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can I run on Unleaded petrol?

Posted by ZAK008

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can I run on Unleaded petrol? #1
ZAK008 Zak Portelli st.Andrews, Malta	Posted: August 30, 2011 02:47AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 13

Hi, I'm new to the forums, and I have a 1961 Traveller.
I am concerned about the fuel mixture. Normal petrol was has been seized so I am having to use Unleaded and add 10ml additive per 10 litres petrol. I recently heard that adding some 2 stroke engine oil to the petrol helps preserve the rubber bits inside the engine, if thi is a fact how much ml of 2 stroke oil can I mix per 1 litre petrol? I imagine it is a very bit as one wouldn't want to clog it up. Thanks.

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #2
59traveller alex wilds columbia, south carolina, USA 1959 Morris Minor "Redoubtable" 1961 Austin-Healey Sprite 1961 Austin-Healey Sprite	Posted: August 30, 2011 05:16AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 62

Yes, you can run on unleaded fuel. Alas, the engine runs hotter and burns up exhaust valves. There are several things one can do:

1. Install hardened exhaust valves and valve seats, or
2. Slightly loosen the tappets, allowing the valves more time to cool, or
3. install a nifty little gadget that Charles Ware in Bath sells that automatically adds tin to the fuel. It fits between the fuel pump and the carburettor. As I recall it was not expensive. I think it is the best solution.

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #3
ZAK008 Zak Portelli st.Andrews, Malta	Posted: August 30, 2011 10:22AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 13

Yes but can I put 2 stroke oil?

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #4
KCrist Konrad Crist Hardy, VA, USA 1961 Morris Minor	Posted: August 30, 2011 11:27AM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 17

Adding oil to petrol has the effect of lowering the octane value of the fuel. If the engine is tuned just short of pinking or detonation, then adding the oil may make the fuel more likely to pre-ignite or detonate, which would require retarding the ignition to compensate. You should consider one of the better lead substitute additives to adding oil to the petrol, which will likely not do anything to prevent valve seat recession. Otherwise put in hardened exhaust valve seats or take your chances with the no-lead petrol.

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #5
ZAK008 Zak Portelli st.Andrews, Malta	Posted: August 31, 2011 06:15AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 13

Thanks so much for the replies, I would rather use the additive.

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #6
59traveller alex wilds columbia, south carolina, USA 1959 Morris Minor "Redoubtable" 1961 Austin-Healey Sprite 1961 Austin-Healey Sprite	Posted: September 02, 2011 07:22AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 62

As I pointed out before, Charles Ware of the Morris Minor Centre in Bath sells a gismo that adds tin ( in effect, lead) to the mix automatically. You can find both Mr. Ware and the part on the internet.

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #7
Tux80 Dennis Locke Lower Saxony, Germany 1967 Morris Minor 1000 "Diana" 1994 Volkswagen Passat	Posted: September 12, 2011 01:35PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 3

hey,

it´s a very difficult question. some experts prefer a "enginge" (valve i.e.) conversion for unloaded patrol and some not...i personally use a additiv (like Castrol TBE). u can´t be wrong or damage the engine with a additiv...so it may be better than none.

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #8
tailguncharlie Alex Ellis scotland, United Kingdom	Posted: November 25, 2011 10:44AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 11

Hi. I was told by a very mature and well informed engineer, that adding about 5ml of cooking oil to about 10 gallon of petrol, does the same job as an additive, at a fraction of the cost. But have never done so myself. For all the cost of the additives that are on the market compared to the cost of a valve/head conversion, I think I will just stick to the proper market additives. I only put a small amount in the tank once every 3 fill ups or so, just for peace of mind.
Cheers,
Alex. aka, Tailguncharlie. smiling bouncing smiley

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #9
bazza Barry Lucas SW Michigan, USA 1958 Morris Minor	Posted: November 25, 2011 02:03PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 36

FWIW, the gurus on the MMOC forum don't think any changes need be made for running on unleaded. I Have been driving my LBCs for years on unleaded without problems, including my 58 mog with a 1275.

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #10
jonnywebster Jonny W Auckland, New Zealand 1951 Morris Minor "Boris"	Posted: December 02, 2011 06:13PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 29

Barry's right, I'm running mine of unleaded and it seems quite happy. Seems these engines have a high tolerance for almost anything, although technically I'm sure leaded is preferable. But if you're a lazy arse like me, stick the green stuff in and don't worry about it...!

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #11
ZAK008 Zak Portelli st.Andrews, Malta	Posted: December 03, 2011 07:55PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 13

Indeed these engines seem to be very very durable!! I was talking to an old chap a few months back and he told me that the petrol station attendant once filled his tank with diesel, by the time he noticed there was over 5 litres in the tank, he filled the rest with petrol and decided to see what happens, and the car ran just the same. Strange how those engines were built to last forever. Well they are British after all!

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #12
Tux80 Dennis Locke Lower Saxony, Germany 1967 Morris Minor 1000 "Diana" 1994 Volkswagen Passat	Posted: December 14, 2011 04:30PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 3

hey,

if i driving without an additive in patrol, the engine noise (valve sound) goes up....so, i decided to use an additive

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #13
bazza Barry Lucas SW Michigan, USA 1958 Morris Minor	Posted: December 14, 2011 04:54PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 36

Definitely won't hurt! Some very experienced A series types recommend increasing the exhaust valve gap to .015" rather than .012" if going without an additive, so you will get more valve train noise one way or the other!

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #14
charlychuck charles E derby, United Kingdom	Posted: February 22, 2012 12:28PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 7

I have run my morris without additives for about twenty thousand miles still ok mainly short trips sometimes on motorway. I think the valve seats must have hardened up in the early years of the engine.

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #15
BEN 17 Ben Musk nelson, New Zealand	Posted: March 02, 2012 05:39PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 3

your best answer would be to install a broquet, its very cheap, and it lasts forever, it consists of 4-6 lead pellets (depending on engine power) in a steel gauze, they have been around for about 50 years. They have also been said to add a little bit of power to older cars.

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #16
ZAK008 Zak Portelli st.Andrews, Malta	Posted: March 04, 2012 05:06PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 13

Where do I buy this thing from??? Will the mechanic know how to install it?

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Re: can I run on Unleaded petrol? #17
BEN 17 Ben Musk nelson, New Zealand	Posted: March 09, 2012 04:45AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 3

you should be able to get it off the internet somewhere, or to save money, you can make one. They can be easily installed by simply removing the fuel filler neck pipe in the boot and sliding it into the tank.

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