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Does Gas Grade make a difference?

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  #11  
Old 07-05-2005, 09:39 AM
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Default Does Gas Grade make a difference?

Originally posted by: 4wheelerfred
call me crazy .
Fred, your crazy!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
 
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Old 07-05-2005, 09:52 AM
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Default Does Gas Grade make a difference?

I run 91 octane in my KTM and all my thumpers. In my 2 strokes I run a mix of 1.0 gals 100 octane with 4.0 gals 91 octane always from the same 76 station. I noticed no difference when adding the 100 octane for the KTM, so I quit doing it. I could most likely run all the thumpers except the ktm on 87 octane, but that would mean labeling another different can of gas. 2 types is enough for me.
 
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Old 07-05-2005, 10:38 AM
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Default Does Gas Grade make a difference?

Originally posted by: mywifesquad
Originally posted by: 4wheelerfred
call me crazy .
Fred, your crazy!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Yep, your crazy Fred. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
 
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Old 07-05-2005, 10:43 AM
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Default Does Gas Grade make a difference?

I found this site, and it confirms what has been said. Use what it says in the owners manual. using higher octane than you need isnt doing the motor any good.
gas octane
I think its more important to use pure gas, than to use high octane. Here in MN, it can be real hard to find pure gas...the pumps arent labeled, and its asumed to be 10% ethenol, unless other wise labeled. The alcohol is more lean than pure gas, and on small motors, that 10% can make a difference. My kawasaki owners manual, says to not use ethenol blended gas, if the gas will sit for longer than a month. Its ok to use it, if you completely use it up in a month.
 
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Old 07-05-2005, 12:45 PM
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Default Does Gas Grade make a difference?

If you live in Calif. (and many other places), and your premium gas is 91 octane, it is oxygenated. This stuff degrades rapidly in storage, leaving you in a "lean-out" condition, not to mention the loss of octane and possibility of detonation. If you are keeping it in storage for even a short time, you need to add a preservative. One ounce of Klotz per gallon will preserve gas for 6-8 months.
 
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Old 07-05-2005, 12:57 PM
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Default Does Gas Grade make a difference?

Originally posted by: reconranger
If you live in Calif. (and many other places), and your premium gas is 91 octane, it is oxygenated. This stuff degrades rapidly in storage, leaving you in a "lean-out" condition, not to mention the loss of octane and possibility of detonation. If you are keeping it in storage for even a short time, you need to add a preservative. One ounce of Klotz per gallon will preserve gas for 6-8 months.
In my KTM I replace gas after 2 weeks of sitting, the other thumpers get it replaced at 4 weeks. I have also heard that thumpers need oxygen more that octane, so the fuel out here in ca actually helps thumpers. By mixing 100 octane with 91 octane, I have found that gas for my 2 strokes is good for about 4-5 months. Before noticing performance loss/pinging.
 
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Old 07-05-2005, 12:58 PM
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Default Does Gas Grade make a difference?

Just about everyone hit the nail on the head. Run what the owner's manaul states. And also understand the recomendation. Just about all stations will be selling fuel that's octane is rated based on (R+M)/2. That's the average of the research and motor octanes.

I run regular 87 octane in my Warrior. No knocks, pings, etc. IIRC, my Warrior is recommended at 91 research/86 road (R+M/2). You will actually see on the yellow octane sticker something to the affect of "(R+M/2) Method."

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Old 07-05-2005, 01:40 PM
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Default Does Gas Grade make a difference?

Originally posted by: 4wheelerfred
we have 87,89,91,94,96,98 and super 108 for race cars.....
anyway, i always run 87 i used 89 once and it ran like ****...... call me crazy but i never ran 89 again and it never ran like that again....
Fred! Fred! Fred needs Bacon and Clams!!!

 
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Old 07-06-2005, 12:04 AM
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Default Does Gas Grade make a difference?

Originally posted by: mywifesquad
Originally posted by: 4wheelerfred
call me crazy .
Fred, your crazy!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
 
  #20  
Old 07-06-2005, 02:47 AM
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Default Does Gas Grade make a difference?

With the below having been said, how do you know if the gas is oxiginated or not?
My manual stated a highrer octane should be used if its oxiginated .

Jim

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm

The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline

Are you tempted to buy a high octane gasoline for your car because you want to improve its performance? If so, take note: the recommended gasoline for most cars is regular octane. In fact, in most cases, using a higher octane gasoline than your owner's manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won't make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage or run cleaner. Your best bet: listen to your owner's manual.

The only time you might need to switch to a higher octane level is if your car engine knocks when you use the recommended fuel. This happens to a small percentage of cars.

Unless your engine is knocking, buying higher octane gasoline is a waste of money, too. Premium gas costs 15 to 20 cents per gallon more than regular. That can add up to $100 or more a year in extra costs. Studies indicate that altogether, drivers may be spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year for higher octane gas than they need.

What are octane ratings?
Octane ratings measure a gasoline's ability to resist engine knock, a rattling or pinging sound that results from premature ignition of the compressed fuel-air mixture in one or more cylinders. Most gas stations offer three octane grades: regular (usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane) and premium (usually 92 or 93). The ratings must be posted on bright yellow stickers on each gasoline pump.

What's the right octane level for your car?
Check your owner's manual to determine the right octane level for your car. Regular octane is recommended for most cars. However, some cars with high compression engines, like sports cars and certain luxury cars, need mid-grade or premium gasoline to prevent knock.

How can you tell if you're using the right octane level? Listen to your car's engine. If it doesn't knock when you use the recommended octane, you're using the right grade of gasoline.

Will higher octane gasoline clean your engine better?
As a rule, high octane gasoline does not outperform regular octane in preventing engine deposits from forming, in removing them, or in cleaning your car's engine. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that all octane grades of all brands of gasoline contain engine cleaning detergent additives to protect against the build-up of harmful levels of engine deposits during the expected life of your car.

Should you ever switch to a higher octane gasoline?
A few car engines may knock or ping - even if you use the recommended octane. If this happens, try switching to the next highest octane grade. In many cases, switching to the mid-grade or premium-grade gasoline will eliminate the knock. If the knocking or pinging continues after one or two fill-ups, you may need a tune-up or some other repair. After that work is done, go back to the lowest octane grade at which your engine runs without knocking.

Is knocking harmful?
Occasional light knocking or pinging won't harm your engine, and doesn't indicate a need for higher octane. But don't ignore severe knocking. A heavy or persistent knock can lead to engine damage.

Is all "premium" or "regular" gasoline the same?
The octane rating of gasoline marked "premium" or "regular" is not consistent across the country. One state may require a minimum octane rating of 92 for all premium gasoline, while another may allow 90 octane to be called premium. To make sure you know what you're buying, check the octane rating on the yellow sticker on the gas pump instead of relying on the name "premium" or "regular."

For More Information
If you're concerned about the accuracy of an octane label - or if you don't see a yellow octane sticker on a gasoline pump, write: Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

October 2003
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm
 


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