>Can anyone please tell me whether unleaded fuel was commonly available in
>the States in the 'sixties?
>>>As you've already read, "Unleaded Amoco" was available here through
the '60 and perhaps before that. It was marketed as a cleaner burning
fuel for the benefit of the engine, in particular to extend plug life.<<<<
<snip>
>>>I wonder though if unleaded Amoco was 100% lead free or if there were
trace amounts left in to protect the valves...dunno. At any rate I
never read *anything* about the product that would suggest it's use
would promote valve recession. It was not our top selling brand by a
long stretch, but it sold well enough to give an excellent field test
for cars of that vintage.<<<
I have always been told that the Amoco unleaded had "different"
compounds to protect the valve seats, so the lead was unnecessary.
I've always thought this to be an "urban legend", but would love to know
for sure. I am happy, though, with the lack of deposits (plug, valves,
and residual debris in the fuel system) as compared to other fuels,
especially in seldom-driven cars where the fuel evaporates
in the bowl.
I also think the "valve seat" issue is over-rated and should
not be a problem for 95%+ of old cars. (Competition and
towing excepted.)
Me? I have always religiously run Amoco premium. For high-
performance use on my high-compression 60's cars, I mix it 50/50
with leaded racing fuel. Otherwise, I retard the timing a few degrees.
I've only lost one valve seat... and that was in a "drag" engine.... with
hardened seats!
Bill Elliott
Lake Mills, WI
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