Ulix Goettsch wrote:
>
> On Thu, 13 Jun 1996 MGBCHRIS@aol.com wrote:
>
> > Lead was added to fuel for one reason only - it serves as a "cushion" or
> > lubricant for the valve to valve seat. Older vehicles had valve and seat
>
> I thought I had read that the lead was added to increase the octane and
> that the lubricating effect was an unexpected byproduct.
>
> Not that it matters,
> Ulix
>
> Gentlemen; lead, in the form of tetraethyl lead, was ariginally added as a
>byproduct specifically designed to increase the octane rating of
gasoline, and its lubricant properties were only discovered afterwards.
In a former life, I was an aircraft mechanic on fixed-wing aircraft,
which at the time (early 60's) ran on fuel with an octane range of
80-87. The army in its' arcane wisdom decided that, to accommodate
future aircraft needs and at the same time simplify logistics, it would
standardize all non-turbine aircraft fuel with 115-145 fuel! In order
that earlier aircraft not suffer in-flight engine damage, we were
required to add another additive, TCP (tricresyl phosphate), which
precipitated out the excess lead. Well, that it did - no detonation, no
overheating, but lots of down time anyway; lead fouling so heavy I, on
several memorable occasions, actually poured lead b-b's out of the spark
plugs, and they were platinum plugs!
Some of you may also remember that Shell used to advertise a new miracle
additive called - "STP", saying it made your car run better for a
variety of reasons. They sure as hell didn't tell anyone it reduced the
octane rating of your gasoline.
Regards from memory lane,
Glen Eldridge
glenel@infobahnos.com
'64 Midget Mk1 '95 Maxima
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