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248 engine general questions about my '39


39BuickEight

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This is from a '42 book but I'd say they would be the same. (It's what I used)

I use a little grease but very sparingly and I re-torque the head after a while too.

Some of the modern gasket manufacturers say it's not necessary but I do it anyway.

Danny

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Is there any truth that you can run modern gas in these cars without changing to hardened valve seats? I've been searching and the information seems conflicting. Would a lead additive be necessary/helpful? I read that Buick heads had more nickel in them, making it ok to run them with modern gas?

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Guest Grant Magrath

I run the unmodified 38 on unleaded 91, and so far, so good. We use an additive in the 39 though, since it's a new motor. The valves were stainless from new in these cars, so I guess it's just the valve seats that are the weak link. The 35 Dodge has hardened valve seats from new. It was a Chrysler Corp feature to cut down on valve grinds.

The fact that the 38 was used every day with no additive is a good sign, but I'd like more info.

Cheers

Grant

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Is there any truth that you can run modern gas in these cars without changing to hardened valve seats? ?

I would say yes, you definitely can, BUT..It raises the question as to how long before you have valve seat damage.

Would a lead additive be necessary/helpful?

I wouldn't run my '39 full time on unleaded only. For the few cents per tank extra for the lead additive, I wouldn't risk it. I would imagine that you wont be doing thousand and thousands of miles so the extra cost would be negligible compared to what you've put into the car.

As for the "TRUTH" ??..................I think even Mulder and Scully gave up looking for that. :):)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If the number of "'39 Buick Team Members" keeps growing we will probably be the next excuse for Global Warming. :eek::eek::eek:

Danny

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Guest Grant Magrath

Same! She's a bit pricey for me. Bought a trunk handle on eBay over a month ago. Still hasn't arrived. I'm worried.

Cheers

Grant

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