Doesn't lead also help with sealing??? I got a low mile 68 Ford as it smoked, guy didn't know it needed lead addtive. Got it for $495 out the door with taxes. Started to run lead addtive and no more smoke. Guy could of got a few grand easy for it, if it didn't smoke. Only Ford I ever loved.
My bad ou: Ya know, you're right - that's what I get for shooting from the hip. Now I recall reading somewhere where Buick was using the induction heating to harden the seat areas. Now that I think on it (and go back and look at that valve), I think we're on the wrong track with valve recession, 'cause the problem there is in the head and not the valve. At any rate, I'd replace the valves and get seats installed - and not worry much about what caused the pitting on the old valves.
Shouldn't have done anything like that by design, but who knows...every engine has its quirks. Tetraethyl Lead had two basic functions; one as discussed here, the other an octane booster back in the day before they reported how unhealthy it was. Devon
back in the day you could get away without having hardened seats because of the lead in the gas. now they are pretty much required with the garbage gas of today. you could still get away without having them but not for long and only if you dont plan on going over 2,000 rpms. besides, if you have to grind too much off the head you need hard seats. if you dont, the valve will fall out. bottom line, get them now because i guarantee you are going to need them eventually:beer
77 motors ran on unleaded fuels and had valves/heads made to run on unleaded so lead means nothing on 77 heads
Driving somewhat easy for the 1st few K miles, between the heating & cooling cycles they will induction harden themselves.
"Work harden" would be a better description. Induction hardening is done with a magnetic field. Devon
Yeah Devon, that's what I meant to say. More brain cells are going with age. Thanks for the correction. Tom T.
