SD1 6 cylinder - use of unleaded

[350zwelgje]

Is it ok to use unleaded petrol for the 6-cylinder SD1s? Thinking of bringing my '81 2300S back on the road (92000km on the clock). And used leaded the last time I drove it! Occasional unlead should be no issue, but constant (about 3000 miles/year) I don't know. In general 98RON will be fine, but no lead? Any tips?
Thanks in advance.

Rob

[Chassis 33]

It's an aluminium head so will have hardened inserts. I drove mine constantly on unleaded with no issues (about 12k/year).

Regards
Iain

[350zwelgje]

Thanks for the confirmation.
It is always good to have reassurance. Especially as these engines are known to be 'fragile' compared to the V8s. Still looking forward to drive it with its original engine. I always has been fine, no issues and very economical (like over 30-32 mpg!). Ok, acceleration is not great, but even makes you to drive the car in the relaxed way it was intented to.

It also seems that this 2300S from '81 is one from a batch between seriesI and II (like 1500 made in the old factory before seriesII went in production in the new). So it has the old style body and dash (which I like best), but the new seats with velour upholstry, later setup of the 6 cylinder engine, etc.
Does this 'in between' model story sound ok on anyone?

Rob

[F.M]

Sounds OK to me..although I`m no purist who is over familiar with the range`s history...the best of both worlds ...the original prettier & `favoured` body shape with a comfy modern interior...just keep on top of the oil changes and engine flushes..as we all know the 6 cylinder cars have a tendancy to sieze cams if the spray bar & rear cylinder head oil drain holes become blocked through sludge...it happened to me....not nice....

Edited by F.M on Thursday 7th June 10:12

[350zwelgje]

Any tips as how to bring a 6-cylinder back to life after it hasn't run regularly over the last 5 years?
Started it about once a year (without any issues), until hot and another 15 minutes of running....

Seems that the clutch is stuck now. Never had this before, only that the pressure wasn't there first time.
Probably will find more of these age gremlins until roadworthy to my standard (which is technical 100%, but cosmetic-wise I don't care).

Rob

[F.M]

An old clarkson trick was to put a pole on the pedal overnight jammed against the seat....

I`ll enquire further on my SD1 web travels...and hopefully get back to you if a reply on PH does not come up with the goods...

[Duke Thrust]

350zwelgje said:

Any tips as how to bring a 6-cylinder back to life after it hasn't run regularly over the last 5 years?
Started it about once a year (without any issues), until hot and another 15 minutes of running....

Seems that the clutch is stuck now. Never had this before, only that the pressure wasn't there first time.
Probably will find more of these age gremlins until roadworthy to my standard (which is technical 100%, but cosmetic-wise I don't care).

Rob

Chock the car up well and flick the starter with the car in gear and your foot on the clutch, this should shock the friction plate free from the flywheel.