Gasoline for "the Beast" a "76 D200

[dropdown34 9]

I've got a dumb question.  I don't remember when the unleaded gasoline came out, but my owner's manual doesn't state what type of gasoline to use.  Since it doesn't state what type of gasoline to use, I am assuming this tractor was builded before unleaded became the one and only type of gasoline.  My question is should I be adding any kind of additive to the gasoline for my '76 D200 Wheel Horse??? 

[64s 83]

I've been running unleaded without any additives for years without ant problems.  If I remember right, leaded gas helped auto engines with knocking and valve seat wear, and our equiptment isn't run as hard as cars are.

[bmsgaffer 2,043]

The Kohler service manual states that both leaded and unleaded are OK.

[shorts 182]

the original K series were designed and developed before unleaded gas but they tolerate it reasonably well, the alcohol in modern fuels seems to be pretty corrosive to the white metal parts - fuel systems in particular,  In my opinion finding "real gas" is worth the effort and cost. look online for real gas or check at your local marina or small airport.

[Tankman 3,515]

Can't remember last time I used leaded gasoline. I recall (I think?) walking to the Amoco station for "white" gas. Guess that was unleaded?

 

Nowadays use only unleaded gas but, add Seafoam to the fuel tank.

 

Those older Kohler engines run like clocks in my opinion. 

 

Any thoughts? 

 

PS. First used Seafoam spray to clean an older Kohler carb. Smoke! Then ran clear and smooth as new.

Edited April 19, 2014 by Tankman

[baerpath 517]

Unleaded isn't the problem, ethanal will eat brass and sucks water into itself.  Unleaded fuel without ethanal isn't hard to find around here. Not sure about down south

[shorts 182]

Back in the 70's when the leaded gas went away the early versions of unleaded gas octane boosting compounds attacked the plastic carburator floats of the day, the fix was either the older brass/copper floats or a new improved different compound of plastic float, typically a white plastic float replacing the early style black or dark brown floats. Like mentioned above the ethanol in the gasohol fuels corrodes the soft metals and also attracts moisture. the cure is to either run the fuel system dry after use or just use non gasohol fuels. Since bouts aren't required to use gasohol and their environment is wet marina's typically only pump non alcohol fuel, regular unleaded.