Leaded fuel? (2014)

MikeM · Aug 14, 2014

Is it necessary to use leaded fuel or a lead additive?
I just happened to think that my bike is a 71. If I recall the switch to unleaded was around 73. I know lead helps to lubricate valves and seats.
What is everyone doing?

Rohan · Aug 14, 2014

Nortons have been fitted with hardened valve seats since before cavemen walked the earth.
Almost !

Do nothing but ride it....

All seats do wear out, eventually.
By then the need for more frequent valve lash adjustments will be speaking to you.

X-file · Aug 14, 2014

How much power you making/using will have more effect than the lead or lack of it.
Double the rpm and double the torque and you'll get 10 times as much valve seat recession.

MikeM · Aug 14, 2014

X-file said:
How much power you making/using will have more effect than the lead or lack of it.
Double the rpm and double the torque and you'll get 10 times as much valve seat recession.

My machine is basically a stock rebuild. All I am looking for is longevity and reliability.
All I do is ride it. If it will run well on todays fuel, given my glass tank, thats all Im looking for.
I just dont want to damage my new engine.
Thanks

Hobot · Aug 14, 2014

Lead ani't good for engine other than valve seat and octane so good riddance. Could run a few tanks for the plug chop and exhaust pipe color but best off no lead regardless. Other additives must be included in leaded gasoline to keep its layering up to a minimum and that gets in oil and sliding spaces. All Norton riders should know their factory seats are hard enough.

MikeM · Aug 14, 2014

Hobot, your are a trip. I mean that in a good way.
If I can decipher your info you have it all going on.
I will run todays fuel and worry about my glass tank instead of the valves.
I want to buy you a beer AND drink it with you,
I cant stay away from this bike. Its my first Norton. Last weekend I pulled up behind a guy on an HD. He looked back and said "fn A Norton!" Felt great!
Cheers
Thanks MikeM

Hobot · Aug 14, 2014

MikeM that leaves me giggling to share in your deepening infection you don't want cured. I've been to enough huge bike affairs with numbers of Triumphs and BSA but when a Commando shows up the knowing make a bee line to its memory kickbacks. Shakes like a dogie at idle and rattles just creeping along til feels like flying carpet lift off with turbo fan smooth thrust. Commandos can have some handling quirts and highly suggest some short intervals of pretty low tire pressure and never ever forget that sense of it again. Go over every fastener a few times more and check brake fluid at gas up till certain its holding. Oh yeah if your float levels ain't giving best idle at 1.5 turns out you are still a slipshod finisher no matter how good it runs by ignoring this prior : )

kerinorton · Aug 14, 2014

you don't need to be concerned. At least with unleaded fuel you will never rot out your mufflers.

frankdamp · Aug 14, 2014

An occasional visit to your local airport and one tankful of airplane gas will give you enough lead for 6 months or more. Friends with hot-rod Mustangs, Camaros, et al are frequent visitors to the airplane gas pumps.

MikeM · Aug 14, 2014

hobot said:
MikeM that leaves me giggling to share in your deepening infection you don't want cured. I've been to enough huge bike affairs with numbers of Triumphs and BSA but when a Commando shows up the knowing make a bee line to its memory kickbacks. Shakes like a dogie at idle and rattles just creeping along til feels like flying carpet lift off with turbo fan smooth thrust. Commandos can have some handling quirts and highly suggest some short intervals of pretty low tire pressure and never ever forget that sense of it again. Go over every fastener a few times more and check brake fluid at gas up till certain its holding. Oh yeah if your float levels ain't giving best idle at 1.5 turns out you are still a slipshod finisher no matter how good it runs by ignoring this prior : )

hmm, float levels. Something I have to look at. So far I have about 500 miles on a renewed engine and 30 year old tires and brakes as well.
Tires are a major concern to me. Explain this brake fluid to me. I have changed the headlight fluid but have not yet gotten to the brakes.
Mine is a 71 and I am looking for the drain and bleeders.
Thanks for all the good info an keep it coming. I have made it a habit to check the fastners. Mine was a barn find and neglected for about 20 years. All good things will come.
The beer offer still stands.
MikeM

Hobot · Aug 14, 2014

Oh yeah on '71's brake fluid is just for paint and grime removal. Main '71 slowing hindrance is over coming the supplied cable switch. Don't sweat the old tires as main just rougher ride the harder ya ride and of course ain't best in wet to press on hard but old fussed tubes in side can suddenly pull stem to blow out while laying into one your regular favorites, as happened today to my bud Wes on his '71 and couldn't steer so headed off road at over 50 nothing he could do by fight to stay upright and hope nothing in the path to smack fully into. Saw his bike parked just outside our village so called him. Pretty shook up as full sense of giving up full control once in a saddle sinking in.

Vaughan1111 · Dec 22, 2019

Old tyres go hard. I’ve just finished a 72 fastback rebuild and replaced little used but old (7-10 yrs) tyres with a set of new compound TT 100s. If it ever stops raining in the uk I’ll be able to enjoy them to the full.

Leaded fuel? (2014)

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