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April 13, 2004
James,
A couple of points about the fact that lead was not introduced untl mid-30's
(and then ommitted again during the war years.
The lead does 2 things;
1. It "lubricates" the valve stems. This only became necessary as finer
tollerances were introduced and engines ran at higher revs. Not critical
for many of the earlier side-valve engines.
2. It reduces pre-ignition. Again much less of a problem on early
low-compression engines.
I have run an old 750 side valve engine on a mix of petrol and paraffin
(kerosene) It was common practice during war year rationing in the UK.
Regarding the 1500 engine. I ran mine for several years using unleaded fuel
and no other modifications. Come to think of it, it did have a fast road cam
but that should have meade it worse, not better!
The cost of using harder valve seats didn't warrant a new head. I clocked
up 60,000+ much of it quite hard driving with no problems, - at least none
that were related to use of unleaded fuels!
Guy
"Guy Weller" < Guy.Weller@... > 31304
Posted on April 13, 2004 01:55 PM
Posted to category(s) Carburetor | Cylinder Head | Engine (external) | Engine (internal) | Fuel System | Gauges | Ignition System | Interior | International | Restoration | Tuning
