leaded vs. unleaded gas

[clemsonfor]

i was just wondering if there is any affect on our older motors like mine (evinrude 1970 25hp) since they were desinged and run on leaded gas when they were made? Now we have no leaded gas. I assume nothing b/c there are so many and are running strong. I have read on this topic with cars and seem to get out of it that power is the only thing for gone there. Any expert opinions on this? <br /><br />Just something that popped into my mind a few days ago.<br /><br />-Nate

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: leaded vs. unleaded gas

My understanding is that the lead in gasoline was there primarily to lubricate the valves and valve seats in a 4 stroke engine. Hardening of the valve seats in those engines allowed for the elimination of lead in gasoline. Since there are no valves in a 2 stroke engine, lead was never really needed in those engines.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: leaded vs. unleaded gas

Hi Nate,<br /> Absolutely, positively no reason to worry about using modern lead-free gas in your old 2-stroke outboard. Many older outboards actually called for "white" gas, which was lead free... Use good oil (minimum TC-W3 rated) and good gas (87 or 89 is fine) and you're good to go...<br /><br />- Scott

 

[clemsonfor]

Re: leaded vs. unleaded gas

Thanks for the opininons on this and answers, always an inquiring mind trying to learn.<br /><br />-Nate

 

[huntandhook]

Re: leaded vs. unleaded gas

I can't believe you guys still have leaded gas in the States. I'm 30 years old and I don't remember leaded gas in my lifetime.

 

[ddavis90325is]

Re: leaded vs. unleaded gas

what about ethanol? We have 89 octane ethanol gas made from corn here in Iowa.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: leaded vs. unleaded gas

Corn, sugar cane, even potatos'. <br /><br />Does it harm motors? It hasn't been around long enough (in high concentrations) to determine yet but it's interesting that aviators avoid it like the plague.

 

[itstippy]

Re: leaded vs. unleaded gas

Use the red search button near the top of this page and search under "leaded fuel". You will be reading all night!<br />The Shell station here is the only one without 10%ethanol. You should see the cool old machines that pull up there in the summer. It's where I buy gas for my old outboards, too. 87 octane.