OT unleaded

[Graham NZ]

Hi all from sunny, summer NZ.
I'm thinking of buying an old car,(1975),that hasn't been converted to unleaded. Can i run it on super unleaded without converting, or am i asking for trouble? In NZ, super unleaded is 96 octane.

GRAHAM (P787)

TOO OLD TO PLAY FOOTBALL. TOO YOUNG TO PLAY GOLF

 

[Jay]

i think you might still cause some damage as the unleaded will cause the engine to run too hot, lead was used to stop pinking and without it you'll really struggle.

thats about all i can remember

http://www.geogreeting.com/view.html?zes3Jepv+vO3jHJy+!8mAXb+OD

 

[donnylad]

sum garages sell the lead replacement fuel and depending on what car it is you can buy new heads that are converted

calvert

 

[Mark]

Best to try and find a car that has been converted, if not, you need to get valve seat inserts installed...

Chances of getting a replacement head now are slim...

The car will run on 96 octane, but you'll slowly kill it, as the lead was used to stop the engine overheating. Ignition timing will need resetting too, as the lower octane causes 'pinking'.

You can get additives to stick with the unleaded, but even they aren't a fullproof solution.

 

[Ash]

it will kill the valve seats very quickly. if you strip the head off yourself the conversion cost shouldnt be to high especially in nz.


option 2 is to buy the car and change the engine.

 

[Tom]

By this time the valve seats will have work hardened so it will last ages on UL.

If you're planning on using it as a daily drive then hardened seats and new exhaust valves would be sensible, but if its a weekend car don't worry.

 

[Buzz]

its usually ok on super, though its probably cheaper to just use additives if you aren't sure. converting/changing the head is a lot of money for an old car....

Buzz
The champion of the Bravo 1.4
& now ex owner of a Bravo 1.8

 

[Carroll]

Also depends on what car it is - all the Jappers were designed to run on lower-octane unleaded,(92+) anyway, so no issue with those.

If it's something else, then I agree with Tom - if the valve seats are work-hardened, then there should'nt be excessive wear, providing the engine is'nt worked hard.

 

[Matthew_NZ]

Premium in NZ is either 95, 97.5 (Mobil) or 98 (BP Ultimate).

I remember there used to be adverts on TV for a special additive you add to your fuel on fill up which allows you to run unleaded in a leaded car. Don't know much about it though. Valvaline or something similiar?

 

[Carroll]

It was prob. Vavoline - but many oil companies make this kind of octane booster/lead replacement additive, including STP, Redex, e.t.c. - should be able to get in any motorstore, should you feel the need.