I've been using unleaded in my '72 for many years for a while I was adding a
substitute every couple of tanks. Be that got to be tedious. I know run it
on plain 87 Octane (US method) unleaded. So far no problems.
Ralph Jannelli
Matthews, NC
'65 Spitfire MKII
'72 Spitfire MKIV
'80 TR8 DHC
----- Original Message -----
From: Sue <suzie_bear@hotmail.com>
To: <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, September 03, 1999 4:04 PM
Subject: The dreaded unleaded problem
>
> Here in the UK we're coming up to our own Millennium bugbear, as of 1/1/00
> there's to be no more leaded petrol at the pumps.
>
> There are as many opinions as there are alternatives so I'm asking advice
> from the oracle - the list!
>
> I realise the main sure fire way is to convert the engine with an unleaded
> head but I can almost see the bank manager shaking his head, the current
> state of my finances rules that out for the foreseeable future.
>
> As I understand it the options include the following:
> 1 - changing the head
> 2 - changing the valve seats
> 3 - putting a 'thing' in the petrol tank
> 4 - putting an in-line 'thing' in the fuel line
> 5 - putting additives in with the fuel each time
> 6 - using Lead replacement Petrol
> 7 - just putting in unleaded
>
> My feelings on these options are:
> 1 & 2 - as stated before - I really can't afford it yet
> 3 & 4 - how can they possibly work?
> 5 & 6 - there are so many options & I undestand that once you choose one
> type (potassium, sodium, manganese or phosphorus) you have stick with it.
As
> I've just read an article which stated that 'All work on the proposed
> British Standards for Lead Replacement Petrol has been ceased' apparently
> because no-one can decide which way to go, how should I be able to decide
> which to use?
> 7 - According to Kippings catalogue 'the simplest way to convert your car
to
> run on unleaded fuel is to put it into the tank'.
>
> So far I've always had good advice from Kippings and my intention is to do
> the latter. I believe my engine to be original so it should have a decent
> lead memory and I don't do great mileage or drive at high speed.
Presumably
> a few months into next year there should be better information as to which
> options work the best.
>
> Remember, I'm the 'mechanically ignorant' one so please be gentle with me
> and my level of knowledge but I'd really appreciate hearing some other
views
> on this.
>
> Sue
>
> '68 MkIII
>
> PS. I tried a tankful of unleaded out of curiosity a few months ago and I
> didn't notice any difference in it's running or performance.
>
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