340 and fuel

Post by **340** » 28 Apr 2004 11:39 am

I drive a Volvo 340 (petrol engine). When four star disappeared I moved over to Lead Replacement Petrol with no problems. But now that seems to be being phased out.

Does anyone have any experience with additives, or any other suggestions for what to use in the 340?

I'm wary of using Redex after using it in another car (not a Volvo) many years ago.

- thanks

Post by **5lab** » 28 Apr 2004 02:41 pm

how old is it? i've been running my '86 1.4 on normal unleaded no problem..

Post by **340** » 28 Apr 2004 03:34 pm

It's 88. When you say you've been running on unleaded, what octane rating?

Post by **Janitor** » 28 Apr 2004 04:14 pm

most people use a "fuel cat"-this converts unleaded back to 4star !!
they go inline with your pipe/hose!!

http://www.fuelcat.co.uk/mainpage.html

Post by **Janitor** » 28 Apr 2004 04:16 pm

ps they are small-not a massive big thing-the only thing i can think of a similar size is a smartie tube !!

Post by **5lab** » 29 Apr 2004 09:37 am

i use normal stuff, the cheapest at every pump. i dunno what that is in this country but im sure an 88 will be fine if mine was. somehting like 96 i would think

Post by **360GL** » 29 Apr 2004 07:26 pm

All 300 series petrol engines without catalytic converter from including 1987 model year onward can use either leaded or unleaded fuel. The octane rating requirements are:

B14.4E, B172K, B200K: min. 96 RON leaded, min. 95 RON unleaded
B14.4E-D, B172K-D: min. 95 RON unleaded only
B200E without cat. converter: min. 92 RON leaded, min. 91 RON unleaded
B200E with cat. converter, B200F: min. 91 RON unleaded only

Early models must use leaded fuel (or lead supplement additive):

B14 models: min. 96 RON
B172, B19A, B19E, B200K, B200E models: min. 98 RON

source: Haynes Manual, User Manual

So you can run on unleaded without worries. If you have catalytic converter, you actually must use unleaded fuel.

Post by **5lab** » 30 Apr 2004 12:58 pm

my '86 runs fine with unleaded/no additives anyways. used to put 4 star in before i bumped into the owner who told me i didnt need to - and i've not noticed any differences in running since. the engines WELL worn in anyhows, i dont think im gonna get more than another 25-30k out of her so im not to worried

Hugh

Post by **340** » 31 May 2004 11:33 pm

Thanks everyone for the advice. It's been useful.

Sorry for the delay in returning to reply.