Hi all,
Just purchased a 1969 850 Spider. I can imagine this one was made in the day of leaded gas.
Does anyone know for sure if this one was built for leaded gas, and, if so, does anyone have recommendation on this point... e.g., use additive when fueling and which additive to use.
Thanks much,
FP
Ok So Cal... thanks for the response re: leaded vs unleaded. Now I conclude that the engine best runs on leaded gas which nobody (at least that I know of) sells. Does anyone have experience with running additives to cool and lube the motor??
Leaded or Unleaded
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fiatplease
Leaded or Unleaded
Last edited by fiatplease on Mon Jul 22, 2013 11:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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So Cal Mark
Re: Leaded or Unleaded
unleaded didn't come into use until the 1970s, primarily for catalytic converters
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majicwrench
Re: Leaded or Unleaded
It will run fine on unleaded. Biggest problem with unleaded in old cars is the lead help "cushion" the valves as they slam into the seat. I could tell you a story bout my 64 chev... but Fiat has hardeded seats in their aluminum head anyway, so no worries.
I really dislike most additives, and I would not put anything in my tank but fuel.
Been driving my 72 on unleaded for years.
And yes, it was designed in the days of lead.
Keith
I really dislike most additives, and I would not put anything in my tank but fuel.
Been driving my 72 on unleaded for years.
And yes, it was designed in the days of lead.
Keith
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janeiac
Re: Leaded or Unleaded
From the EPA's web site:
A basic rule of thumb for refueling a pre-1971 vehicle is to use unleaded gasoline with the same octane rating as the
previously-used leaded gas. Under normal driving conditions, the use of unleaded fuel should not cause any problems with
the vehicle's performance.
Pre-1971 engines were equipped with "soft" valve seats and leaded gasoline acted as a lubricant to prevent excessive wear
of the valve seats. Using these engines with unleaded fuel in high-speed/high-load situations could result in some valve seat
wear. (Boats, some farm equipment, and tow vehicles may be included in this category.) Substitute lubricant additives are
available at auto supply stores to help this situation. In addition, valve seats are usually replaced with at the time an older
engine is rebuilt. If you are concerned about your particular application, check with your engine manufacturer.
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I'd love to call my local Fiat dealer and ask them! <grin>
Big difference between '69 and '72 for emissions rules...The Clean Air Act went into effect in 1970.
A basic rule of thumb for refueling a pre-1971 vehicle is to use unleaded gasoline with the same octane rating as the
previously-used leaded gas. Under normal driving conditions, the use of unleaded fuel should not cause any problems with
the vehicle's performance.
Pre-1971 engines were equipped with "soft" valve seats and leaded gasoline acted as a lubricant to prevent excessive wear
of the valve seats. Using these engines with unleaded fuel in high-speed/high-load situations could result in some valve seat
wear. (Boats, some farm equipment, and tow vehicles may be included in this category.) Substitute lubricant additives are
available at auto supply stores to help this situation. In addition, valve seats are usually replaced with at the time an older
engine is rebuilt. If you are concerned about your particular application, check with your engine manufacturer.
---------------------
I'd love to call my local Fiat dealer and ask them! <grin>
Big difference between '69 and '72 for emissions rules...The Clean Air Act went into effect in 1970.