Bridgestone Motorcycle Parts Discussion Board

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Steve S. on April 18, 2012, 03:41:52 PM

Title: To Lead Or Not To Lead??
Post by: Steve S. on April 18, 2012, 03:41:52 PM

Well, since I got my 175 up and running I was wondering what everyone here thinks about running these old Bridgestones on unleaded gas.  Do you use a lead substitute or just run the unleaded?  What's the general consensus? 
Thanks, and I apoligise if this topic has already been covered.

Title: Re: To Lead Or Not To Lead??
Post by: Sno Jet on April 18, 2012, 03:52:05 PM

 I  don't think it would be necessary.  These are two strokes.

Title: Re: To Lead Or Not To Lead??
Post by: BS Mechanic on April 18, 2012, 05:10:55 PM

I think I've read that lead in gasoline increases the problem of spark plug fouling and misfiring.  Last thing needed on a 2 stroke with old style ignition!

Title: Re: To Lead Or Not To Lead??
Post by: Bikenstein on April 18, 2012, 08:03:48 PM

Back in the 70's we ran "white" Amoco gas (unleaded) in two strokes and did have less problems with plug fouling. We ran our bikes so hard though, I can't recall if anybody got 10 grand before a rebuild.

Title: Re: To Lead Or Not To Lead??
Post by: Toystoretom on April 18, 2012, 09:05:29 PM

Back in the day  ;D .... the lead was used to lube the valves and valve seats, along with the plain big end bearings. Since 2 strokes have no valves and use roller bearings, I think we are pretty safe. I don't think it has any effect on the rotary valves. Just use a good 2 stroke oil.

I've torn down old V8 car engines and there was a light colored paste in the bottom of the oil pan (almost white colored). It turns out that this was lead residue, some really toxic stuff. I gave it to Ted Nugent...