Four Star Petrol & Catalytic Convertor

[edd47]

Bl**dy hell

Was running low on fuel and nicked a can from my garage. Only to find out later that it was the Four Star I should have used for the lawnmower.

How will this affect the cat or the exhaust gas oxygen sensors?

I put in about 15 litres.

All help gratefully received

[UpTheIron]

I presume you have since started the engine?

Sounds expensive based on my (possibly incorrect) belief that your cat will be knackered.

[edd47]

Yep have driven it and probably used it all up.

Put it in on Friday night, ready for a quick get away on Saturday.

Any good news, anyone? How can I test if I have knackered it?

[T88CAN]

I think you are in a bit of trouble!How far has the car been driven? if its not been run or started you may get away with draining the fuel system including tank/pump ect. If you have run the car your cats will slowly be "killed" im not sure about the Lamba sensors!!sorry i cant be any further help (except i have 2 manjfolds with good cats in the garage!!!!)

[T88CAN]

edd47 said: Yep have driven it and probably used it all up.

Put it in on Friday night, ready for a quick get away on Saturday.

Any good news, anyone? How can I test if I have knackered it?

just picked this up .how did the car drive?(the last few miles)i believe there are 3 cats 1 in each manifold
and 1 large (paint tin size) in front of engine wereit meets into one.TONY

>> Edited by T88CAN on Monday 5th May 21:17

[edd47]

Thanks for this.

I have refilled since and have done 400 miles. Car has run very well, with no real issues

[T88CAN]

edd47 said: Thanks for this.

I have refilled since and have done 400 miles. Car has run very well, with no real issues

I think its a slow process and you wont tell till you try and get the car through its emmissions test at MOT time??

[edd47]

Guess best thing is to get an gas test done and hope!!

[edd47]

Suppose an early MOT isn't a bad thing

[T88CAN]

edd47 said: Guess best thing is to get an gas test done and hope!!

Good luck keep us posted. TONY

[edd47]

Should it be all knackered, I'll give you a shout if you still have those pipes / manifolds with the cats.

[edd47]

Hope is still here.

Just read that Four Star was discontinue in 2000 and the Lead Replacement Petrol was classed as Four Star thereafter.

Is this right and if so, will my cats be any better?

[edd47]

The latest is:

I have spoken to Shell. They are not sure what will happen as they don't have much background on this.

The additive on LRP is potassium based. The old leaded petrol is the one that scared everyone.

All they could advise was to drain out the LRP immediately and before running the engine, (which by now has long been burnt off) or dilute heavily with Super Unleaded (which in effect has been done) so as to minimise the "damage".

The interesting aspect, apart from me looking stupid, is that Shell have no real idea if the additives in LRP will be an issue and the outcome will only be seen in time.

Currently the exhaust has more soot around the outlet but not sure if its the short runs, generally a bit rich or the cats / exhaust sensors are done for.

Going in for an emissions check on Saturday to see if there has been an immediate effect. If not, then I will just have to keep monitoring. Watch this space.

[jigs]

Best take it along to next AA meeting or book it into the Priory. Has it lost it's septum yet?