Interesting subject - lead in gasoline.  I briefly scanned a somewhat technical article on the use of lead in gasoline.  If I understood the chemistry, the lead atoms/molecules  actually forms some type of link with the hydrocarbon molecules of the gasoline.  The lead is then release during the combustion process and it functions by absorbing heat of the flame front and thereby slowing down the combustion process and preventing detonation.
 
In other words, its not simply metallic  lead dissolved in gasoline - at least as best I understood the explanation.
 
Ed

    ----- Original Message -----
    *From:* Russell Duffy <mailto:russell.duffy@gmail.com>
    *To:* Rotary motors in aircraft <mailto:flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
    *Sent:* Thursday, January 19, 2006 4:29 PM
    *Subject:* [FlyRotary] Re: Fw: Lead Solvent or Cleaner

    (Warning, the following comes from someone who'd rather undergo
    shock therapy than attend a chemistry class)
         If the lead was originally in gasoline, wouldn't gasoline work as
    well as anything else to dissolve lead?  How about an ultrasonic
    cleaner filled with gasoline, if that can be done safely.  No,
    don't "borrow" your wife's jewelry cleaner either :-)
         Cheers,
    Rusty (RV-8 on the way, equity asset already gone)