what happens if you use unleaded when you are supposed to...

Answer by freeheat
Submitted on 11/24/2003
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Leaded gasoline gives two advantages to motor fuel. It increased the octane rating and reduces valve seat erosion. So if you use unleaded gasoline in an engine designed for leaded fuel you may get engine knock from the reduced octane. This can be controlled by operating the engine only at low loads, selecting a premium unleaded, retarding the ignition timing or adding an octane booster additive (like ethyl alcohol). The valve seat erosion will eventually lead to burnt valves. You can control it by operating the engine only at low loads (so the valves and seats never get really hot), or having the heads replaced or reworked to use hardened valve seats as in engines designed for unleaded fuel.

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Question by katpet
Submitted on 7/18/2003
Related FAQ: Gasoline FAQ - Part 4 of 4
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what happens if you use unleaded when you are supposed to use leaded gas?

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