Buying a MGB. Should i use a fuel additive or not bother?
Discussion
benters said:
has there ever been any tests on this subject ? I ve almost finshed on my MG Midget rebuild and had the head done to run Unleaded, just curious, and yes it goes faster than 55 mph. . .well according to the speedo which looks a little optimistic
Yeah.British Historic Vehicle Federation? did a test on four additives when four star vanished, I think they used an A-series for the tests. IIRC they do help a bit but they admitted a used engine probably has enough lead in the seats already to not get issues.
I always used to run Castrol Valvemaster & Octane Booster in my Midget, it run better & faster with it in. Without it was a bit flat & pinked, so maybe using 99Octane would have solved it too.
droopsnoot said:
SV8Predator said:
Then, a good while from now, if you do get valve seat recession, you can remove the head and fitted hardened valve seats.
Exactly my philsophy, glad it's not just me.Will,
Shell V-Power Nitro+ is 99 octane
it used to be 98 previously, not sure if it was ever 97 as I can never remember if it was called something else before Opitmax
the package of cleaning additives in these types of fuels can still be adventurous even when the additional octane isn't required for the engine set up
if you like the Shell V-Power Nitro+ then I'd suggest you also try Tesco Momentum99 as it's also 99 octane and has a package of cleaning additives
even though I've had my Midget set up to run on 95 octane I almost exclusively run on Tesco Momentum99
http://www.shell.co.uk/gbr/products-services/on-th...
http://www.tescopfs.com/momentum99
Shell V-Power Nitro+ is 99 octane
it used to be 98 previously, not sure if it was ever 97 as I can never remember if it was called something else before Opitmax
the package of cleaning additives in these types of fuels can still be adventurous even when the additional octane isn't required for the engine set up
if you like the Shell V-Power Nitro+ then I'd suggest you also try Tesco Momentum99 as it's also 99 octane and has a package of cleaning additives
even though I've had my Midget set up to run on 95 octane I almost exclusively run on Tesco Momentum99
http://www.shell.co.uk/gbr/products-services/on-th...
http://www.tescopfs.com/momentum99
nta16 said:
Will,
even though I've had my Midget set up to run on 95 octane I almost exclusively run on Tesco Momentum99
http://www.shell.co.uk/gbr/products-services/on-th...
http://www.tescopfs.com/momentum99
If your set up for 95 octane what are the benefits of running 99?even though I've had my Midget set up to run on 95 octane I almost exclusively run on Tesco Momentum99
http://www.shell.co.uk/gbr/products-services/on-th...
http://www.tescopfs.com/momentum99
HumbleJim said:
nta16 said:
Will,
even though I've had my Midget set up to run on 95 octane I almost exclusively run on Tesco Momentum99
http://www.shell.co.uk/gbr/products-services/on-th...
http://www.tescopfs.com/momentum99
If your set up for 95 octane what are the benefits of running 99?even though I've had my Midget set up to run on 95 octane I almost exclusively run on Tesco Momentum99
http://www.shell.co.uk/gbr/products-services/on-th...
http://www.tescopfs.com/momentum99
nta16 said:
the package of cleaning additives in these types of fuels can still be adventurous even when the additional octane isn't required for the engine set up
HumbleJim said:
Ahh okay. I've used it before on the basis that it had less biofuel stuff in it, not sure if the detergents do any good.
the V-power diesel makes a very noticeable difference no more black smoke out of the exhaust, so the car behind can see, smell and taste the difference, plus running on it in wife's car the engine sounds quieter HumbleJim said:
I've never noticed octane ratings making any difference except on modern stuff.
you won't notice a difference if the car is set up to run properly on a lower octane, possibly even less so on most modern cars but some performance or sporting type modern cars do specify specify 97 octane and IIRC top line Scoobies(?) were specified foe Shell V-Power(?)listen I've go no shares in Tesco or Shell, if their products don't work for you or your cars - fine
Some cast iron heads without exhaust valve seat inserts will give problems if the seats are recut and then run on unleaded.
