Unleaded Fuel - 1987 190E Auto

[Fandango]

Sorry if this is a topic that's been chewed over before, but what's the general concensus on using unleaded in the 190 of this age. I'm not new to Mercs, I've just sold my '85 280GE, used mainly for off-roading, now I've got Forum member Grenachenoir's old 190E (BTW thanks, Adam, the car could not be better, drove 250miles home with it at full throttle, and filled up again with £25, amazing economy, but maybe I'm comparing it with the 2.2tonne G-Wagen.Smooth engine and 'box as well).
I digress, do I need to use any addatives to prevent valve damage?

--
Karlos

 

[Matt Crooke]

Unleaded Fuel

I use unleaded in my '87 2.0 190 no problems. As you open the drivers door there is a red and white sticker stating that the car has been tuned for unleaded, and either 4Star or UL can be used. Ive never used LRP in it so im not sure if any difference in performance is noticed.

 

[Matt Crooke]

Unleaded Fuel

ps...250 miles at full throttle....now thats impressive!

 

[kl]

Unleaded Fuel

I had a valve burn out a couple of years ago: The previous owner had used unleaded fuel on long trips. Since the burn-out I have always used an additive (Superblend) on the basis that it can't do any harm and just might be saving me the cost of another valve.
The accepted wisdom seems to be that if you're going to use an additive choose one and stick with it. Superblend for example is based upon a potassium base whilst other additives use sodium, phosphorus, manganese. Similarly if you use LRP then you should stick to one particular brand since each brand may use different additives (Sh*ll
LRP is potassium based).
Call me paranoid but I also use Redex to keep the fuel-line etc clean and to hinder upper cylinder wear.
When I first purchased the car I phoned a local Mercedes dealer to enquire about leaded v unleaded; they said it was safe to use either in my 1987 carburettor 2.0 190, however an independent Mercedes specialist told me that if I ran the car on unleaded all the time then a valve would burn out in 18 months (this advice was prior to the valve actually burning out). In the light of experience I have taken the independents' view over the dealers' view but I guess its up to individuals to make their own choice.

 

[Fandango]

Unleaded Fuel

Ok, Matt, maybe not the whole journey at full throttle, but not much short. I do normally drive quite sensibly, but my dog sitter had let me down and I needed to get back quickly ( Shorry, Ossiffer, my dog is getting lonely).
And KL, thanks I think I''l do the same and use an additive occasionally.
Adam, if you're reading this, do you think it could do with new shocks, the ride is a bit soft (motorway curves at 110mph become white knuckle rides), maybe new springs, what do you think?
--
Karlos

 

[Andy]

Unleaded Fuel

Hi All

Fandango, I don't suppose it entered your mind to slow down at the bends. Nor would it of entered mine. Not when you are hanging on for grim death. Need all the concentration you can.

As I have mentioned on this forum front shockers are weak anywhere after 80k. The rears don't seem to wear at anywhere near the same rate. I would stick a set of front shocks on and try it.

As for the unleaded debate. You are unlucky if you burn out a valve. I would suggest it was always going to burn out. The 190 carburettor, didn't even need timing adjustment to take the petrol. I would agree would adding some sort of additive to the fuel. But whether it makes that much difference I not convinced.

On the later engines the reasons for valve failure seems to down to the size of the valve. The multivalve engine exhaust valves are too small to dissipate the heat.

Thats all I have to say.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[shiraz]

Unleaded Fuel

Karl, glad the journey home went well - I was getting abit worried as hadn't heard from you!

I meant to mention at the time but it is OK for unleaded. I checked when I bought it and the guy who sold it to me had a list of chassis / engine numbers that were OK (87 was apparently on the cusp of what was Ok and what wasn't) and he verified that normal unleaded was fine.

You could be right on the shockers - trouble is they go over time and you don't notice. Also, compared to the (rock hard) ride on my C280 Sport I think anything feels soft! Shoudln't break the bank though if you do do them. I hadn't noticed any tyre wear so if they do need doing it will be just down to tiredness. I'd have thought springs were Ok as it passed MOT but I couldbe wrong.

Happy motoring!

Adam

 

[fuzzer]

Unleaded Fuel

Karls car is really nice .. back to the good old days ........

