Unleaded petrol

[Rob Bromfield]

I've got a 1970 Ford 302 which has had substantial work done on it.
My problem is that this used to run on leaded petrol and now we have unleaded.
Does anybody know how I can continue to use this engine? Fuel additives perhaps? Hardened valve seat inserts?
Suggestions would be welcome.

 

[ChrisL]

Rob,
Either of the two are acceptable solutions. I had a Triumph TR6 that I ran with additives for years, but others had the work done to the heads at a reasonable cost.

There were rumours at one stage of the over-use of aromatics (spelling???) in the unleaded fuels which caused rubber seals in the fuel systems to corode and leak. We are assured by the petrol companies here in Australia though that this error was a "once-off" and should never happen again. You can bet though that I kept my eyes wide open for any possible leaks.

 

[Jim Glickenhaus]

With hardened seals I've used unleaded for years with no problems in all my cars.

 

[Rob Bromfield]

Thanks guys, what got me thinking was this article :

http://www.morrisminoroc.co.uk/articles/alltherest/FBHVC_Endorsements.html

 

[James]

Try using Shell Optimax, octane rating 98RON, with some Castrol lead replacement additive. My brother uses this combination on his 69 Fiat Dino - seems to work well.