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Unleaded ok in 1500 1969 Beetle?
Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 6:03 pm
by WIZ
I have a 1969 1500 single port beetle. Will the engine be ok with unleaded or do I need to put additive in when I fill up?
Ian
Re: Unleaded ok in 1500 1969 Beetle?
Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 6:28 pm
by Tony Z
if it was maintained according to VW's specs, then yes, unleaded is OK.
VW's always specified hardened seats in the cylinder heads. Unfortunately, not every rebuilt cylinder head was built as it should have been and from time to time you find them with cast iron seats - these cannot be run on unleaded without additives.
Re: Unleaded ok in 1500 1969 Beetle?
Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2018 8:41 pm
by WIZ
Thanks!
Unfortunately not aware of the history. Guess I'll run unleaded and see.
Ian
Re: Unleaded ok in 1500 1969 Beetle?
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 8:52 am
by fig
If you are running unleaded on unknown heads, pay close attention to the gaps when you do your regular (every 5,000km) tappet adjustments. If the gaps keep closing, that's a sign your valve seats are receding, meaning they're not unleaded compatible.
A friend of mine in Germany who has a 1949 Beetle says he only adds lead additive every third tankful, with no problems.