Should I be using super unleaded

[foxcub]

Hi all,

I have a 1987 T25 2.0 Litre petrol automatic. By the fuel cap it has a small silver sticker that reads

Use Super / Premium
Oktan Min 98

I spoke to my local garage when I got it and they said I can just use regular unleaded and consequently havent had any engine issues however thought it best to ask the experts!! Any help or comments appreciated

Cheers,
Chris

[1664]

Do you mean 2.1 litre injection? I've put 'bog standard' unleaded (95 RON) into my van and it hates it!! Coughing, juddering and farting all over the place. A lot of people say you can use standard unleaded if the timing is altered in some way but frankly I leave things as they are (don't fix what ain't broke etc etc). I think if the timing isn't altered the valve seats (whatever they are) or something else of a metally substance gets too hot.

'Super' or 'Premium' petrol tends to be either 97 or 99RON depending where you go. Both work fine in my van.

[jason k]

2.1 dj need 98 ron or timing altered to accept 95 ron. the results of not doing so are not pretty.

[hammy44]

i use 95 ron all the time but then mine is a new vw 2.1 engine and it runs fine either its set up for it at factory or timing has been altered.

[jason k]

it will run fine but it will also be eating your pistons away.

get the timing checked chap. could save you a small fortune.

[toomanytoys]

1987 will either be a 1.9 (1915cc) or 2.1 (2109cc) engine.. both engine sizes were available in different "flavours" over the years..
If it has a sticker saying 98RON, then its most likely a 2.1 "DJ" engine code which requires "superplus" (98/99 unleaded) to run safely on the standard ignition timing of 10 degrees BTDC.. If you want to run of "normal" 95RON unleaded, then timing MUST be set to 5 degrees to ensure the engine is not damaged..

[foxcub]

Thanks for all the replies. Is there anyway of telling the actual engine? Looks like I should start using Super anyways but should I use up all the 95 in the tank first and then fill up with super (ie can they be mixed?) ? Not sure if the last owner changed the timing is there any way of quickly telling? Guess I should see if it sounds better with the super in!!! Never listening to the local mechanic again...

[dugcati]

Engine number on the top near the front of the unit will tell you -also your log book and MOT certs should have the engine number

[foxcub]

Of course thanks its a 2.1. Ill try and get the garage to find out what the timing is set to