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[Bigron]

Yep, single chain-driven overhead camshaft and oil seals on the valve stems - just like the other engine I've done most work on, the BMC A series engine - now THAT dates me! 

Ron.

[johnnydog]

On my classic cars from the late 60's /early 70's, I use an additive Millers VSPe. It is said to provide valve seat protection, raises the octane rating by 2 RON, and, more importantly, provides protection against the harmful and corrosive effects of ethanol on older engines. I have use the Millers product (it previously was just called VSP before the need the protect against ethanol) for 17 years. It is based on a manganese formula, which in tests carried out in 2000 when leaded fuel was banned, gave it better results than other additives based on different chemicals.
I tow with my classic cars, and don't have any pinking, have not noticed any valve seat wear (valve clearances closing) and fortunately have not seen any issues from ethanol, as unlike more modern vehicles, cars from the 60/70's had components in the fuel system that are severely effected by the relatively high amount of ethanol in modern fuels.
I'm a bit sceptical about these so called pellets in the tank. Comprehensive tests conducted by motoring organisations have dismissed the claims of these pellet manufacturers as to their effectiveness.

[Bigron]

Thank you for that, johnnydog; I was unaware of the effects of ethanol on an engine and even with my low anticipated mileage on the Sunbeam (WHEN I have restored it!) it sounds like it is well worth adding the Millers.

Ron.

[johnnydog]

Modern vehicles (Omega included!) have components in the fuel systems that are not affected by the ethanol in today's fuels. At the moment the ethanol content is approximately 5%, but there has been talk about raising the content to 10%.
Ethanol corrodes the internals of the fuel system; such as brass needles and jets and rots the rubber O rings etc found in Strombergs carburettors for example. It also corrodes the intenals of metal fuel tanks.
Modern fuels go off within a very short space of time. That's why it is suggested that with petrol lawn mowers / hedgetrimmers with only seasonal use (as with many classic cars), the fuel is drained off when not in use to prevent some of the harmful effects of ethanol.
Millers VSPe seems to reduce the deterioration of fuels when a car is not in use. I have not seen any adverse effects of modern fuels whilst using this product.
There may be other products out there that do the same; I am just giving my experiences on one product that works for me.

[Bigron]

Thanks again for that; my Sunbeam has an Amal carburettor with brass needles etc., as you describe and as the carburwttor is vintage and it won't be easy to come by a replacement if it gets killed by the ethanol, I will definitely use that additive.
It's not only omegas we get good advice for on here! 

Ron.

[johnnydog]

Besides my Omega fleet, I have (quite) a number of six cylinder Triumphs from the 1960's and 70's, including 2000's, a 2500 and 2.5PI's. They use Strombergs, or SU's and the PI's still have their original Lucas mechanical fuel injection system - great when they are set up properly and running correctly, but once they go off slightly off song - horrendous fuel consumption! The PI's were originally designed for 100 octane (those were the days....... ), so the 2 octane boost that the Millers VSPe gives, combined with some of Shells finest (Tesco Momentum is a good second), helps to keep them running at their best. It also seems to help preserve the O rings in the metering unit from deterioration from modern fuels.