Re: Lead Replacement Fuel

[Liz - Melbourne]

In regard to the article posted on the Gemini, I would like to say that I have a 1977 Ford Falcon XC and have been using the lead replacement fuel since it came to the pumps approximately 3 months ago in Melbourne.  Everything was O.K. until last week when I noticed the car was running like a hairy goat.  I decided to give the car a tune up and set the points, repaired the carburettor gasket (which was leaking) and cleaned the plugs.  I noticed the plugs were mostly black, sooty and dirty and when I cleaned them off, noticed they had been running properly underneath.  When I restarted the car, a lot of black soot came out of the exhaust.  I was pondering why this happened and have spoken to other people with older cars and now have found they are having the same trouble.  I will investigate futther.  Liz.

[Brad, WA]

Liz,
We have had LRP in WA since about Oct '99 and similar problems were noted in the marketplace here at first introduction. They have since been sorted out by changing the anti-valve seat recession additive and introducing a "driveability index" specification which governs the distillation range of the fuel, not too light...not too heavy...but just right. I am not sure if the same specification applies to LRP from other companies in Melb & Syd...I could find out for you though.  Some cars are more susceptible than others, particularly older carburetted engines (I distinctly remember XC Falcons being mentioned as being among the worst affected) I actually work in the product blending dept. at BP's refinery here in the west and have been closely involved with the introduction of the fuel over here. Technically, it is a far superior fuel, but following introduction here there were similar "carboning" issues.   Our technology gurus in Melb told us that cars with less than perfect ignition systems suffered worse. I'd recommend ringing the BP help line with your problems, particularly if it's BP fuel you are buying.  I think you'll find they will be helpful.  One recommendation they made to us was to run hotter spark plugs (if you know how plugs are graded, you just go up a notch or two in the hottness...but let an expert guide you there) As far as I'm aware there are nowhere near as many problems in WA with LRP as there were early last year, due to the changes that were made in response to the issues. As I'm doing up a 173 red motor for my FC, I'm leaning toward putting in valve seat inserts to avoid having to use LRP....but will probably use it anyway (LRP and PULP are the same product only with different additives).
regards.....Brad