JD valve stem/guide lubrication

[Steve Swan]

'Operating with today's unleaded fuel, where do the exhaust valve guides/stems/ get their lubrication from ? Should a lubricant be added to the gasoline and if so, what is recommended ?

[gharper]

Steve,

I believe a lubricant is needed. I use a good grade of synthetic 2 stroke oil added to the fuel. This burns very clean and leaves virtually no residue. I add about an ounce every fill up, maybe more, nothing scientific here. Seems to work well on the total loss engines. It will help lubricate the intake valves a bit. Some guys do the same with Marvel Mystery Oil, but I've heard 2nd hand from a petroleum engineer not to do this, as it lowers the octane significantly and causes knocking and damage to your engine.

Let the oil in your fuel debate begin, again.........

Gene

[Steve Swan]

Thanks Gene. i do have on hand amsoil synthetic 2 stroke oil, http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...?code=AITQT-EA

[TechNoir]

Re: JD valve stem/guide lubrication

Hello Steve,

Here in the UK we have some specific products that are designed as a lead replacement additive in fuel. The two mosts well known are

A Castrol product:

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-6519-cas...-additive.aspx

And a Miller product:

http://www.millersoils.co.uk/automot...-additives.asp

Although there are several others.

Both products not only act as a lead replacement but also boost the octane by 1 or 2 points. Miller has a product (see link) that claims to add ethanol protection although I have not used it because, at the moment, I am able to buy ethanol free gas.

The Miller product is said to be better than the Castrol one but the Castrol one is a quarter of the price. You take your pick.

I cant imagine that there are not similar products available in the USA.

I have always been OK with Castrol Valvemaster and it has the added bonus of having a great dispenser built into the bottle so it is easy to use.

John

Oh, and I meant to add that I dont think these products are much more expensive than really good 2 stroke oil.

[Steve Swan]

Thanks John, for sharing your experience. Will give it all some though, see what's available here and go from there.

[otis71]

I have used marvel mystery oil in my pan for 25+ years with no adverse effects. Anyone's guess if it really helps. An old timer told me this when leaded gas was discontinued.

[Steve Swan]

Thanks Otis71 !