In article ,
Adrian wrote:
I did ask on the Morris Minor Owners' Club forum (they were equally
scathing about the 'magic catalyst' !) and the general consensus
seemed to be mixture or timing first, with a de-coke next...

Practical Classics did a test on these, using an A Series engine as
they're known as being more sensitive than most to valve problems with
unleaded due to the siamesed exhaust ports on cylinders 2&3 making the
valves run very hot. And started out with a new head therefore no lead
coating from previous leaded fuel. It very soon showed signs of valve seat
regression running purely on unleaded.

Carbonflow is one of the names these devices goes under and IIRC they've
been prosecuted under the advertising laws. But keep on popping up under
'new' ownership, etc.

There are petrol additives designed to replace the lead as a lubricant.
Some better than others. But a converted cylinder head is not that
expensive - and often come up on Ebay, etc. You could do a search on one,
store that search and get Ebay's computer to contact you when one comes up.

To convert the cylinder head means machining the valve seats and pressing
in hardened steel inserts. The valves are also replaced with harder steel
items. Later cars - like the Mini - had this conversion done at the
factory after leaded became the only petrol. I'd guess a cylinder head
from one could be made to fit, but may not be a totally satisfactory
conversion on its own.

If you do intend doing major works a good thing is to fit a 1275 engine
complete from an Ital or Marina.

--
*When the going gets tough, the tough take a coffee break *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.