using leaded gas in a 1963 1010 crawler

[Fitz4227]

Will hi octane leaded fuel, (approximately 100 octane) will it hurt the engine? maybe mix it 50/50 with unleaded to lower the octane? any thoughts or info would be appreciated

[DukeofDeere]

If it were mine I would just use unleaded.
I have been running old iron for years with unleaded and yet to find any issues with my tractors.

Duke

[jdemaris]

Will hi octane leaded fuel, (approximately 100 octane) will it hurt the engine? maybe mix it 50/50 with unleaded to lower the octane? any thoughts or info would be appreciated

The lead and high octane don't hurt a thing. In fact, the lead is a little better for the valve-seats. It's having an octane that's too low (fuel that burns too fast) that can hurt an engine if it has a high compression ratio. 1010 is so low - I don't think you can buy gas with a low enough octane to hurt it. High octane is not an issue at all - just costs more money.

[Lavoy]

I assume you are talking about 100LL (low lead) avgas. 100LL had I believe one gram of lead, the same as was in the regular gas available at the time your crawler was built. SO, yes it will work, and in fact it is better as it will lessen exhaust valve and seat erosion/recession.
The is the primary reason that on all rebuilds I do, I have hard seats installed because we no longer have leaded gas available. For the hours most of these machines are going to run, it is not likely an issue, but minimal cost to do it while the head is in the shop.
Lavoy

[Fitz4227]

Yes, I am talking about 100LL , my shop is at the airport, i am a pilot, and i can buy it and carry it home. Thanks for the info, my thought also was that the lead would be better for the valves, but i wanted to be sure before i blew something up LOL.