Fulvia Unleaded

[osian]

I have read on the Beta discussion section that the general concensus is that it is possible to run those models on unleaded without major problems.

My question is if it is possible to do the same with a fulvia? My feeling is that it is unlikely with the alloy engine, and if so what sort of work do you think is necessary for a conversion?

[omicron]

What sort of Fulvia is it. Advise calling us...

[Brian Wood]

I have ran Mike Watsons ex Auto Italia 1.6 on Shell unleaded and now Optimax. Car still runs OK with no nasty noises -apart from when I fall off the track ! ! I do try and mix in some Avgas which has a high lead content when I can get the odd gallon or two. As there is apparently a 'memory effect' this will last quite a few tankfuls.... Remember I am in competition so the car gets a bashing. Would have thought it unnecessary with road use.

[tbalon]

I run both of my Fulvias on unleaded (1.3s and a 1.3) and both appear fine. The 1.3s arrived with burned out exhaust valves, which I replaced, vlave seats looked fine. The valve seats are steel inserts, just not sure how hard they are.

I run lead substitute in every tank in any event :) just to be safe.

[osian]

Thanks for your replies, the have ben very helpful.

tbalon, did you replace the exhaust valves with standard ones, or did you fit any sort of hardened ones?

[tbalon]

At the time I took the quick way out as I had a set of stock valves on the shelf. I see that new valves are now available on viva-lancia and probably from other vendors on this board as well.

On my engine (it was delivered broken) it appeared that the exhaust valve clerances were simply allowed to get too close and one of the exhaust valves split because it was held off it seat and could not reject heat to the head. If you run you clearances at the loose end they will probably be fine.

[ecoangel]

My understanding is that S1 engines have harder inserts as standard where as S2 and S3 may need new ones to run on unleaded.

[Robroy]

I have had several Fulvias including a Series 1 & 2 and 1600 HF - All have been run on Shell Optimax with Castrol Valvemaster with no problems. The HF ran on this combo for 5 years.