Lead fuel additive....should I use it?

pauldeborr

pauldeborr

Member
Should I be using a lead additive in my fuel for my flathead? Several people have asked me if I put additive and I tell them I don't but I would check to see if it's a real issue or not.

I'm just running a stock 8BA with no serious mods.
 
Paul I use premium grade gas with a little Marvel Mystry oil in my Bren Carrier, i'm going to try a lead additive in my jeeps soon, Why not, Go fer it Paul!, Cheers BIG MIKE
 
Ford recommended the use of Amoco "white gas", the equivalent of unleaded gas, in the Flathead V8. I've always used unleaded gas and the only additives I use are MMO and Seafoam in the gas tank. I also installed top oilers (use MMO) in our '39 Ford CS and '39 LZ.
 
No need for any additives with the flathead. They will run on regular grade unleaded for ever. The Ethonal gas will eat fuel pumps and rubber gas lines.
 
You don't need to put lead additives in your gas but I would agree with using some MMO in the gas tank every time you fill up or get one of those top oilers like others have suggested.
 
How much MMO are you guys talking about using with a full tank? Do you use it every time you fill up?
I put lead additive in on occasion. Lots of times it isn't available or I forgot to pick some up before hand. I always wondered if it was really necessary.
 
Labold said:
How much MMO are you guys talking about using with a full tank? Do you use it every time you fill up?
I put lead additive in on occasion. Lots of times it isn't available or I forgot to pick some up before hand. I always wondered if it was really necessary.
Click to expand...

There is no need for lead additive in the Flathead. MMO is an excellent fuel system cleaning agent as well as a good valve lubricant.
 
Labold said:
How much MMO are you guys talking about using with a full tank? Do you use it every time you fill up?
I put lead additive in on occasion. Lots of times it isn't available or I forgot to pick some up before hand. I always wondered if it was really necessary.
Click to expand...

Okay, someone answer his question. I would like to know as well. I have used about 4 oz per fill up with 14 gallons. Is that about right? Inquiring minds want to know.
 
The manufacturer recommends 4 oz. for 10 gallons of gasoline here: http://www.marvelmysteryoil.com/index.php/site/mmo/

I was just wondering where you all get your MMO and what yoy pay for it.
At NAPA it's $80.00 for 5 gallons. If it is used in the gas tank at the recommended 4 oz per 10 gallons, at that price it works out to be 5 cents per gallon of gas. Any smaller quantity would work out to be even more per gallon of gas. Is that what you all are paying for this?
 
Last edited:
17 years running my flathead in the 39. No lead additive, no MMO, no problem. Your 59AB has hard seats, so no need to worry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top