Unleaded vs. Leaded gasoline

[AMMO]

Ok, so I am a bit confused on this one. I am trying to figure out if there is a possible miss-print in the Service Manual XL/XR 1000cc 4-Speed 1979-1985 “Official Factory Manual” HD part # 99484-85.

On page 1-19, Gasoline:

1979-1981 models, use a good quality leaded or unleaded premium gasoline (94 pump octane or higher). 1982 and later models, use a good quality regular grade leaded gasoline (89 pump octane or higher).

So my question is, that Unleaded fuel was more the norm by the 1980’s and the 1979-1981 models say leaded or unleaded gasoline, so why would it only call for leaded in 1982 and later models, I would assume that it would be unleaded by 1982 not leaded. Also, since the gas tank fill bung on my 1984 XLX has the smaller inner vented hole in the bottom of it that only would allow a unleaded gas pump nozzle to be inserted (Gas pump nozzles for leaded fuel were larger diameter to my recollection) it seems fairly reasonable to assume it was meant to run unleaded gasoline.

So maybe I am just off base here, or I am not as crazy as I think I am… Does anyone have some input on this?

[hcrashster]

AMF. Is there any more to say?

[PetesPonies]

yep, most likely a misprint.

[ryder rick]

Who cares, leaded gas is history.

Ya gets E10 now and E15 coming soon......

Enjoy

[GA_Ironhead]

Probably a typo and should have been unleaded, in the 82 and later section. The real thing to note is the reduced octane requirement in the later engines, which is probably a result of reduced compression(?), when compared to the pre-82 engines.

Talk to that former mayor of yours, maybe she has some clout and can bring back leaded gas... :p

[AMMO]

Hey, thanks for the input on this one... I know it was kind of a blast from the past question, but I had to throw it out there and see. Thanks again.

[nikki]

Ok, so I am a bit confused on this one. I am trying to figure out if there is a possible miss-print in the Service Manual XL/XR 1000cc 4-Speed 1979-1985 “Official Factory Manual” HD part # 99484-85.

On page 1-19, Gasoline:

1979-1981 models, use a good quality leaded or unleaded premium gasoline (94 pump octane or higher). 1982 and later models, use a good quality regular grade leaded gasoline (89 pump octane or higher).

So my question is, that Unleaded fuel was more the norm by the 1980’s and the 1979-1981 models say leaded or unleaded gasoline, so why would it only call for leaded in 1982 and later models, I would assume that it would be unleaded by 1982 not leaded. Also, since the gas tank fill bung on my 1984 XLX has the smaller inner vented hole in the bottom of it that only would allow a unleaded gas pump nozzle to be inserted (Gas pump nozzles for leaded fuel were larger diameter to my recollection) it seems fairly reasonable to assume it was meant to run unleaded gasoline.

So maybe I am just off base here, or I am not as crazy as I think I am… Does anyone have some input on this?the owner manuel for 1982 said the same as the FSM , remember in 1981 amf sold harley to freedom and the service writers did not pay attention to the fact unlead gas was the only kind you could buy as there was no unlead gas in 1968 the last time harley was free . Nikki

[rivethog]

there was no unlead gas in 1968 the last time harley was free . Nikki
Actually, unleaded gasoline was readily available for quite some time before leaded was "outlawed". It just wasn't called unleaded. It was called white gas and was usually available at most gas stations from a pump that was usually off to the side of the building instead of at the "island". This was back in the days before self-serve stations even existed and credit cards were a true oddity (most gas stations didn't accept them). It contained no additives, not even any dye. We used it all the time in Coleman lanterns and camp stoves since it was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy cheaper than "genuine" Coleman fuel, and marginally cheaper than leaded fuel.
Most white gas wasn't really suitable for engine use since it had no additives and was generally a low octane fuel. There were a few companies that sold some high octane fuel that they called white gas, but it was leaded gas just with no dye.

[GA_Ironhead]

I remember years ago, my Dad and I'm pretty sure I did at some point, use the less expensive white gas in Coleman lanterns and stoves.

White gas - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia