Is there any kind of fuel additive that simulates the valve-cushioning effect that leaded gas used to provide? Ive been wondering about that the whole time I've been working on this thing. But then I think of how long this car was most likely ran on unleaded gas and think "ah, crap".
I use lead substitute in my '47 Willys Jeep. Major chain stores will have it. I agree with the others, pull the head. It is easy to do. If you need hardened seats or new guides too, you can get it all done. You can even mill the head a bit and bump up compression. Micah
after you get the head worked the rest is fairly easy... Kelly,( board member) came by on his way home from work to pick up a head for his car. i suggested we put it on and he liked the idea... i suggested to clean under the hood while we were under there. after he drained the coolant... we cleaned and painted the motor... all the parts that were removed were cleaned and painted before replacing... took about 4 hrs and he was on his way home... head installed...clean parts and paint...button up engine...total time 4 hrs...total $ 0.00 fellowship...priceless
I replaced the seals. I was able to do the ol' rope trick to keep the valves pushed up. Used a regular spring compressor instead of the bar type. Was easier that way because I ended up having to tap the keepers loose. It's all good though. I bought a torque wrench to make sure I tightened the rocker shaft properly. Most of my work was cleaning stuff.