unleaded fuel

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benifotrem1
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unleaded fuel

Post by benifotrem1 »

Hi,
Was the BX prepared to be able to run on unleaded fuel with damaging the head?

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Thanx
Benifotrem1

1985 BX19 GT
1970 SEAT 124 ESTATE (same as FIAT)
1971 HONDA PC50

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Re: unleaded fuel

Post by Thread Bear »

Stuff from that date with valve inserts are normally OK as its toughened steel. As to specifics, dunno.
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Re: unleaded fuel

Post by Tinkley »

As far as I am aware all models (petrol) will run on unleaded, EXCEPT the 1.4 pre August 1988. This early engine is the 150C unit and lays back at about 10 deg from horizontal, unlike the replacement later TU 1.4 unit which is vertical. The later unit goes right through the ZX into Xsara and is rated as being pretty good by most techs. The 150C engine should be run on LRP (Lead replacement petrol) or uses an additive or inline filter (google them) to help prevent damage to the valve seat area. I ran a 150C unit to 175k on 4* leaded and LRP, it ean better on the 4* but OK on the LRP. Didn't bother changing the timing and performance and fuel consumption were pretty much identical, ie too small to notice a difference.

My own take is that the later engines will be better for running on unleaded as the valve seat materials may have evolved slightly over the production run. Although I have a '91 car, I have a catalyst in the tank to 'help' the fuel. In this case on a B2C 1.6 XU52C engine. I doubt there would be any problems with the 1.9 or 16v engines especially as the latter are all fuel injection and later ones with Cat. Note you should only put a catalyst in fuel if it is carburettor, NOT injection, as that will have a catalytic converter on the exhaust and the trace elements added to the fuel will clog it.
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Re: unleaded fuel

Post by Thread Bear »

Tinkley wrote: and the trace elements added to the fuel will clog it.
Unlike a lead footed Tinkley? Apologies, sensible answer actually.
Miguel - 16 TRS Auto S, light blue, 43k miles - £450
Pluto - 14 E S, White, 105k Miles - in work
Egbert - 19 16v Gti, White, A/C & Leather, - Keeper
Walt - 17 TZD Turbo S, graphite, 70k miles, good op extras - Keeper
Scraper- 17 TZD Turbo E, blue, 208k miles - parts
Homer - 19 TXD E, Red, 189k miles - £250
Gary - 17 TZD Turbo E, 118k miles - in work

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Re: unleaded fuel

Post by Kitch »

16v with 2-row ECU (upto around 1990) was a 4-star car, not designed for unleaded. They run fine on it, but not sure how the valve seats will look after another 100k!
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benifotrem1
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Re: unleaded fuel

Post by benifotrem1 »

Ok, thanks guys,

AS I only intend on doing 600 miles per year I don't think I should have a problem.
Benifotrem1

1985 BX19 GT
1970 SEAT 124 ESTATE (same as FIAT)
1971 HONDA PC50

MODERN CARS:

2005 AUDI ALLROAD 4.2
2000 SKODA FABIA 1.9 TDI ELEGANCE
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Re: unleaded fuel

Post by mds141 »

My valver runs ok on super unleaded, but seems to run a bit 'rough' on the normal 95 RON stuff. Now on 120,000 miles.

It's probably now 22 years since 4* was phased out, some I'm guessing any valve seat recession will already be present, if at all.
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1989 BX GTi 16 valve. Blanc Alpine. Completed the Citroen Classic Challenge Ecosse and 1337 miles without a hitch.
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benifotrem1
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Re: unleaded fuel

Post by benifotrem1 »

22 years! We are showing are age lol.
Remember 2 star
Benifotrem1

1985 BX19 GT
1970 SEAT 124 ESTATE (same as FIAT)
1971 HONDA PC50

MODERN CARS:

2005 AUDI ALLROAD 4.2
2000 SKODA FABIA 1.9 TDI ELEGANCE
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Re: unleaded fuel

Post by mds141 »

Yup. 2*, 3* and 4*. I also remember the Green Shield Stamps. :) Also remember collecting Smurf figures from 'National' petrol stations. Happy days. :-)
Mark Smith

Is it just me or is everything shit?

1989 BX GTi 16 valve. Blanc Alpine. Completed the Citroen Classic Challenge Ecosse and 1337 miles without a hitch.
2000 XM VSX 2.1 td Auto. Rouge Magenta.
TGD saloon many years ago.

1990 Swift 'Corniche' 12/2 aka BXClub HQ.
Honda Firestorm. Gone, but not forgotten.
2015 Triumph Tiger Explorer XC.
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