Richard,
Thanks for all the follow-up on my question. Option 1 sounds the most
sensible to me, considering that the vehicle in question has been running
with unleaded for probably the last ten years (at least). I can't recall
the exact year that leaded fuel became officially extinct in the U.S., but I
was purchasing it last around 1979 or 1980.
Option 2 also sounds good, but I need to learn more about what's involved
and the actual cost of doing such a thing. Option 3 sounds a bit dicey to
me -- and in the long run, probably more expensive. Again, thank you for
your recommendations.
Best wishes,
Jeff
----- Original Message -----
From: Richard Gosling <rbgos@perkins-engines.com>
To: <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 1999 2:05 AM
Subject: Re: No leaded fuel. What to do?
>
> Jeff,
>
> In the UK we are going through the trauma of the withdrawal from sale of
> leaded fuel right now, so there is a lot of discussion and information
> going around about what to do.
>
> Basically there seem to be 3 options:
>
> 1. Just put unleaded in your tank, and retard the timing a little to
> avoid pinking. After many years of running on leaded there will be an
> amount of lead absorbed into the surface of the metal, and this will
> provide limited protection against valve recession (the real killer with
> unleaded fuel in cars not designed for it). This may be sufficient if
> you do low mileage, and drive gently (neither of which I would advocate,
> as someone who does 16,000 hard miles a year in my Spit 1500!), but
> eventually the valve seats will wear and you will have to have your
> cylinder head re-conditioned and new valve seats and valves fitted.
>
> 2. Get your cylinder head converted right away, rather than waiting for
> the damage to occur and then getting it done - best option for the long
> term, and not too expensive (at least in the UK, no idea about the US).
>
> 3. Use an additive in your unleaded petrol. These are available in car
> part stores in the UK, and presumably in the US, plus we get it
> available pre-mixed in what is called LRP (lead replacement petrol) at
> the pumps - not a conveniance you will have! The additive is simply a
> small bottle, add one to your tank each time you fill up, and it
> contains a (non-lead) chemical that gives similar protection to lead,
> although not quite as good. Some also contain an octane booster, so you
> do not even need to retard your ignition.
>
> The FBHVC (Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs), an umbrella
> organisation for all classic car clubs in the UK, did tests on around 12
> different additives at the beginning of this year, and found just 4 that
> they could recommend - if you want to know which these are I can dig out
> the info.
>
> Beware of anyone trying to sell you any sort of 'catalyst' or device
> that you fit in the fuel line, ususally containing tin pellets, that
> claim to allow you to use unleaded fuel with no problems - the FBHVC
> tested several of these and could not recommend any of these.
> Personally I doubt these are anything more than a placebo.
>
>
> I hope this helps, and doesn't just make the issue more clouded!
>
> Richard Gosling
> Daffy (Inca yellow '78 Spit 1500)
>
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