new 1971 240z do I need a lead additive and do I adjust my valves regularly

[Guest libbyde]

Hi Everyone,

 

Sorry for the newb question but I just bought a 1971 240z all stock and I was wondering if I need to use a lead additive in my gas? Also do my valves need to be adjusted regularly? Any other special things I need to do?

 

Thanks,

Ron

[evildky]

I neer had a problem runing unleaded in my 71, I think it's supposed to be bad for the valve seats or guides, either way if the head has even been rebuilt they likely updated it, i wouldn't worry about it

[OlderThanMe]

If your valves are making noise then you can adjust them. You just need some shims, a 14mm wrench, and a 17mm wrench.(IIRC)

Doing the valves is about a 45 minute job and just follow the Haynes manual instructions or the FSM(Field Service Manual) if you have access to one.

 

OTM

[Guest libbyde]

Thank you for the info!

[JMortensen]

The 240Z was designed for leaded fuel. Running unleaded will eventually cause damage to the valve seats, which can be fixed by installing new hardened seats. It's a slow process and in all likelihood your car has been running on unleaded for the last 20 years or more, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

The valve adjust requires only the 14 and 17mm wrenches and a feeler gauge, don't go looking for shims because there aren't any. The factory service manual is sometimes available for download here: http://www.carfiche.com. A Haynes/Chilton type guide will also have all the info you need for the valve adjust in addition to all the other typical service procedures (setting point gap, etc).