10 replies to this topic

[MiniMonty]

Hi all,

 

I'm not unleaded and I've been using Shell lead replacement fluid for about five years - always get it from the same garage.

Suddenly they don't stock it and the guy behind the counter knows nothing about anything.

Anyone got any info ?

Or advice ?

 

Best wishes

Monty

[HarrysMini]

Use an additive such as Castrol Valvemaster. 

LRP is horrible fuel any way and I don't like to use it.

[TehMarchant]

I am also interested as I am not 100% sure if mine is unleaded.

[surfblue63]

I used to use Castrol Valvemaster in my '63 Super Delux. I also filled the car with Shell V-Power.

 

http://www.castrol.c...ntentId=7027410

 

 

 

Castrol Valvemaster and Castrol Valvemaster Plus

 

 

Lead replacement fuel additive for use with lead-free fuel. Protects engine against valve seat recession under all driving conditions. Keeps fuel system clean and protects against corrosion.

Castrol Valvemaster Plus provides an octane boost to unleaded fuel, reducing pinking, knocking or the need to retune.
One millilitre treats one litre of fuel

 

[HarrysMini]

I have a leaded head, and this is how I run it.

I Use Shell V Power (cleaner, better quality fuel) with Valvemaster + (the one with the octane booster). This way, you've now got very high octane fuel and leaded additive.

I have personally got the timing set up for the V power and use the octane booster in Valvemaster + to keep it safe if for some reason I couldn't get higher octane fuel.

 

With this set up you can get better performance (because of the higher octane) and it's still safe for leaded heads. If you don't want to/can't use a high octane fuel for whatever reason, then leave your timing where it is to prevent any risk of pre-ignition (pinking).

[Tamworthbay]

How many miles do you cover a year? There has been a lot of research by various classic owner groups and magazines and the consensus seems to be that the damage from unleaded is nowhere near what was expected. This is especially true of cars that have been run on leaded fuel as the valve seats retain lead memory (their term not mine - I presume it refers to lead deposits built up over time). For lowish mileage cars it seems to suggest that most owners will get many many years trouble free use out of an engine without using an additive. If I was doing higher mileage, say 6000+ a year then I would use an additive! but not as much of it as it says on the bottle. Do a bit of searching around on the internet and you will find lots of info from people who have been running with little/ no problems.

[lrostoke]

I was doing approx 5 - 6 thou miles a year using Redex lead replacement. ran like that for about 5 yrs.

But when I did a recent strip down valves looked like mice had chewed them, luckily we had a scrap engine with an unleaded head so that went on.

[surfblue]

I use Millers VSPe or Redex if not available, either seems fine, I'll get round to having hardened seats put into the head if I need to have it off for any reason but Im doing a low mileage so dont suppose its really needed.

[jaydee]

The last time i've seen the shell additive it was nearly 10 years ago, dont know if still exists..

From memory it was potassium, so it should be the same as redline lead substitute

[minijules]

I just drive around town and within a 10-20 mike radius in mine and its leaded but I dont bothet with any additive anymore as it doesn't make that much of a difference

Will be getting a new head once restored next year anyway, they're not too expensive

[The Matt]

I like Castrol Valvemaster...I'm addicted to the smell!