9 replies to this topic

[Fatharrydog]

I recently bought a 1965 Mini Mk1 with the 850cc engine. What fuel should I use and do I need to add any fuel additives? Thanks.

[madaboutcherry]

petrol.

[Fatharrydog]

Ha Ha! What RON and do I need to add additives?

[MiniMadRacer]

If it has the original head, then in theory unleaded normal plus an additive, but... depending on what mileage you do, and what mileage the car has already done, I would just run unleaded and not bother with the additive... I have never seen valve seat "recession" other than in a race head pulling 8,000 RPM plus all day long and with no carbon build up or lead "memory".. in a road car i think valve seat reccession is so unlikely its not worth worrying about... if and when it happens then just fit an unleaded second hand 998 head or have your head converted to unleaded if and when its needed.

 

People need to remember the unleaded seat recession thing was "proved" in a lab under arduous worst case scenario conditions, rarely achieved on a noirmal road car in normal use conditions.

 

You may need to slightly adjust the ignition timing for best results

[Dusky]

Run with the least amount of ethanol possible and run a lead additive. Lead and lead additive change more than just protecting the valve seats.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

Run with unleaded and an additive as Dusky says

 

The head will have some carbon deposits I imagine (lead memory). I run my MG Midget (last 11 years) with unleaded and additive - and it is fine

 

They are bringing out E10 petrol which contains more ethanol - so use E5 - find a forecourt that sells this instead if you can

 

The E10 will take a few years to roll out, but I expect with a Government push - they will want it sooner than later

 

I have added a link below to explain a bit better about the crape they want you to put in you tank

 

https://www.rac.co.u...-it-affect-you/

[Fatharrydog]

Thanks that's very useful. What additive would you recommend?

Edited by Fatharrydog, 26 January 2021 - 02:44 PM.

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

i usually use something that is of quality or something approved by the FBHVC, not just any old *******

[Dusky]

As an additive, I’ve used liqui moly with good results.
Castrol valvemaster isn’t bad either, be very careful when using valvemaster plus (with octane booster). It might leave deposits on the plugs. Plugs are easily changed in a mini though.

[Cooperman]

Valvemaster or Valvemaster Plus will both work OK.