Unleaded conversion ?

[jasp]

I have a 1978 100 RS and i don't know whether it has been converted to run on unleaded, is it easy to tell by taking of the covers or by part numbers..
Would it be an expensive job if it hasn't been done as the bike doesn't get ridden much or do i use an additive.
Thanks Jasp.

 

[cookie]

I'd check the valve clearances regularly, if they closed up quickly, then I'd do a conversion.

 

[PW Cymru]

Just had my 83 RS done with new valves and guides all round and ex vlv seats.

Budget for about 300 pounds with scriminger.

But as Cookie says if your valve clearances don't close up don't worry about it.

 

[Kenny]

As above, little buggers probably well hammered in by now

Yup, Scrimminger seems to be the man at the moment for doing this...and if your valves are over 50 - 60,ooo miles then about time they were replaced anyway

 

[jasp]

Thanks for replies.....bikes done less than 20k and would like to find out if it was done earlier as i know that much work/servicing has already been carried out, so can i check the guides or summat.

 

[Richard A]

Hate to say it but, short of a metallurgical analysis of the seats, the advice above re. active monitoring of clearances is the only option (without any paperwork recording the conversion, of course, which you would have sussed already).

 

[(RIP) Proff]

Another way [albeit old school] is to look closely at the cylinder heads to see if they have a blue dot about 1 cm in diameter...if it's there, they're unleaded from new

 

[John Roberts]

Another way [albeit old school] is to look closely at the cylinder heads to see if they have a blue dot about 1 cm in diameter...if it's there, they're unleaded from new

Would that be under the rocker covers?

 

[(RIP) Proff]

Would that be under the rocker covers?

yup, as in >>>..usually on the fins below rocker covers..
so no need to take covers off

 

[Richard A]

Yes, that's true... I hadn't thought of 'conversion' in the complete head sense because I had my STs done with replacement seats/valves on the original heads, but yes, u/l conversions are often done on an exchange basis so in those cases the heads should be marked if done by a 'proper' converter.

 

[jasp]

Thanks all for your help, I will have a check under the rocker cover but suspect that it has not been done, so i think i will continue to use unleaded and an additive.