Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

If the engine has the original style cast iron valve guides, friction increases in the absence of the tetraethyl lead the engine was designed to run. The lead deposited in the pores of the cast iron and provided some lubricity.

On unleaded the likelihood of valves sticking increases and guide wear is accelerated. A preventive is to put a little hydraulic fluid in the gasoline. Automatic transmission fluid will work fine. If a lot is added it can produce white smoke but a little will do (<1/2 pint in a tankful) and there will be no visible smoke and no objectionable odor to speak of. (It actually doesn't burn very well in a low compression engine.)

Many products sold as "top end lube" gasoline additives are mostly hydraulic fluid.

Good afternoon all...

'Miss Prudence', our 1949 Deluxe Eight is started and driven every few days. We use Marvel Mystery Oil, 4oz with each 20 gallons of fuel. I have used this old school product for years and have always had good luck with it. Use it regularly and nothing sticks. This is one of those 'Try it and you'll like it' things' Occasionally I'm temped to drink it to see if it will keep me from sticking...Ernie