Military Vehicles, December 1996,: Re: gas for M37
Re: gas for M37
Gale Barrows (barrowsg@rapidnet.com)
Sun, 29 Dec 1996 13:14:53 -0700 (MST)
>>I just read ***another*** article that said a lead substitute has to be used
>>inM37 series trucks. **************NOT SO***************** These engines
>>were origionaly built with hardened exhaust valve seats, they appear to be
>>Stellite) so leaded gas or a lead substitute is not needed. Remember, these
>>trucks were made to run on whatever quality gas might be available in far
>>off places. I "think" the octane rating requirement was something like 60
>>!!! Again, there s no need to use a lead additive or to hunt up leaded gas.
>
>
> I worked at an auto parts store for a while which had a machine
>shop in it. According to the machinist, when they quit producing leaded
>gas there was enough additives used that the unleaded gasoline would not
>hurt the older engines. This is an agriculture area so there are of older
>engines designed for the leaded gas. As far as I know they didn't have a
>problem with burned valves or seats. In Short unleaded gas is safe in any
>older engine. You might want to check this out with machinists in your
>area to see what they say.
> I've been running unleaded in my 1942 Carryall with no problems
>and if my information is correct didn't they use the same engine in the
>M37? From the 40's up into the mid 60's ?
>
>Hope this helps someone out. At least give you a reason to check with
>someone who rebuilds engines for a living to get an expert opinion.
>
>
>T Hall
>
I think the engine size was different on the older GI Dodges but the design
was still the same. Whether they had the hard inserts, I don't know. But
since the 37 series does, the use of leaded gas is not required. I also have
been lead to beilieve by many repairmen/machinests that the valve seat
damage ocurs mostly at high rpm heavy load conditions. And the M37 definitly
does not operate at high RPM !!!