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With the removal of lead from petrol, how important is it to put top end lube additve to modern petrol for Ducati engines?

I've had 2 older car engines converted over to unleaded petrol by reco-ing the heads, running harder valve seats and revised valve angles but there seems to be no talk of this with Ducati heads....am I missing something?

I've been adding valve lube to be on the safe side but to confuse matters I was told the other day this may not be so bright. The story goes: that leaving the engine sit for any great length of time after running fuel with additives added will cause corrosion in the valves and the seats... sounds like a tall story to me...

What's the go?[/b]

I'm using Millers VSP (valve seat protection) in my '85 Mille MHR.
UK's bevel guru Steve Wynne told me so.
On the other hand, last sunday I spoke to Herman Joling, he's a Ducati drag racer, and his daily driver is a '85 Mille S2, he uses it without additives, and his bike has done +/- 180.000km's ( about 112500 mls (!!!)).
www.millersoils.co.uk

Right.... So I guess it certainly can't hurt using a bit of extra top end lube.
Is there any truth to the 'corrosion' story do you think....?

I don't think so, anyway I never heard of it!

Hi Guys

I know it is an old thread but i take it from that the valve lube is a go.

What about high end petrols - the 95 or 98 octne ones.

Any thoughts from the forum on their value or otherwise for a 1982 500SL Pantah.

Thanks Guys

I always put the 98 octane in mine. But I have run 95 bought from remote servo`s with little or no difference.
As for the valve lube, I run it regardless. I`ve heard lots of stories that it makes no difference but when you consider whats going on in the top end of an engine I doubt it would hurt. A similar product by the name of Redex was available many years ago before the advent of unleaded fuel as an uper cylinder lubricant and I just don`t see how it could do any harm. Lots of slidey grindey action going on up there. [/code]

I only use premium fuel in my Ducati: Shell V-Power.
I use it, with Millers VSP lead replacement, in my '83 Alfa GTV-6 as well....!

Hey Snap Peter

My GT V6 is an 86 so ok on unleaded. The Millers seems to be popular.

Thanks

Shane

Shane,

My unrestored, original GTV-6 was registered in Holland new in june 1985.
According to Alfa Storico it was build in april 1983.
I bought the car in 1988!
I hear different stories whether in can run on unleaded or not.
It's my believe only the USA versions with catalyst are factory ready for unleaded fuel.
Anyway, I don't take the risk, and I keep adding some Millers VSP every fill up...!
Millers VSP was originally made as an octane booster, so it won't harm the V-6 at all, since it needs high octane, premium fuel anyway!