Need for fuel additive

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Steven Hardin
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Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2022 5:13 pm
Location: AZ

Need for fuel additive

#1 Post by Steven Hardin »

I purchased a 356C that has been sitting for over 35 yrs. Serviced in 2008, drove 20 miles and has sat since. Engine appears original without signs of any type of rebuild. Has 77600 miles with service documentation. Car now runs. Should I have any additives to the fuel concerned about valve seats etc.
Thanks for any input on this subject.
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David Jones
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Re: Need for fuel additive

#2 Post by David Jones »

No additives needed, It should run fine on 87 octane unleaded. Valve seats are hardened steel so running unleaded is not a problem.
Welcome to the 356 community, you may want to hook up with other 356 owners in your area, there are quite a few in Arizona.
If I had known I would live this long I would have pushed the envelope a little harder.
Cymru am byth
David Jones #9715

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Jules Dielen
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Re: Need for fuel additive

#3 Post by Jules Dielen »

Nice looking C!!

Try to find some ethanol free gas if you do not plan on driving it frequenly, it has a longer shelf life. Cabs do not like the sludge ethanol leaves behind when the fuel evaporates from the carb bowls. I prefer 91 or better, price is irrelevant at about 3 tanks a year.

Check those brake lines etc before you start driving it (and during...)
Jules

Water pumps are for windshield washers only.

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Wes Bender
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Re: Need for fuel additive

#4 Post by Wes Bender »

I kinda like the 91 octane too, but I'm running 9.5:1 C.R.
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.....

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Bill Lawless
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Re: Need for fuel additive

#5 Post by Bill Lawless »

+1 on the Non-Ethanol.. My car even runs a bit better with Non-Ethanol..
 Thanks,
Bill
65' 356 SC Cab Irish Green :D
82' SC Targa
81 VW Westfalia with 2015 Forester Engine
BMW 64'-R50/2, 75'-BMW R90/6, 74' BMW R90/6, Yamaha BW350

Steven Hardin
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Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2022 5:13 pm
Location: AZ

Re: Need for fuel additive

#6 Post by Steven Hardin »

Thanks to all for the feedback, it is appreciated.

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Wes Bender
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Re: Need for fuel additive

#7 Post by Wes Bender »

Most additives are considered snake oil and aren't really needed unless you have a specific situation where they might help. If your car isn't going to be driven regularly, the fuel can go sour and, in that case, an additive can reduce the effect. Stabil is one that I use in gas engines that might sit for a bit between uses. My 356 doesn't go more than a week without being driven and goes through enough gas that I don't need an additive. We're lucky in that we can drive ours here in AZ through the winter without fear of salted roads.
Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints.....

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