TO LRP OR NOT

S

Shimmeringshadow

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I have a 1991 Jetta(yes!) that up to now has been dependent on LRP fuel which I have been advised to use. Suddenly this week when I went to put in petrol, I had to find out that LRP is no longer available and that I have to use any of the other fuels.

So I ring up my mechanic who has been servicing my cars for many years and he tells me that it is perfectly OK for me to use any of the other fuels (except diesel, of course!). So how do I understand this? Previously I was strongly advised to use only LRP, and now that it is not available any longer (and I did not notice anything in the media that it was going to be discontinued), those that 'know' say that any other fuel is fine for my car.

Is there anyone here who can throw some light on the matter?
 
Shimmeringshadow said:
I have a 1991 Jetta(yes!) that up to now has been dependent on LRP fuel which I have been advised to use. Suddenly this week when I went to put in petrol, I had to find out that LRP is no longer available and that I have to use any of the other fuels.

So I ring up my mechanic who has been servicing my cars for many years and he tells me that it is perfectly OK for me to use any of the other fuels (except diesel, of course!). So how do I understand this? Previously I was strongly advised to use only LRP, and now that it is not available any longer (and I did not notice anything in the media that it was going to be discontinued), those that 'know' say that any other fuel is fine for my car.

Is there anyone here who can throw some light on the matter?
Click to expand...

Most vw motors made from the mid 1980s onwards will run fine on unleaded
 
wikk3d88 said:
Most vw motors made from the mid 1980s onwards will run fine on unleaded
Click to expand...
This. I'd actually go as far as to say any Golf or Jetta can (and should, ideally) run on unleaded. I believe LRP is actually more harmful than unleaded in engines that can safely use unleaded.
 
Check for your car here.

Link

It's a database that can tell you if LRP or ULP is recommended or compatible and sometimes what adjustments need to be made.
 
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KalMaverick said:
Check for your car here.

Link

It's a database that can tell you if LRP or ULP is recommended or compatible and sometimes what you adjustments need to be made.
Click to expand...

In my experience the adjustments for the VW motors in the era OP is talking about are not needed.
I had an early '84 Mk2 Golf with a 1.6 carb engine that ran fine on unleaded. Also had a '91 Opel 1.4 carb that was quite happy to run on unleaded.
 
I'm no expert so I'll leave advice like that to you.

I do know though that my dad's old Opel also said the timing had to retarded by 2 or something but he said it worked perfectly fine without doing that.
 
Shimmeringshadow said:
I have a 1991 Jetta(yes!) that up to now has been dependent on LRP fuel which I have been advised to use. Suddenly this week when I went to put in petrol, I had to find out that LRP is no longer available and that I have to use any of the other fuels.

So I ring up my mechanic who has been servicing my cars for many years and he tells me that it is perfectly OK for me to use any of the other fuels (except diesel, of course!). So how do I understand this? Previously I was strongly advised to use only LRP, and now that it is not available any longer (and I did not notice anything in the media that it was going to be discontinued), those that 'know' say that any other fuel is fine for my car.

Is there anyone here who can throw some light on the matter?
Click to expand...

LRP hasn't been discontinued, but it's only being kept at stations which see enough demand for it.

Slightly off topic, but is it in any way bad to use a fuel with a higher than recommended octane rating. My car is recommended to use 93 at the coast, but you can't get that here, only 95. Other than potentially spending more than is needed on fuel, are there other issues?
 
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Captain Beer said:
I had an '89 CLi 8v and had no trouble using unleaded.
Click to expand...

Also had a CLi 8v, ran fine on unleaded. For some time ran with LRP petrol, but switched to unleaded soon afterwards.

But nothing could beat the white burned tailpipes of the leaded days!
Could swear with leaded petrol the 8v was quicker!
 
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