merged with General Motors to solve two main problems: the need for high compression engines and the insufficient supply of fuel. In 1921 chemist Charles F. Kettering assisted by Thomas Midgley added Tetraethyl lead to fuel the engine. The problem of knock, caused by auto-ignition of fuel being compresses past the ignition temperature, was completely silenced. Over time other manufacturers found out that by adding lead to fuel they could improve the octane rating of the gas. This then allowed them to produce much cheaper fuel but still maintain the needed crane ratings that a car’s engine needs. Another benefit that became known after some time was that Tetraethyl lead lubricated the valve seats which kept them from wearing down. Modern engines have special hardened valve seats but at the time lead could cause damage to
merged with General Motors to solve two main problems: the need for high compression engines and the insufficient supply of fuel. In 1921 chemist Charles F. Kettering assisted by Thomas Midgley added Tetraethyl lead to fuel the engine. The problem of knock, caused by auto-ignition of fuel being compresses past the ignition temperature, was completely silenced. Over time other manufacturers found out that by adding lead to fuel they could improve the octane rating of the gas. This then allowed them to produce much cheaper fuel but still maintain the needed crane ratings that a car’s engine needs. Another benefit that became known after some time was that Tetraethyl lead lubricated the valve seats which kept them from wearing down. Modern engines have special hardened valve seats but at the time lead could cause damage to