Re: leaded versus unleaded

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <35045768.70C646DD@torsen.demon.co.uk> Tim Morgan writes:

> Having removed the cat from my car some months back due to the fact that
> it had completely disintegrated internally I now find myself wondering
> whether I can drive my car using 4-star leaded petrol, soon to be phased
> out, instead of the super unleaded I regularly use.

In the 90Q 20V, you might well be able to run on _standard_ unleaded.

> Aside from the price difference of around 11pence per litre saving I
> will make, is there any benefit to be gained? Or is there a reason why I
> can't revert to leaded?

None at all.  A 1990 car can legally be run without catalytic converters
or any other explicit emission control measures in the UK.

> In my old Santana GX5i (Quantum) JS engine, I used to run either 4-star
> or super unleaded without any problems...I'm assuming they are very
> similar in octane terms, and the basic difference is the lead?

The JS engine is Hall sensor timed and can be retarded to run on
standard unleaded.

None of these engines requires lead as a valve seat lubricant.

--
 Phil Payne
 Phone: 0385 302803   Fax: 01536 723021
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