Shell Optimax

[Kevin Swinden]

Went out for an ejoyable bat at the weekend,  found myself out without the spare fuel can and the chose fuel spot shut down !!.

I have a ohv 1700 with standard valve seats,  I have therfore been using tesco LRP,  to be fair withour any problems,  as an absolute emergecey I had to use some BP super Unleaded, once.  The engine sounded its dipleasure with rattles and fast running at idle, generally tinny and unhappy.  When I got home I syphed out the said super uleaded and whent back to LRP

I am very much aware of the problems associated with unleaded in a none converted head, on the single occasion I was in the sh-t and had to use something.

My question: I had to use some Shell Optimax due to no other fuel available.  Do anyone have any record on Optimax,  as all I can say the ohv ran sweetly on this stuff. and I would say better than the LRP

Does any one have any views on the stuff.

Incedently I may consider changing the head to a unleaded set up if thats the only "REAL" course of action.

Cheers

Kev

[studbuckle]

There was a big thread on this a good while ago that a search might find.

my 2p's worth. My standard headed x-flow hated Optimax but was ok on Superplus with Lead sustitute. I went off LRP as the pump turnover these days is so low, it's sitting in the tanks and losing it's Octane rating and collecting tank debris.

Much better to go Super Unleaded and additive.

My Unleaded headed x-flow on the other hand loved Optimax. It was Rolling Roaded on Optimax and ran sweet. If I loaded Superplus in I could tell the difference and if I put standard unleaded in it was like running on 3 cylinders with a headwind.

Just my opinion of course

[SteveF]

I've got a 'lead headed Xflow' as well - mine runs very nicely on optimax + additive and very badly when there's nothing in the tank - but that's another story   Doh!.  

I normally run mine on leaded four star - there are still some places where you can get it    - see the Leaded Petrol Finder . One of them is very near me - so I normaly fill up there, but if I'm out and can't find one of the leaded places - optimax plus lead suppliment is the next best thing.

Steve

[Blatman]

The pertinent information in those postings is that if you use Optimax, you *must* use a lead replacement additive. LRP does not require one. However, the odd emergency tank full to get you home won't do much, if any, damage to the valve seats.

While we're on the subject, please note that you should be careful if using LRP's from different suppliers (ie BP, Texaco, Shell), as the lead replacement additives may not mix very well, if at all. Same goes for bottled lead replacement. If you you, say, Valvemaster, stick with it, don't chop and change.

[Kevin Swinden]

I have had a quick look through the search,,,,  bl**** hell I didn't realise it could get so complecated.

Basically,  Am I right to deduce that Tesco LRP is ok, but dont mix and match, BP & Texaco are best avoided, (I used BP Super Unleaded and my Xflow was very unhappy).

Shell optimax is ok but I must use an additive but be aware they are Carsonagenic !!!! .

Please be aware my westies on 40 webbers

I did use optimax (without an additive) and it was definetly more happy, wouldnt say loads a power more, just smoother through the rev band.

Kev.

P.S I have had a look at the leaded fuel site (nothing close to me), well one,  but it would take almost a tank full to get there and back.... which somewhat defets the object !!