
my Honda Accord, but my mechanic told me I was crazy to do it,
so I stopped.
Jim Cordy
University of Torontodmmartindale (02/11/83)
There is no metallic lead in "leaded" gasoline. The octane-increasing additive is tetraethyl lead. I don't know what it turns into during combustion, but I would expect a lead oxide of some sort. Whatever it is, it tends to deposit on things, and provides lubrication for the valves and valve seats. Older engines need this; newer ones use better materials in the valves and seats and can withstand running with no help from the lead byproducts. Presumably they will still last longer if the lead is around. It can be a mixed blessing, though - lead deposits on the valve stems can cut down gas flow through the engine, and sparkplugs can become lead-fouled (a very common occurrence in aircraft burning 100/130 octane fuel, which has lots of lead in it).
hennessy (02/13/83)
#R:watcgl:-18500:uiucdcs:10600057:000:101 uiucdcs!hennessy Feb 12 17:51:00 1983 Another reason tetraethyl lead was used in gasoline was to increase the octane number. Rob Hennessy