Cleaner fuel for Robin Subaru 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