Generation Cyb

Q. Will my Maestro run on Unleaded petrol?

A. The answer to this would seem to vary from a definate NO for R-series and early S-series engines (which you will need to get re-engineered), with some modifications for early O-series engines and late 1987 O-series onwards should on paper (not officially) be OK (check engine number – later HD spec). Official apporval of unleaded use in engines was given by Rover at some point in mid 1989, and later cars able to use unleaded should have a green sticker somewhere in the engine bay saying this. For much more detailed information relating to this matter you would be strongly advised to read the following advice from technical guru Roger Parker.

Q. My 1986 1600 L Maestro won’t run on unleaded. What can I do now?

A. The fact that your Maestro does not take unleaded does not by any means consign it to the dustbin. You have a number of alternatives…
(1) Do nothing. If you don’t do many long journeys, don’t use the car that often and don’t work it too hard when you do use it (for example by towing heavy loads) you’ll probably find it runs acceptably on unleaded for a number of years without any alterations. The theory is that ‘lead memory’ has built up in the engine over all the years the car has been run on 4 star forming a protective layer which should take a while to wear off.
(2) Use Lead Replacement Petrol (LRP) which is supposed to act as a direct replacement to 4 star, forming the protective layer without the use of lead. However it should be noted that there is NO specific standard set by the government for LRP to meet so relying on it could be a risk. It was rumoured some time back that A series engines using LRP soon failed, but whether this can be believed is questionable.
(3) Use unleaded petrol supplemented by additives. Tests by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs have so far led to no less than six brands being approved of.
(4) Get the engine converted to run on unleaded using the engineering approach (involving the fitment of hardened valve seats to the cylinder head). Initially this may seem like the most expensive approach at between approximately £100 – £200 but it’s likely to pay off best in the long term, especially if the car is used on a daily basis and you aim to preserve it for as long as possible.
(5) A limited number of garages are still being supplied with leaded petrol.