"Effect of Leaded petrol in Minis" - Quote from the May
98 issue of Practical Classics.
Suitably tested fuel additives will be available before four-star petrol is
banned on Jan 1,2000, according to a top fuel industry scientist.
Dr Mat Vincent, an expert on fuel and combustion, has been appointed to the
Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs Fuels Committee to test the
effectiveness of petrol additives.
He told club delegates....that research is well under way and that the fuels
committee will be able to make recommendations to owners well before the 2000
lead ban.
Dr Vincent will use BMC A-series engines, which are particularly prone to valve
seat recession and therefore more at risk than most engines.
Research as shown that valve seat recession varies dramatically depending on
engine type and use. At lower engine speeds, damage is negligible, but at higher
revs recession becomes a serious problem. Dr V said that sustained hard driving
on some engines could see a total loss of valve clearances in less than 500
miles.
He also confirmed that fitting hardened valve seats is the best long-term
solution to running on unleaded fuel."
See also four star petrol.