AMAC Engineering | Northallerton

Unleaded Fuel Conversion

 

Engines made before 1989 may need modifying to run on unleaded fuel.  The process involves the machining of the old exhaust valve seats in the cylinder head out.  New hardened inserts are then pressed into these pockets having an interference fit.  It is also normal to retard the ignition timing. 

 

The Difference Between the Fuels

Four Star (Leaded Fuel) contains Tetra Ethyl Lead.  This was introduced in the 1920’s to raise the octane rating of the fuel resulting in higher compression ratios and power outputs.  As engines developed their performance increased as well as their operating temperatures.  The coating properties of the lead provided a form of lubrication to the valve seat and other hot elements.   This stopped the valves from effectively sticking to the seat whilst operating at these high temperatures.  As a results of these high temperature unleaded fuel cannot be used in an engine with ‘soft’ valve seats.  Running the engine in this condition will destroy the valve seats and cause them to recess into the cylinder head.