Unleaded/Leaded Fuel

[LRflip]

quick question...

How do I figure out if I should be using a lead additive?

I assume the head on my 2.25 is original from 1982, so should I assume yes and hope for the best or assume no and hope for the best?

 

[apg]

If it is 'original' then it won't have stellite valves or seats. Lead did several things besides adjust the octane rating. One job was to microscopically lubricate and cushion valves, especially exhaust valves. These are designed to rotate and 'dance' in place. If they stop dancing - usually caused by valve guide wear (another place where lead helped out) - then the valve will tip ever-so-slightly. This causes a hot-spot to develop and the familiar pie-shaped crack just prior to valve failure. This has rather unpleasant after effects....

Stellite valves and seats didn't need lead to live, but then these weren't available for the Rover 'til the mid- or late-1980's. The US outlawed lead circa 1987. Until you replace the valves and seats, use a lead replacement compound, like ReLead. You can find this or similar products in marine supply places like BOAT/US or West Marine. I hung a jigger made from 1" copper tube inside the filler neck. You'll need 1 oz per 10 gal. It worked for me for a dozen or more years after lead went away.

Cheers

 

[DiscoS2]

Go to your local airstrip and tell them you'll drain their "clear & bright" 100LL ("low lead") avgas waste tanks for them, free of charge. I used to run my '68 Buick Special Deluxe on that, as well as heat my house with Jet A.

 

[sven]

You could pull the head off a series in an hour....if you really wanted to know fo sho.

 

[LRflip]

So, are we leaning more towards this being a leaded head?

 

[siiirhd88]

I'd say it is a leaded head, if it is the original. I ran my '80 109 for a year before I started having drivability issues caused by worn valve seats. Once the seats started wearing, I found I had to adjust the valves every two weeks or so due to the valve clearances being too tight. As the valves sunk into the head the engine would loose power and stutter.

I finally installed a spare head that already had hardened seats installed and haven't had any problem.

Bob
'02 Disco II SD
'80 SIII 109
'75 SIII 88 V8
'68 SIIA 109 V8

 

[LRflip]

Mine is running fine at Idle but struggles under load. I have a feeling this issue is due to other factors. Mostly, a pretty sizeable exhaust leak, the tires being flat, the transfercase is probably dry, leaking seals in the axles, and the rear driveshaft having almost one whole set of needle bearings between the two ujoints.

Thanks guys, I probably need to drain the gas tank and try a full tank of new gas with some additives as well.

 

[LRflip]

I might also add that the timing is surely off and there is no telling how old the plugs, wires, and dizzy cap is.