RX3: Engine Top End Rebuild at 22,450 Miles

SpudRider · 04-27-2017, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2LZ

Great write-up Spud! Excellent and complete, as always.

I remember back in the 70's, when unleaded fuel first came out, it was eating up the valve seats and the manufacturers had to go to hardened valve seats. I wonder if this is what's happening here?
Did the old valves look worn or just the seats?

Thank you, 2LZ.

Since the valve recession was obvious, I didn't remove any of the valves for inspection. I wanted to ship the untampered cylinder head to Gerry for his inspection. I also didn't care to do the extra work.

Is unleaded fuel required in China? I don't know.

If the Chinese are still using leaded fuel, you might very well be correct.

I remember reading somewhere that the Italian company, Piaggio, designed the NC250 engine. I suspect the Italians designed the engine for use with unleaded fuel.

I'm hoping my experience with this problem is a rare exception. However, I felt an obligation to warn others who might be experiencing the same problem.

2LZ · 04-28-2017, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Thank you, 2LZ.

Since the valve recession was obvious, I didn't remove any of the valves for inspection. I wanted to ship the untampered cylinder head to Gerry for his inspection. I also didn't care to do the extra work.

Is unleaded fuel required in China? I don't know.

If the Chinese are still using leaded fuel, you might very well be correct.

I remember reading somewhere that the Italian company, Piaggio, designed the NC250 engine. I suspect the Italians designed the engine for use with unleaded fuel.

I'm hoping my experience with this problem is a rare exception. However, I felt an obligation to warn others who might be experiencing the same problem.

One more question Spud. Lead did many things including lube the valve seats.....which is why the earlier cars were having trouble without it.

Now....I've never been one to believe in "Miracle in a Can", but I've been running that Lucas fuel treatment that CSC recommended for break in.....just because they recommended it for break-in.

Do you think this stuff really does any good and also, have you been running it in your RX3?

Here's a quote from the Lucas website.

"Lucas Fuel Treatment should definitely be used in vehicles that require leaded fuel because it actually replaces the benefits of lead in gasoline...."

Makes ya wonder.

SpudRider · 04-28-2017, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2LZ

One more question Spud. Lead did many things including lube the valve seats.....which is why the earlier cars were having trouble without it...

I am certainly old enough to remember leaded fuel; however, I did not know that lead lubricated the valve seats. As usual, you are a wealth of information. Thanks for sharing that interesting fact about lead.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2LZ

...Now....I've never been one to believe in "Miracle in a Can", but I've been running that Lucas fuel treatment that CSC recommended for break in.....just because they recommended it for break-in.

Do you think this stuff really does any good and also, have you been running it in your RX3?

Here's a quote from the Lucas website.

"Lucas Fuel Treatment should definitely be used in vehicles that require leaded fuel because it actually replaces the benefits of lead in gasoline...."

Makes ya wonder.

No, I haven't tried any of the Lucas, fuel treatment products; however, I have been thinking about it. Lucas sells several products. I seem to remember that someone, somewhere, recommended the Lucas Upper Cylinder Lubricant. Walmart sells it for $3.83 in the smallest bottle (5.25 ounces).

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lucas-Oil...ingMethod=p13n

Thanks for raising this issue, 2LZ. I am going to do some research on this topic, and start a new thread regarding it.

I also seem to remember that HumanBeing reported the fuel in China is terrible.

If so, one would think that any possible valve face/seat defects would be causing a lot of problems for Chinese owners of the RX3.

SpudRider · 04-28-2017, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2LZ

...Here's a quote from the Lucas website.

"Lucas Fuel Treatment should definitely be used in vehicles that require leaded fuel because it actually replaces the benefits of lead in gasoline...."

Makes ya wonder.

I see that quote for the Upper Cylinder Lubricant at the Lucas website.

https://lucasoil.com/products/fuel-t...fuel-treatment

Walmart sells the quart bottle for $8.87. This seems to be the best value.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/16777813?...&wl13=&veh=sem