Hi
Does anyone have info on running a standard 1600xflow unleaded, or unleaded conversions. Running gear from a 1978 mk 11 escort

Some other older engines will run more or less happily without conversion BUT Ford Xflos don't have valve seats inserted in the head as standard which means to run unleaded without using lead replacement additive you need valve seats fitted and may also need harded valves --- any local engine machine shop should be able to do it.

If you're considering this it's REALLY worth getting a copy of Burton's catalogue - they explain the process quite well. It's also a good place to get Xflow spares!

The job involves fitting hardened seats for the exhaust valves. After the job's done you can either run ordinary unleaded by retarding the ignition timing, or leave it roughly where it is and use super unleaded.

I paid around £100 for the conversion, but the work was part of other engine jobs - trouble is, once you get the head off you can often see other things that need fixing!

David

Thanks for that David. I'm about to strip the head off, in order to get the valve seat inserts done. That phrase, ("finding other things to be done" ), worries me. Guess we'll fond out how much, in due course.

Oo_err!!

[Edited on 28/4/04 by Dick Axtell]

I was thinking of stuff like getting the inlet seats re-ground, replacing the valve springs, fitting new valve guides, etc. This was all on the principle of "while the thing's in pieces, I might just as well do it...", which can get expensive if you're not careful!

Note that you will always get new exhaust valve guides when they fit the inserts - it's essential to keep everything lined up when they machine the new metal. Or the good guys will, anyway.

Don't worry too much though - it's like a Meccano set in there!

David

Thanks for the comments

you could always just use an addative with octain booster - no need to take the head off then so less likely to get other work done!!!!