Changing from leaded to unleaded..

Post by **chano** » 28 Dec 2005, 12:17

Hi,

I have a 1990 2.1 petrol Caravelle.

On advice from the previous owner, i have always used leaded petrol, which will soon be unavailable here in Gran Canaria.

I have a dog-eared, barely legible Spanish manual which, i think,
says i can use leaded or unleaded.

If this is so, will i (the engine) notice any difference suddenly changing from leaded to unleaded?

Thanks in advance

Alan

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 28 Dec 2005, 12:29

What engine code?
MV will run on it no probs, DJ will just need the timing dropping back a tad.

Post by **HarryMann** » 28 Dec 2005, 12:40

http://www.club80-90.co.uk/wiki/index.p ... 2.1_Timing

Power will drop a bit, some say to about 95 BHP

Post by **chano** » 28 Dec 2005, 12:45

Thanks Simon.

Excuse my ignorance, is the engine code the identification number wv2zzz25zlh0909598?

Or is it Type: 2DJ2

Alan

Post by **HarryMann** » 28 Dec 2005, 12:52

DJ will just need the timing dropping back a tad.

DJ - 10.5:1 CR
Seats are hardened to take unleaded, like Simon says, just need to drop it back a bit to prevent detonation.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 29 Dec 2005, 09:28

What grade unleaded do you have out there? 95 or 98? (it says it on a big sticker on the pumps normally)
If 98 is available then use that with the ignition timing at 10 degrees BTDC
If only 95 available you need to set the timing to 5 degrees BTDC (or damage the engine)
If there is only 91 unleaded, then you are in trouble.. I dont think the DJ will happily run on that even with timing set to 0 deg ....

Post by **chano** » 29 Dec 2005, 10:07

Both, 95 and 98.

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice.

Alan

Post by **Devs** » 17 Jan 2006, 13:23

hi peeps

just reading through this thread and i have a similar problem with my van but am in the UK

where will i get the engine model number from on my van, just so i know what i need to do with my timing in order to run on unleaded

Post by **Louey** » 17 Jan 2006, 14:46

Hang on!!!

I thought ALL vw petrol engines were designed to use unleaded since the late 60's or early 70's.

Post by **missusjen** » 17 Jan 2006, 15:17

Louey wrote:Hang on!!!

I thought ALL vw petrol engines were designed to use unleaded since the late 60's or early 70's.

Just put bloomin unleaded in it - The MV's (fairly uncommon) are totally happy about it, and the DJ's are almost entirely happy with it - like Brickyard said, just drop the timing back a few degrees.......

Is that okay for you Leon?

Post by **Louey** » 17 Jan 2006, 16:24

missusjen wrote: Is that okay for you Leon?

NO!!!!!

gonna have a strop and fart everywhere

Post by **oorwullie** » 17 Jan 2006, 17:24

surely even n spain a 1990 is going to have a catalytic converter fitted which will be well fooked if ye run it on leaded petrol.

CAN YOU SERIOUSLY STILL BUY LEADED PETROL IN SPAIN AND THE UK?

(yes, i was shouting!)

Post by **Plasticman** » 17 Jan 2006, 20:51

Yep and can still get 5* but its £1.12/ltr

Mike

Post by **Louey** » 17 Jan 2006, 20:55

you get the rare place that sells LRP (Leaded Replacement Petrol) but yeah I'd shout too Dave - SHOCKING STUFF

Post by **Devs** » 18 Jan 2006, 18:50

right sorry to go on, just call me dumb and i will duely accept!!!!!

I have consulted my log book and it is indeed a DG, am i safe to dump unleaded straight into it or does the timing need retarding!