If the cylinder head was manufactured at the start of the shift, when the molds were cold, they will be hard (refer chilled cast iron) even without inserts.
As others have said, don't bother with additives - IF the exhaust valves recede fit inserts - it's a straightforward job.
There is one head that always benefits from inserts, full width six cylinder Triumph up until 1973. Valves are too close together and the head often cracks between the valves (usually starting with cylinder no. 5). Double insert where necessary and fit later (smaller) exhaust valves. End of problem.
I've only ever been in one MGB, local bookmakers son had one at school in 1975.
If the cylinder head was manufactured at the start of the shift, when the molds were cold, they will be hard (refer chilled cast iron) even without inserts.
As others have said, don't bother with additives - IF the exhaust valves recede fit inserts - it's a straightforward job.
There is one head that always benefits from inserts, full width six cylinder Triumph up until 1973. Valves are too close together and the head often cracks between the valves (usually starting with cylinder no. 5). Double insert where necessary and fit later (smaller) exhaust valves. End of problem.
I've only ever been in one MGB, local bookmakers son had one at school in 1975.
nta16 said:
Will,
Shell V-Power Nitro+ is 99 octane
it used to be 98 previously, not sure if it was ever 97 as I can never remember if it was called something else before Opitmax
the package of cleaning additives in these types of fuels can still be adventurous even when the additional octane isn't required for the engine set up
if you like the Shell V-Power Nitro+ then I'd suggest you also try Tesco Momentum99 as it's also 99 octane and has a package of cleaning additives
even though I've had my Midget set up to run on 95 octane I almost exclusively run on Tesco Momentum99
http://www.shell.co.uk/gbr/products-services/on-th...
http://www.tescopfs.com/momentum99
You're right (again). My local Shell used to be run by Waitrose and their premium petrol was 97. When I say local, it's less than a mile away so I'm almost on first name terms with the staff there. Shell V-Power Nitro+ is 99 octane
it used to be 98 previously, not sure if it was ever 97 as I can never remember if it was called something else before Opitmax
the package of cleaning additives in these types of fuels can still be adventurous even when the additional octane isn't required for the engine set up
if you like the Shell V-Power Nitro+ then I'd suggest you also try Tesco Momentum99 as it's also 99 octane and has a package of cleaning additives
even though I've had my Midget set up to run on 95 octane I almost exclusively run on Tesco Momentum99
http://www.shell.co.uk/gbr/products-services/on-th...
http://www.tescopfs.com/momentum99
I occasionally use Tesco but because the Shell one is so convenient that's where I normally go.
RichB said:
Don't forget that BP Ultimate is the one of the only remaining fuels which claims to be ethanol free.
does it, I've never noticed that about BP Ultimate, BP always used to make my exhaust sound rough so I tend to avoid itas I actually use my car I don't worry about these ethanol rumours, my car's sat for a couple of weeks or more without use and then easily and immediately ran fine
the Tesco Momenent99 is stated as up to 5% ethanol and the 10% seem mostly to be exaggerated or misunderstandings - there's a thread already on here including posts about it so those interested can look for it or stick with their beliefs
EFS
Edited by nta16 on Monday 21st April 13:54
nta16 said:
- there's a thread already on here including posts about it so these interested can look for it or stick with their beliefs
Don't know if that was meant to sound condescending or not but regarding BP it's not a belief it's a fact because from time to time I email their technical sept. to check that it is still ethanol free. RichB said:
nta16 said:
- there's a thread already on here including posts about it so those interested can look for it or stick with their beliefs
Don't know if that was meant to sound condescending or not but regarding BP it's not a belief it's a fact because from time to time I email their technical sept. to check that it is still ethanol free. the belief bit refers to the Daily Fail type ethanol stories, myths and legends
decades ago we had that using unleaded petrol would blow our engines apart, steal our money and rot our teeth, now we have rumours about the dire consequences of ethanol and lack of ZZ Top in our engine oils - as if we haven't got enough problems with the government, DVLA and other authorities out to get us - I've locked all the doors, drawn the curtains and disguised my car, they're not getting me
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