Is it ok to use unleaded gas in 1954 308cid six?

tinsled

Hi, I am preparing to drive the 1954 Hornet a first 200miles trip from harbour to home, the car was finally delivered after the long overseas shipping.

The question is; Do I need to use the lead substitute additive in gas to save the valves of the L-head 308?

I have driven my 1948 Dodge L-head six for over 15years without additives, using regular 95oct gas. I know the Dodge 230 has hardened valve seats and hi-carbon steel valves, thus haven't had any issues. However, I do not know the Hudson good enough (yet).

Thanks in advance for your kind help!

cheyenne7271

I have never used any additive in Hudson over the years and never had a problem. They have very hard blocks so you’ll be OK but when in doubt, add some substitute.

54coupe

Unleaded gas is no problem. I've been using it without any additives for decades.

cheyenne7271

Overall, the ethanol isn’t a problem if you’re driving it all the time but when it sets, then you start getting deposits in your carburetors things like that and then it deteriorates the rubber hoses if it’s not compatible with the ethanol

35 Terraplane

An issue with ethanol fuel is the ethanol makes it hygroscopic, tending to absorb moisture from the atmosphere over time if the car is put up for the winter in northern area's OR in areas of high humidity. Several places around my area sell non ethanol fuel which is more expensive and generally 92 octane.

tinsled

Thank you @ Cheyenne7271 & 54coupe! This is what I hoped for... As I said, I've been running the -48 Dodge with unleaded straight, but got trouble with my -51 Chevrolet, it burned exhaust valves... Ever since I've used lead substitute in the Chevy, but still run the Dodge without additives.

P.S: Keep fingers crossed for me tomorrow Friday; It's the 1st time I see and start the Hudson and I'm supposed to drive it 180 miles on frost bite roads to home. Not the best time to move an old car in Finland, but not much choice when the sea container arrives, it must be moved...

Courtesy Man

Wonder if the problem is NOT unleaded gas but the ethanol in today's gas.

tinsled

Made it safe home. The Hudson ran like a dream. The twin H power 308 and hydramatic are fantastic combo to drive. It also started right away in spite of 6 week ocean freight and standing outdoors in frost for a week after being unloaded from the seacontainer. Cheers!

onerare39

I'm glad that it all worked out for you. Hope that you get many smiles and miles/kilometers with your 54 Hudson.

railknight

And if you have an older fuel pump, the rubber in it could deteriorate and leak allowing that ethanol gas to get into the crank case. That said, "Happy Motoring!"

beaverbikes

That looks like a real nice car.

Glowplug

Was your coupe originally sourced from Steve Blake in the USA? The picture is similar to a coupe he restored.

tinsled

https://openforum.hetclub.org/discussion/comment/254715#Comment_254715

Sorry, I do not know the owner history of this car. I bought it at Hemmings web auction, the owner was a gentleman from Ft.Lauderdale FL. It looks like it has been restored quite a while ago. The interior is in great condition, seats have been re-upholstered professionally, also headliner looks like it's been done by a professional. Door panels are original, a bit shabby. Engine is running as smooth as it should, hydra-matic shifts very well. The biggest issue is, it has obviously been kept outdoors in salty weather, since there are surface rust all over, mostly under the brightwork. I just had running boards replaced by top notch body shop, but I need to do the body and have it painted as soon as I get time & money for it.