Exhaust Valve Seat Inserts or Lead Additive?

S

Smokin_Dually

Member
Hi Everyone! First off let me say that I'm glad I stumbled onto this site. I've been looking for quite a while and a Buick site this good is a rarity.

My Buick application is a little different because it's in a boat. I know I'm not the only one here in this situation but I'm going to ask a question that I haven't needed an answer to yet.

My boat is a '69 (or so) and has a 2 bbl 300 for power. It has very low hours (766) and hasn't been run a lot in the last 25 years. (Keep in mind that it's 40 years old) It's a family heirloom and I don't plan on parting with it.

I know that the exhaust valves will eat their way into the head without any lead in the fuel like the good old days. My options are to:
  1. Remove the heads and install exhaust valve seats.
  2. Always run a lead additive.
What do most of the owners of the old cars do to prevent exhaust valve recession?
 
Mostly, because of the higher nickel content in the cast iron on Buick engines hardened seats are usually not nec. I know a boat will usually run at a constant RPM while cruising. Since it is an heirloom like you say I doubt you will be abusing it. It wouldn't hurt to add a lead additive occasionally. Or a gallon or two of leaded race fuel. I don't think it would be nec. every time. Of more importance is that you use ZDDP additive in your oil.
 
I use 100LL Avation gas in my Buick engines every 2000 to 3000 miles and the lead deposits will help along with the higher octane.
 
telriv

what is zddp ? just woundering .
I run lead additive in my 1964 electra every tank or every other tank with 93 octane or better and never had a problem in 22 years. and the oil I use is strait 40 weight .:shifter:
 
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