CD-2 Lead Substitute

Anyone know where this can be purchased anymore?  Local farm stores and auto parts places don't seem to be carrying this product anymore and can't find it being sold on the internet.  Last time I was able to purchase it, the price had gone up considerably, so I suppose it could have been phased out.  I don't know if it makes much difference, but I've been using it in my old gas tractors for the past 20 years and wanted to continue doing so.  Thanks, Dave

I think many have stopped selling it because I think they have to label it for off road use only.
If you search Google you can still but it.

Left you a private message.

I just checked.  you can still get at JEGS.  12oz, $9.00 will treat 120 gal. I assume others still handle. - AL

Jeff, thanks for the link to the site.  That's exactly what I was looking for at a reasonable price, however the cookie blocker on my internet hasn't allowed me to look at it further.  Have to take some time to figure out how to let me view how to order it and check whether it is in stock.

Nope, no Norby Farm stores nearby.  Jeff, what do you mean about seeing that coming?

I'm putting it in a 1957 WD45.  They were made prior to the unleaded gas days.  I'm not sure it helps or not, but at least when I started adding it over twenty years ago the CD-2 was relatively inexpensive.  A 32 oz. bottle would do 320 gallons so even if it was only providing a slight benefit it wasn't costing me too much.  If I'm not able to still get the more concentrated lead additive such as CD-2 at a reasonable price, I'll probably just stop adding it.  I know there's been a debate on the benefits of adding a lead substitute before and it seemed to be inconclusive as to whether it helped.  So, as long as it wasn't hurting anything and didn't cost too much I was going to continue to add it.  Thanks, Dave 

Why on earth do you want to add this muck to your gasoline? Your tractor engine certainly does not need it, nor will it contribute anything towards the efficiency or longevity of your engine. Tractor engines were made with a low BMEP and could run on the lowest grades of fuel without a problem. Forget it and stop wasting your money!

Edited by Tricky Dickie - 10 May 2010 at 3:55am

Yep, that's the one!

Its illegal to use lead in gasoline. There is no lead in CD2. Look at the MSDS at:http://www.turtlewax.com/res/msds/msds4298-1.pdf
Mostly Naptha (white gas) and color.

Gerald J. 

Denis - Commercial introduction of TetraEthyl Lead (TEL) into motor fuels occured initially around 1928 by Kettering Labs, and was marketed under the "Ethyl" name SPECIFICALLY to draw attention away from the inclusion of LEAD.

The sole purpose, was to allow ignition timing to be advanced substantially in low-grade fuels, to generate more power and lower combustion chamber temperatures with no preignition.

Valve seat "Cushioning" was a concept introduced by the TEL advocacy community- by convincing manufacturers that harden valve seat inserts weren't necessary, thus, increasing dependancy on TEL.  This was at the same time when hardened inserts were very expensive, and the need for war materials increased the cost-gap for building with such things.

TEL, as well as fuel formulations, advanced in use in combat aircraft fuels during WW2 in order to make high-performance engines (like the supercharged Merlin and Allisons) capable of higher combat-horsepower.

After the war, the acceptance of TEL became fairly common, although the scientific community was well aware that airborne TEL was a very serious problem, particularly in urban environments.

If you look at OLD engines... prior to the '30's, you'll see that they either had hardened valve seats, or such low CR, and low BMEP, that TEL simply was not necessary.  As Dickie noted, those engines were designed to run on very lousy (by today's standards) fuels...  4:1 compression ratios were standard, 5:1 was considered 'high'.

During the TEL boom, CAR manufacturers cut corners and allowed TEL and high-octane fuels to keep horsepower numbers high, even with low-quality components.  Agricultural and industrial manufacturers, however, did it right- they used good quality materials and prudent methods, knowing that field horsepower meant durability... and they were capable of, intended for, and regularly fueled by 'alternative' methods... because they had to be adaptable to what the industry (or the farmer) had most available.

Remember- high-test fuels tend to evaporate rapidly.  This is a BAD thing for agricultural fuels, as they'll be evaporating out of storage barrels and tanks.  For economy purposes, earlier tractors would start on gasoline, and run on 'tractor fuel', 'distillate', 'kerosene', 'light heating oils' or whatever names you'd like to apply.  They didn't evaporate... which means less fuel loss during a season.

You got to watch these fuels today. If you got your collection in closed sheds like I do, you think someone was stealing fuel from you. They evaluate out. I try to buy fuel with no alcohol.

I use the same Cd 2 lead substitute. The reason is that every cylinder head mechanic I have ever talked to said to use it in older motors to keep from wearing the valves as bad. wether it hreally helps or not I dont know.

Within the past few months, I purchased several bottles of CD2 at a Walmart Super Store.  I believe it was under $10 per bottle.

I buy it at Rural King. Its like the wal mart of farm supply stores. Kinda like a Tractor Supply on steroids.