leaded/unleaded

stable

stable

0
Hello,

I'm sure this is covered but can't find anything myself. Probably so obvious it's never asked.

Have no idea if my engine has new head/hardened seats - I doubt it. What's the situation with running on Unleaded on a standard head?

Assuming the worst case scenario - it's never had any additive since 4 start was dropped, how far will the lead memory stretch?

It runs with no blue smoke - very clean infact even from sitting a week. And the timing gear sounds quiet enough. It does Pink on hills but hey!

Should I start sticking additive in?

Tom
 
Personally I always put a shot of additive in when I fill up just to be on the safe side but I did re-build Harvey's engine including the head. I know others don't use it and I guess unless you are doing huge mileage or towing a big caravan then valve seat recession will take a long time. One way of looking at it is to save your money on additive and put it towards new valve seats when it does eventually need them.

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There is a good deal of bull and myths about regarding lead and seats.
Unless the head is tired, don't bother :)

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"You,re only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
Founder of the 6 speed club
 
I use the castrol lead replacement and bit pricey but hey ho its decent enough :) what i was told but my dad is , 'if its working fine and well don't touch it!'
 
I don't use additve or have hardened seats. As Tim says, unless if you head is worn or you do big milage, don't bother.

www.commervanspares.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/commervanspares
 
I have never run any of my classics on additives and have never had a problem, if I have had a head rebuild then I always fit hardened valve seats...but only because the head is worn.
Unless you are going to race the van or thrash the life out of it leave well alone.

Bloody Commer`s!
 
all good and interesting to hear. The pinking was what also made me wonder.. maybe my timing is just waaay off :/
 
Pinking means the timing is too far advanced and possibly a bit lean. The ignition is igniting the fuel before the piston gets to the top, causing the piston crown to flex, which is the pinking you here. If you let it carry on, you'll end up with holes in the top of the pistons :I turn the dizzy anti-clockwise a little.

www.commervanspares.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/commervanspares
 
With modern fuels it is almost impossible to set the timing as per factory spec, it generally always has to be retarded slightly to stop pinking. Modern fuels ignite at lower temps and burn a lot more cleanly with added detergents which is why decoking is now a thing of the past but it does affect the timing.

Bloody Commer`s!
 
Yes another job on the list. It's only really evident when the engines really loaded. I also have a wobbly idle which could be another sign of timing or a leak somewhere I guess - all wild speculation until I take a proper look.

The fact it's got electronic ignition made me wonder if the timing was ever set right after being done. I had a lot of problems changing to electronic ignition on a A series years back, so much so I sacked it off and went back to points.

Tom
 
Personally I am not a fan of electronic ignition, they may be more efficient than points and condenser but if it breaks down at the side of the road you are stuck! with points etc you can carry spares and get out of trouble quickly and easily ;)

Bloody Commer`s!
 
cor dunno, rings a bell - was going back some time. It was a MG Midget. Great fun car - but a total PITA.
 
Big fan of electronic ignition and electric fuel pumps...fit and forget and always starts. I do carry spare points though just in case but never needed to refit them on any car I've had.

The Blue Toaster
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Have fitted leky ignition to an oldie before without any probs, but I like to keep my Commer as original as possible and having to stop and tinker occasionally is all part of the fun. Although i very rarely get any hassel from points,i just change them every 6000 miles, routine.

Have fitted an electric fuel pump though, not much i can do about that it can get just too hot over here for the original. I have left the original in place and it is a two minute job to reconnect it should the electric one fail, also put some fine oil in the bowl to help preserve the diaphragm and valves:).

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www.commervanoztour.blogspot.com
 
jimberlake said:
Big fan of electronic ignition and electric fuel pumps...fit and forget and always starts. I do carry spare points though just in case but never needed to refit them on any car I've had.

The Blue Toaster
commercrop_zps68ea08d6.jpg
Click to expand...
Where did you get a electric ignition from mate?
 
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