E.L.N. Dosing Valves ltd.
The optimum way to correctly treat unleaded fuel with
lead replacement additive
lead replacement additive
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Lead is introduced into petrol:
Since the mid-1920s petrol sold as fuel for the internal combustion engine has contained lead in the form of tetraethyl lead for two purposes:
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To increase the Octane rating -
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To act as a heat-
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So what's the problem?
There are two problems.
Firstly, the lead that's released from car exhausts is dispersed into the environment, and has been linked to a number of health problems.
The second problem is that car exhausts contain environmentally unfriendly gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. A catalytic converter can help to remove these gases, but it cannot be used on leaded petrol since the lead 'poisons' the catalyst.
The basic technical stuff:
Petrol is a mixture of compounds of carbon and hydrogen called hydrocarbons. In modern car engines, the petrol vapour - air mixture is highly compressed before it is sparked, in order to get the maximum energy from the burning fuel. However, some hydrocarbons tend to ignite under pressure before they are sparked, so that the engine runs roughly; this is known as "knocking".
Fuel mixtures are given Octane ratings - 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (which contains 8 carbons and so is an isomer of octane) has an Octane rating of 100. The gasoline fraction from refining crude oil has an octane rating below 60, and most internal combustion engines need an octane rating of at least 85 to work with a reasonable efficiency.
THE NEED FOR LEAD IN PETROL (GASOLINE)
Additives - An overview.
Since the general sale of leaded fuel was discontinued, much has been written about the introduction and use of lead replacement / substitute additives. Many years ago, ( in the UK ) the motor industry research association ( Mira ) on behalf of the federation of British historic vehicles club ( F.B.H.V.C. ) undertook a series of stringent tests to determine which products kept valve seat recession ( V.S.R. ) within acceptable limits, set by the F.B.H.V.C. Tests were conducted initially, using only unleaded fuel and then using fuel to which had been added in turn, various proprietary brands of lead substitute ( lead replacement additive ) Test results were then analysed and compared. Some products passed this test, the majority either failed or manufacturers elected not to present their products for test.
The various lead replacement additives currently on the market contain as their base chemical constituent one of the four following: - A) Potassium. B) Phosphorous. C) Manganese. D) Sodium. However one point of view was shared by all associated bodies.
Under no circumstances mix or alternate additives
In so doing the base chemical constituents noted above could interact and result in engine damage.
The solution :- select the additive of your choice and stay with it.
In the U.K this problem was further compounded by the introduction of L.R.P. pumps on garage forecourts, ( a problem no longer with us ) this yet again confused users. What base chemical was being used in these pumps ? Did different petrol companies use different base chemicals ? etc. Again sanity prevailed and yet another point of view was shared by all and recommended. The best method to treat unleaded fuel with a lead replacement additive and be sure of what you were using, was to buy a bottled product and treat the fuel yourself.
Problem solved, not really ! How accurate was the dosing ? Even given that dispensers often clearly display a calibrated dosage, does the user always have time to accurately calculate the amount of additive required to treat the amount of fuel put in the tank ? How many litres / part gallons ? How much additive ? How much additive lies trapped in the filler pipe leading to the tank ? was the additive being accurately or evenly mixed ? or even "I forgot to put the bottled additive in the boot / trunk, before I left ".
All the preceding led to the invention, testing and production of the E.L.N. dosing valve. It is a simple, reliable, accurate and convenient method of ensuring the lead replacement additive of your choice, is mixed with the fuel, pre-carburation, no more guess work. Simply ( once self installed ) top up the integral reservoir, capacity sufficient to treat several tanks of fuel and that's it. All taken care of automatically.
Within the U.K. and in other countries world wide, where it is available , E.L.N. recommend the use of valvemaster and / or valvemaster plus where the necessity for an octane boost is required to overcome associated problems such as pinking, knocking, Power loss and / or performance deterioration.
We at E.L.N. are aware that as with all things, personal choice is important and with that in mind the E.L.N dosing valve can be factory calibrated to provide accurate dosing of your preferred lead replacement addititive. To enable us to do this, please clearly state, when ordering, the type and make of lead replacement additive you use.
The E.L.N. dosing valve is designed for use on all vehicles previously reliant on leaded fuel, with the exception of full injected units.
The E.L.N. dosing valve is for the sole use of commonly sold and readily available lead substitute or lead replacement additives, to include those containg an octane booster. Those endorsed by the F.B.H.V.C include;- Millars VSP-plus : red line : zero lead : valvemaster : valvemaster plus: others are also available.