unleaded

[jackie]

Hi recently bought traveller which has had work done over the years.
Cannot find however anything in paperwork as to whether the head and valves have been done so it is ok to run on unleaded.
Only had for one week so to be on the safe side im using the castrol additive which this site recommends.
Is there any way to tell whether the work has been done?

[LouiseM]

Welcome to the messageboard Jackie. Someone posted an identical question recently so take a look at the responses here: http://www.mmoc.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=48772

[bmcecosse]

Absolutely no need for any additives. Unleaded fuel is fine. Set the inlet valve gaps to 12 thou and the exhausts to 15 thou, and check/reset every 3000 miles - and all will be well.

[IslipMinor]

The 'unleaded' discussion is an interesting one. Strictly speaking if the exhaust valve seats have not been converted, then an additive should be used, BUT the acid test is whether serious valve seat recession is occurring.

If you do as Roy suggests and the exhaust valve tappet clearances do not close up, then carry on and enjoy the car! If they do close up, which means that the valve seats are wearing away, try an additive, or better get the head converted - hopefully that won't be necessary.

[bmcecosse]

Indeed - but it may take many thousands of miles to show any significant recession - and since that part of the head will need to be machined away to fit new seats - there is no harm in wait and see policy. But you DO need to check and reset every 3000 miles - for many folks that could be 3 years ! If after a couple of checks - no resetting is required, then the gap could be stretched out to 5000 miles. Most of the additives are useless anyway at preventing recession........although they may boost the octane rating slightly, so preventing any tendency for pinking.

[lambrettalad]

I use an additive ,i've picked up loads very cheaply at auto jumbles ,parts fairs etc,some as cheaply as £1 a bottle (sealed etc) and
if I dont really need them what have I lost ? pennies

Even full priced ones (whatever that is ) only add pennies to a full tank.I don't think its worth the rigmarole ,if you can afford it.

I think this topic should be a sticky,it's discussed so often

[Deaconbrody]

What about those Gizmos thet are fitted into the fuel line?

[bmcecosse]

Complete and utter waste of money.......

[lambrettalad]

even I don't believe in those (or the wonder bits of metal in the fuel tank)

[aupickup]

my car did 120000 milkes on aleaded head average driving 300 miles a week 70 miles on motorway

[bmcecosse]

Exactly... the whole 'unleaded' scare is grossly overstated, and a nice little earner for convertors of heads, and sellers of magic potions !!! Do you really mean 120 thousand miles Denis ??

[aupickup]

yes it did 120 thousand miles all documented with mot cert and service record when it was new till now
still on its original floor pans crossmember rear hangers in fact only had the outer cross memeber ends welded and 1 small patch on the fron inne wing all original boot floor etc etc
and kept outside all year
i have now redone the original head
and is back on again

[bmcecosse]

Great value for money then!