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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Additive for unleaded fuel

On my TD 1951 I have a normal cylinder head and I use actually the 98 octane unleaded fuel with a potassium additive from Elf.
It seems that some research are made to find an other way to use additive. You have the Jack Brabam's system coming from NZ with zing container fit on the engine which distributes zinc particules by vibration, for my point if you I have no confidence with this system. I have heart that it exists a distribution system of additive fit in the fuel line.I never saw such a system. Is there somebody who can advice me?
Georges

Zinc, as well as tin, is not effective to protect against valve seat recession. Scattering metal particulates is not an effective way to make a fuel additive.
To make a fuel additive, you must attached a molecule which has to effect that you want on an hydrocarbon chain to solubilize it in the fuel. Efficient and proven technology to protect against valve seat recession are based on phosphorus, potassium and maganese. Keep on with these ones.

Your TD should be able to run with 95 RON, I run my TF with 95 RON and the CR is 9:1.
Jean-Marc Thély

We converted both the TD and TF to run on unleaded fuel. In my view the risk isn't worth it. It seems that additives work if the car is rarely used and not used for long high speed runs (50 mph).
In 10,000 miles of use our MGB GT with additives used at the recommended rates we had 25 thou valve recession.
So dont rely upon these black magic additives, remove the head and get a good relaible firm to fit hard seats. The MBG head cost £230 to convert; the TD and TF were more expoensive because we fitted new valves, valve guides and rocker shaft i.e. the head was thoroughly rebuilt.
Bob Marshall

This thread was discussed on 08/04/2003

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.