Fuel related questions

[BenMinnor]

Hi
New to owning a morris minor and a classic car for that matter, just looking for some advise on fuel and fuel cleaners.

Which fuel is best for older cars like the morris? Should I use the more expensive V power stuff or is normal 95ron petrol fine?

Also is it good to use Redex on a older car, just to give the system a good clean through?

Should additives also be used with every fill up?

The head hasn't been converted but it does have the conversion in the fuel line so it can run on unleaded.

Thanks
Ben

[SteveClem]

Is the fuel line gizmo a 'broquette catalyst'? If so it's quite controversial! Fuel wise I'd try to avoid petrol containing ethanol.

[panky]

The 'fuel catalysts' that either fit in line or drop in the tank in a bag are a waste of time and have zero effect on the fuel. If you are simply using the car as a run a round and not towing a heavy trailer or doing mega miles then just put ordinary 4 star in and don't bother with additives. There is a current thread on the virtues (and otherwise) of supermarket petrol and everyone has a different opinion - I just use the cheapest I can find and find it makes no difference to the running of the car compared to the 'named' brands

[BenMinnor]

It is a inline catalyst fitted by Charles Ware, I would have to check exactly what is is next time I use the car. What would you suggest instead of an inline catalyst?

How would you find out if a fuel has ethanol in it? I have been using normal Shell fuel lately.

Any thoughts on Redex in classic cars, just once as a cleaning agent?

[bmcecosse]

The 'inline catalyst' is a complete and utter waste of time and money - it tells you something about that supplier if they would fit rubbish like that to a Minor.... Just use the cheapest fuel you can buy - it all comes out the one refinery.... Don't waste money on additives - or Redex... I do advise (as did MG/Rover) setting the exhaust valve gaps to 15 thou to allow for the hotter running unleaded fuel.

[dalebrignall]

i have used redex in my moggy and my saab , i did notice a big difference with my saab it cleaned the injectors and the car ran smoother . with the moggy i had the engine running got it reving quite fast and very slowleypoured the redex down the carb after removing the air filter it made lots of smoke and nearly stalled the engine , weather it cleaned the carb and the inside of the engine i dont know , i dont think it did any harm , its all down to personal choice at the end of the day .

[bmcecosse]

It's more likely to choke it up with carbon...... If you want to try to clean the combustion chambers - dribble some water in while revving the hot engine ! But to be honest - the best plan is to make sure it's not running rich (what colour are the plugs?) and take it out for a good long hard blast up the Motorway.

[SteveClem]

See what I mean about controversial! I predict this one could run for a while. The
In line catalyst thing sounds like selling snake oil and the science behind it is a bit iffy. Having said that I believe it dates back to the last war and running Spitfires on Russian fuel. It' s a bit like religion,if you believe....! I know that Andy and Tim at Charles Ware's rate them but I'm a bit sceptical. I've got one on my 1955 Austin and can't see it can do any harm and it might help?? My personal experience is that the old girls are happier on the dear stuff (no ethanol?) and the modern thing runs on the cheapest!

[panky]

These bags of pellets are made out of tin, how on earth would that help you engine

[Trickydicky]

There are some interesting comments here on a flying website regarding fuel catalysts.
http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history- ... canes.html