Lead in the Petrol

["Andrew Asher" <andrew.asher@mail.com>]

Well the oil addiction on my URq has been put down to very warn valve
guides, exhaust valves and a not very happy turbo exhaust impeller and
shaft.  These all explain the problems I was having with excessive oil
consumption.  These problems all go away by fixing them, however the
nagging question is why the sudden deterioration of an other wise healthy
engine in the 4 months since I've had it.

Obvious conclusions are -
Have I thrashed it when its cold ?
Have I turned it off when its hot ?
Did I drain all the oil out after running slick 50 through it once and then
try the Paris to Peking ?
Did I abuse it as a child ?

All possible, and no doubt probable assumptions but my real concern that I
have yet to get a good answer from locally is -
What happens to an 85 quattro turbo when there is no lead in the petrol ?

New Zealand did away with lead in the petrol only recently and many "older"
vehicles require a fuel additive to lubricate the valve gear etc.

I have been told that if this was an issue then the valve seats would be
worn which they are not.

The car has not done many miles since similar work was carried out -  the
majority of the miles done were done when the lead was in the petrol.  

Safest bet is to run it with the additive as its likely to do, at worst, no
harm.

Any ideas greatly appreciated.

Andrew -85Urq ( in 17,000 pieces )
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Andrew Asher
Mailto:Andrew.Asher@mail.com
P.O.Box 33-1509
Takapuna, Auckland,  New Zealand
+64 9 489 3963 wk
025 361598 mb
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