- Right Kind of Gas -

I have an 86 ski nautique, with a 354 carborated engine. I know a load of people have older boats on this forum. We have been filling it up with regular unleaded gas since we have had it. The warning sing right next to the gas tank says use only leaded gas because it might cause corrosion to engine parts. The problem is that Im pretty sure there is no such thing as lead gas any more and I dont think thers even lead additives anymore. So far the boat has been fine, but should I be concerned and is there some sort of substitute for a lead additive?

Don't You mean 350 or 351 engine ?

I could be wrong but I don't think there is any thing You can do. I think newer engines have hardened valve seats to deal with the lead free gas.

Nope, run it with regular unleaded and you will be fine. Don't worry about the warning. Its out dated.

There are additives available if you're concerned. Lead acts as a cushion for seats and valves that are not hardened. I would run the additive. The sticker was stock, so unless the engine (valves) have been modified with hardened ones, you should run an additive to prolong valve and valve seat life.

that would make sense...

I have an 89 that recommended leaded. I've burned unleaded for 15 years without a problem and she still runs strong.

It would seem that that warning is outdated, even though it's orig on the boat. Autos haven't req'd leaded fuel since the mid '70s. PCM or whoever made your engine bought it from FOMoCo in '86 or close to it. There's very little chance that it does not have hardened valves and valve seats.

Thanks for the advice. I havent had any problems yet with it. Yeah your probably right, its probably a 351, I just wasnt thinking.