petrol additive

[BrianSteytler]

when i was running the 4f leaded petrol was plentiful. when i stopped using it i used to start it up two or three times a year and i used an additive to replace the lead that is missing thesedays.

a short while ago i was reading a coulpe of articles by well respected automotive engineers who argued that the composition of the metal used in post ww2 engine heads did not require the additive unless the engine was high revving or the engine was used to its maximum all the time. in the last few months i have pitched this question to three uk motorcycle restorers who confirm they also do not use any additives in post war engines.

so.....am i wasting my time with this - what does everyone elso do??

[Steven.Carter]

I have never used any additives in my fuel

Steve

[adrie.degraaff]

I have never used a additive in any of my motorcycles 1900 - 2000.

[dave.owen]

I rarely use additives, maybe Casrol R for the smell

Dave

[nevhunter]

A tiny bit of two-stroke in the fuel sometimes. Helps the carb and fuel tank rust. Nev

[BrianSteytler]

right, use up the old stock and leave it at that - other than a bit of redex now and again!

[john.whiting]

I have heard of exhaust problems in singles,but it might be poor quality replacement valves.If you keep an eye on valve clearances,you know straight away if something is happening.In vintage cars I know of valve burnout.Its particularly likely in 60s and 70s Holdens and Falcons,but also happens in older sidevalves.I burnt out the exhausts in my old XA Falcon when unleaded first came in,LPG has a similar effect. Of course,no vintage car ran on leaded fuel until 1927,and many fuels weren t leaded until the late thirties. Regards John.

[andrew.chapman]

I always put a spoonful of Marmite in my tank when I fill up. It does no good at all but it causes less smoke than Redex.

[Steven.Carter]

Should stop the tank leaking Andrew

[nevhunter]

I ran an ironhead crossflow falcon engine on LP Gas in a Transit van ( which is harder on the seats than unleaded) and eventually the seats recessed so far that the lifters lost all the clearence and the engine lost power. There was no valve burning (just wear) and the recessing was so neat that inserts were easy to fit later by machining the head normally.. I thought we concluded a few weeks ago the the rate of seat wear on iron heads was not rapid enough to bother inserting them unless they needed it at the time. That would be my approach to it. Nev