1983 b19a
 

Does it need lead substitute or will it be fine on normal unleaded petrol.

If i remember correctly it is high compression , the remedy was two head gaskets and a thicker water pump top seal to compensate , however , unleaded has moved on now it is much better quality , so just drive it and if it does not " Pink" under load then it's fine ...

Hey Carl

B19a is low compression 8.5:1, my 84 360 had a b19a and it ran perfectly fine on 95 unleaded for 3k miles in the 3 months I used it.

I'd be inclined to agree - if it's not pinking I wouldn't worry about it

360
 

Hi mate.
My 1983 B19A is a daily driver on normal unleaded. Don't panic.
Cheers Mark.
:cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::cool::c ool::cool::cool:

info
 

It's nothing to do with octane rating or compression or pinking. I know it runs fine with unleaded. I am very slightly concerned with the valve seats that are now uncushioned by lead free petrol.

Well aware you were referring to valve seats, again - wouldn't worry about it, believe they all used hardened valve seats: https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/unleaded.shtml

Alloy headed engines have hardened seats to start with , the old wives tale about valve recession applies to old cast iron heads .. and even then it takes a long long time for anything to become evident .