Club 80-90 Forums

Apologies if this is a repost but struggling to find a definitive answer after searching.

Can I run my van on normal unleaded or do I need to add a suitable lead replacement additive?

This is my first day with the van so dying to get out in it, need petrol first though

Cheers,
C

unless told otherwise, i've always ran mine on unleaded

Unleaded for definite - all VW engines have been unleaded friendly since early 70's - I forget the exact year but our engines are fine with the green pump.

Great thanks Guys! Just off to the pumps now!

All post 1966 VW aircooleds can definately run unleaded.

You could also get away with unleaded on earlier VWs too.

Thanks from me too guys just been to look at 2ndhand engine for the beast and there was bottles of wynns lead replacement in the thing so got a bit paranoid but you cheered me up just gotta get it out and home but it will be worth it i keep telling her !!!

I was usure on this as well.
The guy who sold the camper to me,also a 2litre A/C said that he uses unleaded most of the time,but every 3rd fill up he used the leaded stuff.

I asked chris the local air cooled mechanic about this ,and he said just use the additive as it will look after the engine!.

Then i read on here that by buying additive you are just waisting your money!
So is the additive a waste of money or does it help the engine?
I use castrol valvemaster,on the bottle it says ultimate protection against valve seat recession
Protects engine under all driving conditions.
Keeps fuel system clean and provides exellent corrosion protection.
I always put a bit in every time i fill up,but only because chris advised me too.
At the end of the day there are alot of people on this forum who have probably forgot more than i will ever know about engines,and i take on board what they say,as i do my mechanic who has been woking on VW,s for 25 years or so.
If i can get away without using this stuff then i probably will,but if it does help my engine then am i best off keeping using it?
Lee.

Personally I wouldn't bother using any additives, you simply don't need them !!!

As far as I know all VW engines since at least 1966 (or possibly earlier) can run on unleaded without any problems at all.

I run my mk1 polo, 1973 1300 beetle, 2000 1600i mexican beetle and my 1982 type 2 T3 campervan on standard unleaded without any problems at all.