Is it safe to use lead substitute for unleaded gas?
On the other hand, many classic-car owners argue that lead substitute can’t hurt your engine and may help reduce any risk of using unleaded fuel in an engine intended for leaded gasoline. For many, the low cost and ease-of-use of lead substitute (typically a small amount is added to the gas tank at fill up) makes for cheap peace of mind.
When did Honda start using leaded gas in cars?
Both were capable of running on leaded fuel in that they didn’t have catalytic converters but the last year that Honda had a filler neck that would allow the leaded gas nozzle in was 1979. I believe they changed the filler neck due to federal regulations kicking in.
When did cars stop using leaded and unleaded gas?
Just about everyone had gone to unleaded gas by 1975 and made the proper mechanical revisions, though Subaru and Honda IIRC had emissions controls that would allow a driver to use either leaded or unleaded to no ill effect. They had engineered them in such a way they didn’t need catalytic converters to meet Fed standards.
What happens when you add unleaded fuel to a car?
Simply put, unleaded fuel burns less smoothly than leaded and the toluene and benzene, which is added to the fuel to act as a lead substitute, burns to form what are called peroxides. Unfortunately peroxides are inherently unstable and explode, forming shock waves that cause detonation.
On the other hand, many classic-car owners argue that lead substitute can’t hurt your engine and may help reduce any risk of using unleaded fuel in an engine intended for leaded gasoline. For many, the low cost and ease-of-use of lead substitute (typically a small amount is added to the gas tank at fill up) makes for cheap peace of mind.
Simply put, unleaded fuel burns less smoothly than leaded and the toluene and benzene, which is added to the fuel to act as a lead substitute, burns to form what are called peroxides. Unfortunately peroxides are inherently unstable and explode, forming shock waves that cause detonation.
Can a cylinder head be fitted with unleaded additives?
Then even if an unleaded cylinder head has been fitted, you are in danger of an expensive engine meltdown!
What are some examples of unleaded additives in cars?
For example, apart from normal lead substitute and octane booster additives, there are also motorsport-based alternatives, which are more heavy duty to cope with hotter running temperatures and increased loads.