Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2003 12:15:45 +0100 From: Johannes H Andersen <johsnopsamfitter.com> Subject: Re: can B201 8-valve engines run on unleaded fuel?
Craig Ian Dewick wrote: > > "Henrik B." <saabnopsamdsl_nospam_.dk> writes: > > >Craig Ian Dewick wrote: > >:: My 900-S has an 8-valve B201 engine and runs fine, but here in > >:: Australia, leaded-replacement fuel (called 'LRP') is considerably > >:: more expensive than standard unleaded fuel. The price difference is > >:: generally between 3 to five cents per litre. > >:: > >:: I've asked a few people but nobody seems to have a conclusive > >:: answer... Has anyone successfully run a B201 engine with unleaded > >:: fuel? > > >How old is the car? If it's newer than 1980, then no problems. > > Yes. Built in late 1982, sold from the dealer in early 1983. > > Craig. You should check that it has hardened valve seats. Unleaded petrol was introduced at different times in different countries; the UK was one of the last. I had a Fiat Croma from 1987, this car wasn't adapted for unleaded. The octane rating is just one aspect. If the car doesn't need premium fuel, it might well run normally for 10k miles or so before excessive valve seat wear becomes apparent if it doesn't have the hardened valve seats that is required for running unleaded.