What gas is recommended

[Woodbutcher]

I've got a 51 Wagon with the Lightning 6. What is the recommended gas to use. I have been told premium but I'm unsure.

[gmwillys]

Any grade of non-ethanol fuel works. Higher grades are a bit of overkill, but the ethanol will corrode the aluminum in the carb and the fuel pump. A higher octane rating will help if the engine pings when excellerating, but that would be timing or carbon build up. If non-ethanol is not available in your local stations, you can purchase ethanol stabilizer to help prevent corrosion. Also, if your engine has not been overhauled, it is a good idea to use a lead additive to your fuel. The lead acted as a cushion to the original valves, where a modern rebuild would use stainless valves and hardened seats.

[Woodbutcher]

Any grade of non-ethanol fuel works. Higher grades are a bit of overkill, but the ethanol will corrode the aluminum in the carb and the fuel pump. A higher octane rating will help if the engine pings when excellerating, but that would be timing or carbon build up. If non-ethanol is not available in your local stations, you can purchase ethanol stabilizer to help prevent corrosion. Also, if your engine has not been overhauled, it is a good idea to use a lead additive to your fuel. The lead acted as a cushion to the original valves, where a modern rebuild would use stainless valves and hardened seats.

Thanks for the reply. The guy I bought this from was told the guy before him rebuilt the engine, but there is no way to know for sure what he did. I just picked up the tank from being cleaned and relined. I'm in the midwest so getting gas without at least 10% Ethanol is near impossible to get. Will an Ethanol stabilizer create a problem with the liner?

[gmwillys]

The liner should be alright regardless of fuel used. I use Red-Kote fuel tank liner exclusively, and have had excellent luck with it, regardless of fuel type being ran.

[bmorgil]

Woodbutcher, if you are around any Marinas or Recreational areas, there is usually a place that sells "Recreational Fuel" or non-ethanol fuel. Places where there are a lot of "off road" motorcycles or areas of water where there are boats is especially good. A lot of boat owners will not use ethanol in their fuel. Also I have a farm supply that sells Non-Ethanol fuel for some farm equipment.

[Woodbutcher]

Thanks, I was not aware of that. There are a couple Marinas not that far away.

[okiemark]

Come to Oklahoma. You can buy gas without ethanol almost anywhere. I don't use it in anything except my wife's car.

[Woodbutcher]

I wish it was that easy. We are in the middle of Corn Country so they stick Ethanol in most of our gas.

[51 CJ3]

Maybe this link will help: https://www.pure-gas.org/

I don’t know about marinas elsewhere but the closest one to me only sells 91 octane and it is priced pretty high. I consider myself fortunate to live close to 2 stations where I can get 100% 87 octane gasoline.

[bmorgil]

Awesome link!

[Woodbutcher]

Thanks so much for posting this link. I am between a few stations that I can use. !!!


Note....there is an App of the same name for your phone, I just downloaded it. Thanks again.