unleaded fuel in a bike intended for leaded fuel?

[revitup]

what effect does it have on an older bike such as my '82 Yamaha Virago to run today's fuel (which is unleaded) in a bike intended for leaded fuel?

[michael o47]

Don't think of trying it it will ruin your engine.

[bikinkawboy]

As mentioned, the lead was used to cushion the valve when seating. The biggest difference between engines designed for no-lead and older leaded fuel engines is that the no-lead jobs have hardened valve seats.

You can buy lead replacement, but to buy actual tetra ethel lead is something else. That stuff was on EPA's bad boy list 30+ years ago and sometimes you can find it for racetrack use only, but it's still expensive.

One of the biggest fears of using no-lead in leaded gas engines was valve seat recession. I've used no-lead in Dodge truck, Chrysler powered combine and tractor engines without hardened valve seats with any problem. However, I did have a 2nd combine with a Chrysler engine that had one exhaust valve on each side that had recessed considerabaly. I'd been using the lead replacement stuff in that engine, so you probably know my opinion of all that snake oil stuff stores sell.

As far as bikes go, my '79 KZ1000 ran for 110,000 miles with only 2 valves ever needing shims changed. My advice? Unless you're on the drag strip, don't worry about it. Gas up and ride. If something is going to happen, it's going to happen whether you worry or not, so don't let it bother you.

[tamarack58]

I can't tellyou exactly what it will do but it will harm your engine as the lead was used as a lubricant. You can buy lead additive to add to the fuel however. You can get it at all auto parts stores.

[carndog64]

the lead was there to protect the valve seats from damage from the hammering of the valves. The lead provided a cushion to soften the impact. On the new engines designed to run on unleaded fuel, they made adjustments in the valve system to cause the valves to rotate, each time they open and closed they were in a diffrent location with respect to the seats. Add lead to your fuel, it is available at auto stores

[Pedro S]

dont worry about...for all the histera back then it really doesnt make much differnce...** 82..there was no leaded gas....i had a mid 80s 650 virago...i loved it.