Gas question

[TNTriumph]

Is there any reason to use lead addative. I usually put premium gas with lead addative. Just wanted you guys to weigh in on it

 

[vettedog72]

I think its a smart thing to do unless you have rebuilt your head for no-lead.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I doubt that it is necessary. I drove the TR3A for about 20 or 25 years with unleaded & no additive. When the head finally came off to address valve guides and a long-overdue burnt valve I saw no problem w/ recession. Did do hardened seats though as it costs very little while the head is apart.

Just my $.02

 

[R6MGS]

I *try* to remember to put additive in my cars....But I doesn't happen often, especially if my wife fills it......Never had a problem in the 35 years I've owned these things.

 

[TNTriumph]

Thanks for the info it was just something I had been wondering about for awhile

 

[kodanja]

I try to put additive in every time I fill up, if I dont I can feel the difference when taking off in 1st. Then again I'm running 32/36 Dgv Webbers, may be different with stock carbs or SU's

 

[Tomster]

I have looked for additivesfor about a year, that actually state that they contain lead, . They all say "stabilizes fuel or boosts octane" etc. Maybe illegal in Canada. I no longer worry about this

 

[kodanja]

https://mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=39578

mine seemes to run well with this product! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif

 

[TNTriumph]

I found some auctual lead addative and it seems to make the car run great

 

[kodanja]

[ QUOTE ]
I found some auctual lead addative and it seems to make the car run great

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you have a link for it? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/england.gif

 

[Alan_Myers]

Hi,

I don't know if it applies to them so wouldn't generalize these comments to the the later 6-cyl. or smaller 4-cyl. Triumph motors...

But the 4-cylinder TR3/4 head is a lot more resistant to valve seat recession problems than some (most?) other cars of its era. It has to do with the alloy that Triumph originally used when casting the head, which has proven pretty durable even with fuel changes. This is from a metallurgist and a long-time TR racer/engine builder, that the cars will survive pretty darned well with unleaded gas *unless they are driven quite hard*. High rpms and heavy use of the engine (racing conditions) *are* more likely to cause valve seat problems in this particular engine.

Another key unleaded issue, the valve guides, are more likely to see a problem. The original guides partly relied upon lead in the fuel for some lubrication. This is particular true on the hot/exhaust side. Worn orignal guides that allow a bit more oil in are probably helped to survive thanks to that little bit of additional oil (although that means more oil ends up getting burning in the combustion chamber).

Replacement guides are now generally unleaded fuel compatible (phosphor bronze? which has more self-lubricating properties), but check the archive about warnings on properly fitting these (going by original factory specs can cause valve stem seizure).

Finally, the original valves themselves hold up pretty well, but it's recommended to convert to stainless steel valves, especially on the exahust side, to handle the higher temps typical of unleaded fuel.

No fuel additive sold over the counter in the U.S. has any lead in it. It's illegal to import or sell. Other less-effective-than-lead, but possibly helpful additives are substituted. There have been some extensive studies of the different products, their additives and their effectiveness, you might google for this info on the Internet.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[Tomster]

As I said
"I have looked for additivesfor about a year, that actually state that they contain lead, . They all say "stabilizes fuel or boosts octane" etc. Maybe illegal in Canada. I no longer worry about this"
An old friend who used to sell Tetra Ethyl Lead for a major multinational corp.before it was banned "No Lead to sell, No work to do, I'm outa here!"

 

[tekspeek]

What Octane should I use on a TR4? I've been running regular and occasionally premium because I feel guilty. I don't have any engine knock with either choice.

Pete

 

[TNTriumph]

I got mine at this little car shop that works on british cars right down the road from my house

 

[Tomster]

I run regular in my 4A no problems other than paying for it
$1.09 per litre was last weeks high