1972 280SE 2.8 - Unleaded? - Can my 280SE be converted to un

[Simon Gray]

Can my 1972 280SE be converted to run on standard unleaded? has anyone done this?
Also, I've seen a unit called a PowerPlus which looks like it sits in the fuel line and allows a 4 star car to run on standard unleaded. Anyone come across these?
Money is a factor so I need to consider all options.

 

[Andy]

1972 280SE 2.8 - Unleaded?

Hi Simon,

First read page four of this forum, towards the bottom of the list you will see a subject about unleaded petrol. The answers there will affect you.

I have come across variants of Power Plus. Small cylindrical part which fits into the fuel line. I have fitted one for a customer but never did get any feed back. They are supposed to work by making all the ions or atoms or some such thing point in the right way and this some how helps fuel consumption. They usually give a money back guarantee, but I do not no whether they really work or not.

Find a good octane booster and try that. Don't forget to find the page and posting.

Regards
Andy @www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[Simon Gray]

1972 280SE 2.8 - Unleaded?

Thanks for the replay Andy. The answer is obviously not clear cut.
I understand that I can use an additive to boost octane levels or use PowerPlus to do the same thing I think, but what about lubrication of the valve seats?
If the engine runs roughly on Super Unleaded then I can easily switch back to leaded but if it runs fine then I wont know if I'm damaging the valve seats and running up an expensive repair bill.

Also, the powerplus unit is about £100+VAT and I'm assuming the cost of having the seats replaced so that I can use unleaded would be much more.. any ideas if this is right?

 

[Neil Eglintine]

1972 280SE 2.8 - Unleaded?

If you want to spend £100 with no discernable benefit, why not send me the money?

If you want to protect your engine, you need to replace the missing lead with something that gives similar lubricating properties. Potassium and sodium are the best bet. I have used Millers VSP plus with no dead engines as a result.

The Federation of Historic Vehicles (or similar name) have rated the fuel additives available. VSP Plus passed the tests but so did others. Powerflow and similar products did not.

It is important not to change additives as they can errode the protective coatings created by other products.

 

[Andy]

1972 280SE 2.8 - Unleaded?

Hi Simon,

If you read the posting on page 4 on this subject. Then the idea is that the new valve seats occording to my engineering company (who I trust implicitly) the new seats wern't as hard as the old ones.

I agree with Neil with his posting, except one important point. If any body is to receive £100.00 then it should be me(sorry Neil!!!). In all seriousness, I am sure any body who has an old vehicle such as yours is running it meerilly on Super Unleaded and adding some sort of additive.

Regards
Andy@ www.mercedesservicing.com

PS. You are right. It is more expensive to change the valve seats than to fit some sort of additive.

 

[Simon Gray]

1972 280SE 2.8 - Unleaded?

Sorry, but the £100 has already gone into the tank and at this rate I'm going to bringing a lot of tumblers home. She seems to run fine on LRP and from what I've read the valve seats should be fine, so I've stopped worrying - about this at least.

 

[timothy lucas]

1972 280SE 2.8 - Unleaded?

Mate

I have a 72 280SE as well the valve seats are hard enough for the transition to unleaded.

But if you use LRp be aware of the yello/orange muck that will eventually build up on your plugs

Also remember that the m110 engine was pretty light for the 280SE w116 body. so you might want to use premium unleaded or a octane boost.


cheers from downunder