Gene writes-
>am curious what people with older TR's are doing now that the petrol
>is unleaded. Are there replacement valve seats which need to be put in?
> Lead substitutes-any good brands or sources (local stores seem to be
>phasing out a lot of the brands). Anyone running a stock engine with no
>problems on the unleaded stuff? I am in Calif. & we might have other
>additives that might cause problems. Any input will be appreciat
< snip >
Then Pete adds-
< snip >
>I am not putting forth my opinion on this, just the conjecture that I've
>heard in the past and read about. I'd be glad to see some discussion about
>it on the list, as I remain unconvinced either way. When I rebuilt the
>motor, I was unconvinced as well, but figured since I've got it apart now,
>I may as well..
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TRF and Victoria British both sell hardened valve seats and valves (exhaust
really only needed) suitable for unleaded fuel. Any Triumph built roughly
before '72 won't have the harder valves. after that the factory was
installing valves suitable for unleaded. It would stand to reason that if
the earlier valves were OK for unleaded fuel the manufacturers would have
continued to use them as it is relatively expensive to tool up new parts,
especially if the existing parts are usable (cost accountants don't like
this practice - ) I just rebuilt the head on my GT6+ and replaced
everything, including installing new seats and valves (not really
inexpensive but I think worth it!). The old valves looked pretty bad, one
having been cracked. I drive my cars hard though and may have accelerated
the wear, but hey, I enjoy my cars. In my opinion, drive your car. When it
needs the valve repair have it done then, unless your worried you'll be
stuck somewhere. The work and parts required will not be cheap but
necsessary. Otherwise, just drive the darn things. The failure won't be
catastrophic just a gradual loss in performance untill the damn thing won't
idle or run very well -
Enjoy all, and have a safe holiday season!
Barry Schwartz
Bschwartz@encad.com (work)
Bschwart@pacbell.net (home)
(San Diego)
70' Spitfire (under-going major surgery) , 72'-V6 Spitfire (daily driver)
70'GT6+
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