Unleaded?

[3000cc]

Do Stags need converting to unleaded? I've heard that they were designed for the US market and so were made for unleaded fuel - is that right?

[DJT]

imported post

Stags were originally designed to run on unleaded. If the heads are fitted with OE quality exhaust valves, then no problem should be encountered. The heads are alloy, so hard valve seats are fitted. If a 'reconditioner' has fitted lesser quality exhaust valves during previous work, then they may eventually burn out. This happened to me with one head but it took 25000 miles to happen. The other head was run by me for 60000 miles on unleaded and the valves were fine.

Dave

[ahad yamoomb]

imported post

Actually it is true thast the magazine did publish an authoritative artickle which stated the engine was designed to run on californian unleaded.
The time line is spot on as well.
Apart from this the stag has soft metal heads, as you know, so the valve seats have to be tougher than other leyland fodder at the time.
The article by a stag committee meber also did ask the question as to what exactly all those "stag specialists" were actually doing when they advertised "unleaded conversions".
as you know the SOC are paranoid about the pittance in advertising revenue they get and regard their advertisiers as sacred cows who should not be offended rather than challenged for the benefit of members who provide the bulk of club finance!
If you look at the number of "specialists" you will see how subsequent articles have either fudged the matter or implied some long term abuse will occur over 30.000 mile or so.
well yes, engiones of this generation were exopected to be worn by 30,000 miles riolling by. however, yours is highly likely to have been rebuilt at least once by now.
if you hace electronic ignition most of your problems go away. change the plugs frequently and the leads as well.
For peace of mind put some leaded in every now and then, the car goes faster for longer.