Robin Subaru Petrol engines

On 3 March, 2005, the South Africa Cabinet approved cleaner fuels for South Africa. This legislation has been effective 1 January 2006. Traditionally, Robin Subaru petrol engines users have been using leaded fuel. In this article we take a look at unleaded (ULP) and Lead Replacement Petrol (LRP) and the changes needed for Robin Subaru engines to operate effectively with new fuels.

Lead has been used in fuel since the 1920's. During normal operation of petrol engines, "pinging" or "knocking" takes place. Engine knock takes place when the last part of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber detonates uncontrollably - this may damage the engine. In order to prevent "knocking", petrol requires a certain octane level. The octane rating of fuel is a measure of its resistance to cause knocking. The higher the octane rating, the tendency of knocking will occur. So lead has been added to fuel since 1920, as it was a cost-effective way to boost fuel´s octane rating.

With technological advancement, emerged a greater awareness of environmentally friendly vehicles. Nowadays the design of vehicles using catalytic converters is standard practice. Leaded petrol cannot be used in vehicles using catalytic converters so unleaded petrol has been introduced in South Africa in 1996. The added bonus of using unleaded fuel, is that it does not emit harmful lead into the atmosphere which could adversely affect human health and the environment. Another advantage to vehicle or engine owners is that unleaded petrol does not result in formation of corrosive elements, which cause damage to spark plugs and exhaust systems. This will reduce maintenance costs.