The difference between the late and early model heads regarding use of
unleaded gas is hardened seats. The lead in the gas helped lubricate the
valves. Without it, older heads can suffer from reccession of the valve
seats over time. I don't know of anyone that has had this problem even
though they are using unleaded. Personally, I think that gas additives
are a pain, expensive, and in the long run do more damage than good. I
second Denise's suggestion.
Chris
On Mon, 2 Oct 1995, Denise Thorpe wrote:
> Tom asked:
>
> > As a new owner of an old MG, I have been adding lead substitute to my gas
>(no
> > real lead in it, cheap Walmart stuff - can't remember the brand name off
>hand).
> > Do I really not need to do this? If not, why does Victoria British sell
>this
> > "No lead head"? What do you other guys do?
>
> I've heard all of the horror stories about running unleaded gas in an old
> car and I decided to wait for a problem to occur before doing anything
> about it. You know, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'm still waiting.
> I've been using the same head on my `67 B since `79. The only work that's
> been done to it was having the valves ground and the seats cut in '87 which
> was 70K miles ago. So I've been running a stock head on my B for the 130K
> miles that I've put on it (230K total) and I've never burnt a valve or a
> seat or lost a drop of oil from the top end. Don't worry, be happy.
>
> Denise Thorpe
> thorpe@kegs.saic.com
>
|