IT needs an EVO II bodykit and wheels

 

[Fandango]

Unleaded Fuel

Andy, thanks for your advice, do EuroCarParts sell the front shocks?How much would you pay for them, what make?
Thanks also for your input on additives, as well.
I know I should slow down a bit....a lot.
--
Karlos

 

[shiraz]

Unleaded Fuel

Fuzzer, glad you like the car - I daren't show my wife these comments as she loved the car and hates her Renault Scenic, she is so sad that it had to go!

 

[Fandango]

Unleaded Fuel

Hi Adam , thanks for your concern, was I supposed to call? Sorry, the exitement got the better of me and I forgot. I thought unleaded would be ok, it was ok on the G, just thought I'd make sure. Hope the Mrs gets used to her scenic(yuck).
And Jason (Fuzzer), no thanks I'll stick to it as it is, don't like bodykits much.
--
Karlos

 

[shiraz]

Unleaded Fuel

Karl, no not supposed to call - just pleased you are happy! I agree, body kits look bad... No chance of her getting used to Scenic, she is already itching for a V-class (know anything about them?) or possibly a VANEO - stupid name but looks quite well made.
Adam

 

[shiraz]

Unleaded Fuel

Karl, no not supposed to call - just pleased you are happy! I agree, body kits look bad... No chance of her getting used to Scenic, she is already itching for a V-class (know anything about them?) or possibly a VANEO - stupid name but looks quite well made.
Adam

 

[wportre]

Unleaded Fuel

The MG Owner's Club has done a lot on this and I run my MG Midget on their recommendations. My 280TE takes its chances on LRP because I can't get the wife to mix at the pump but it is OK so far. However, I think this is because we tend to do low urban mileage and so never really heat the valves.

The MGOC says:
1) (As said above) chose one additive and stick to it. Otherwise you are continually eroding and rebuilding the protective coating on the valves.
2) Make that additive Phosphorous. I think I remember that one Sodium or Potassium is to be avoided but Phosphorus is the best and, of course, the most expensive and therefore the hardest to find in LRP.
3) LRP is a commodity so in general one firm tends not to stick with one additive. Phosphorus is rare.
4) The best way of doing this is to mix Castrol Valvemaster (Phosphorus-based and available through the MGOC as well as elsewhere) with unleaded at the pump.

If anyone cares, I might be able to dig out some of the articles.

(Edited by wportre at 6:54 am on July 30, 2002)

 

[Anonymous]

Unleaded Fuel

Just an update on this car's progress: I fitted new original front shocks (Bilsteins £40+Vat from EuroCarParts)and wow,  Adam, DO NOT SHOW THIS TO YOUR WIFE, the car's handling is transformed, it drives like the day it came out of the factory, crisp turn in, totally stable under hard braking (and what fantastic brakes they are, remind me of a Porsche 911, I used to have). Also changed the oil, BTW how long ago was the auto transmission oil changed.
Originally I thought this car was a bargain, I'd buy it and sell it on, make a few pounds and have fun in the process.Oh no, not now, it's much too good to pass on, I want it for myself...for a while anyway...I put a year's tax on it yesterday, LOL.

 

[Matt Crooke]

Unleaded Fuel

Fandango...

Having had enough of my 190 leaning on corners like a Citroen 2CV and nosediving at the slightest brake touch, clearly new shocks are in order. Were they a bugger to fit?

 

[Anonymous]

Unleaded Fuel

No it must be one of the easiest, most satisfying jobs you can do on your 190. Use a set of axle stands then prop the spring up, undo the top mounting, then the bottom bolts and nuts, it's even easier to put the new ones on, as they come with new nuts and bolt... and voilá, your car feels like new again.Total cost £94.
Good Luck
Karlos

 

[shiraz]

Unleaded Fuel

Fandango, I am genuinely pleased that it's going so well!
Auto oil - I never changed it. I did ask my garage guy and he said "if it aint broke...." but it could probably benefit! Let me know if it makes a difference.

 

[Anonymous]

Unleaded Fuel

Oh, and Adam,hi and I hope you and yours are all fine! While I've got you, how about the timing chain?  Do you know how long that's been in there?
cheers
Karlos

(Edited by fandango at 10:41 pm on Aug. 7, 2002)