I'm thinking of buying a 61 Caddy. The car requires leaded gasoline, can I run unleaded gas in it. If not what do I need to replace or modify?
2006-11-29 05:55:40 · 4 answers · asked by a4kasper 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The Caddy will run on unleaded for awhile, but if you don't add
a lead substitute (available at auto parts stores), you will seriously
damage the car's engine. Cars made to run on fuel with lead
have different valve seats and different rings. The lead provides lubrication so that these parts run correctly.
Lead substitute is cheap. Add a bottle to a tankful of unleaded
gas. Replacing the valves and rings on the Caddy is not cheap,
it can be done, but it's going to cost well over a $1000.
I've restored classic cars for many years. My husband and I used
to have a 1959 Caddy. Good Luck with yours.
Treat it right, and she'll give you many years of enjoyment.
2006-11-29 06:04:47 · answer #1 · answered by txharleygirl1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To run unleaded gas, the engine and fuel system will need modification to prevent damage. Otherwise, the valve seals and possibly other engine components will be damaged. Leaded gas was used due to higher output power and better system lubrication. There are additives availible to compensate for the lack of lead in the fuel.
2006-11-29 06:01:42 · answer #2 · answered by Rob S 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since it is a 61 model you could just find a local garage that sells racing fuel and put a couple of gallons per 10 of unleaded premium in it. The racing fuel is expencive, and you can't pump it directly into the fuel tank by law, but it will make it run better. Racing fuel is leaded by the way. Just do not get caught putting it in. I believe that it's not legal to do so.(EPA)
2006-11-29 06:16:45 · answer #3 · answered by golden rider 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you have essentialy two options, one is to put the lead back into the tank with every fillup, expensive repairs await if you forget; the other is to replace the valve seals, piston rings and carb floats in one mass overhaul, but one that will correct everything to modern specs in one shot, unleaded gas will eat anything that has not been specially formulated to accept unleaded fuel good luck
2006-11-29 06:03:23 · answer #4 · answered by robert r 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The valve seats and valve faces as mentioned previously are correct, you could swap heads, or use a lead replacement additive. Unless you are making it a show car I'd look in to swapping the heads, less hassle trying to remember if you mixed the gas, and you could get metter milage and or power depending on the heads you use.
2006-11-29 06:07:15 · answer #5 · answered by knujefp 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES it can.My baby(69 Roadrunner)is living proof of that.
At least once a week I'll spring for a tank full of High Octane & add a pint of HorsePower Booster.
Long as you do proper maintance,it will be fine.
2006-11-29 06:07:10 · answer #6 · answered by freebird_237 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, no problem. You may need to add a lead substitutue to protect your valve seats - they can be picked up pretty easily at an auto supply store.
2006-11-29 05:59:32 · answer #7 · answered by snowgoose8 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it will have to. All gasoline nowadays is unleaded.
2006-11-29 05:57:51 · answer #8 · answered by quatrapiller 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes BUT youll have to use the premium hi octane gas
2006-11-29 05:57:59 · answer #9 · answered by god knows and sees else Yahoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can, but they say to rebuild the motor, and to replace certain parts in the heads so that the valve seats can be beefed up.
2006-11-29 05:58:37 · answer #10 · answered by Silverstang 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