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Originally Posted by Lil bastard
The lead used in leaded gasolines was a form called tetra-ethyl Lead and was initially only used in Premium or High Octane gas, which commonly became known as Ethyl - some companies even marketed it under this name.
This additive raised the octane rating of the fuel inhibiting detonation and also helped lubricate and seal the valves whose seats were made of soft mild steel for better sealing. This is why valve adjustment on earlier cars was so frequent -= the valve would get pounded further and further into the seat - the lead acted similar to RTV on a gasket.
Because engines today are not designed to use it, and are machined to much closer tolerances using different materials (esp. the valve seats), and usually with a much lower CR, using leaded gas in today's engines would not likely yield the same benefits. Aside from damamging the cats (by coating the ceramic matrix with lead, thus reducing it's useful surface area to react with the exhaust), it would also make your OČ sensor inoperable after only a few miles.
And, all of this is aside from the obvious environmental issues.
Cheers!
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Thanks for the reply.
My question was more from an academic perspective, not that I am going to fill my car with leaded fuel just because I have removed the cats. I didn't even think about the O2 sensors though. So I was right that lead additives had other benefits, it is just that the modern motor renders these benefits useless. I'll stick with the 98 RON BP Ultimate. Thanks again.
Daniel
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