Ski Boat Forum

Repairs and Maintenance => Engine Repair/Maintenance - All Ski Boats => Topic started by: Charlie on November 15, 2013, 06:08:31 PM

Title: Engine Decals
Post by: Charlie on November 15, 2013, 06:08:31 PM

Hi,
I found a company that has the Commander 351 Decal already made.  Im inquiring with them on making the "255 HP" decal also.  The last decal on my engine has all the specifics but I cant make everything out.  Specifically the type of Gas.  I can tell it says Regular but done know if its says Leaded or Unleaded.  The engine is a 1979 version.

Does anyone have a clean decal they can take a picture of or decipher the attached pics?
Thanks!

Title: Re: Engine Decals
Post by: Charlie on November 15, 2013, 08:42:02 PM

After looking at several different pics I took I believe it says Regular 94 Octane Lead or Low Lead.  So does this engine needs Lead Additive?

Title: Re: Engine Decals
Post by: backfoot100 on November 18, 2013, 06:17:32 PM

Charlie,
Running unleaded gas is fine. I wouldn't worry about an additive. I've never been a believer of additives. Running premium gas has more than enough additives in it already. Right around '79 was when the big push to unleaded fuels was taking place. Even if it requires leaded for helping lubricate the valves, the general consensus I've been reading about for years is run it until the heads need to be replaced (which is a normal wear item sooner or later) and any new heads you install now will have the hardened seats that are OK for unleaded fuels.
The only caveat to my additives statement is that I would recommend running StaBil every tankful. The only reason I say that is I was told by Indmar tech dept. after I first got my boat to run it. They're long term testing indicated that the StaBil helped to maintain the freshness of the fuel to help keep the carb cleaner and the octane level of the gas where it's supposed to be. I've been running it like that since I got my boat and have never had a fuel related problem.
Just my .02.

 

Title: Re: Engine Decals
Post by: Charlie on November 18, 2013, 08:14:59 PM

Thanks for the info.  I just filled the boat last week with 15 gals Chevron Premium and added a bottle of Lead Additive and 2 bottles of Sea Foam (~2oz/gal) to maintain the fuel and clean the system.  I ran the engine for a few to circulate the fuel through the system before winterizing it.  I probably wont have a chance to put this in the lake and burn this tank until next spring but didn't want to leave the tank bone dry over the winter.

Title: Re: Engine Decals
Post by: Charlie on November 21, 2013, 09:54:18 PM

New Decals on the way!