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MG MGA - Does the gas NEED the lead additive

Further to my e-mail below, I was just speaking with someone about the car and they indicated that the lead additive is not necessary.

What's the collective wisdom? Unlead gas straight?
Tysen

Tyson,
Do an archive search on "No Lead Head" and you'll get the full story about leaded vs unleaded.
Welcome,
Doug
D Sjostrom

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/fuel/fs104.htm
Bookmark Barney's site.
BOL,
D Sjostrom

I was a bit spooked when leaded gas became unavailable. But I've used unleaded straight ever since, no problems. If you're going to run it really hard a lot, you may find your valve clearances tightening up faster. This would be from the valves regressing onto their seats a bit, making them a little closer to the rocker. So watch for this, check and adjust if needed more often at first. After a while, you'd have to remove the head and have hardened valve seats put in to stop this. Other than that, unleaded does no harm, less buildup on the plugs, too. Maybe you already have hardened valve seats (unleaded head).
Tom

I agree totally with Tom. I have been testing my midget engine now for 5/6 years for any signs of trouble and I am pleased to say it is still perfect having used unleaded for that time. Even though when I drive it the revs are very rarely below 4K and are normally around 6.5K
The timing for it is set at normal which I use 32 degrees.
Bob (robert)

Unless you run with CARBURETION WAY TOO LEAN & IGNITION WAY TOO FAR ADVANCED, or have installed FLAT TOP or DOME TOP HIGH COMPRESSION PISTONS (STANDARD 8.3-1 PISTONS are SLIGHTLY DISH-TOPPED), or have "SHAVED THE HEAD A LOT" you should have no trouble with current "UNLEADED" for a very long time. In the 1970s & EARLY 1980s, Plymouths & Dodges were the ONLY DETROIT IRON that did NOT have INDUCTION TREATED VALVE SEATS, and the old iron "SLANT SIXES" lasted maybe 125,000-150,000 miles between "VALVE GRINDS"! If you do need to have the "SPECIAL SEATS" installed, I suggest having a DIESEL ENGINE MECHANIC to the work. Diesels have had this type of "VALVE SEAT INSERT" since at least the 1930s!
wattswh1

I think any automotive machine shop can do your head for you. Like I said, may not be needed at all, maybe already been done. The main thing is to get it running safe, then sweet.
Tom

This thread was discussed between 25/07/2005 and 28/07/2005

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.