I just got a bike that had been in storage for awhile, it runs okay for it's age. I was checking the sticker on the bike and near where it lists idle speed it says something about 91 for gas I think. I don't have an owner's manual and the repair manaul doesn't have recomendations for fuel.
Should I but running it on 91 octane? Will it hurt it? Will it help clean out the system a bit after sitting in storage for awhile.
Also, does anyone know of a good additive to help "clean out the potential junk" that may be lagging in the system due to storage. I don't need to flush it out, I don't think, just wondering if a light cleaning mixed in with the gas would be good. I've heard of it for cars, don't know if I can do same for bike.
Well, first of all, let me go ahead an clear a misconception about octane. The difference between "regular" and "premium" is not a level of quality. Gas companies advertise like higher octane means more performance, but all levels of gas at any given supplier will be of the same quality. What octane does is re-tard combustion. This is necessary for engines that create more volatility in the fuel (due to increased heating of the mixture), like high compression engines or forced induction engines. In a normal engine, high octane gas will actually hurt performance because it will re-tard combustion more than necessary. So what I'm saying is, find what octane that bike was designed to run, and use only that grade.
As far as cleaners, that "gunk" is a gummy substance caused by destabilized gasoline, and from my experience, you'll be hard pressed to get it out by a drop in detergent. If you don't know how to clean manually, you'll probably have to take it to a shop, but it shouldn't be that expensive.
If the sticker says 91 octane, then that's what you should use. When a manufacturer specifies an octane requirement that is higher than regular gas, they usually have a good reason for it. Typically it has to do with the engine's design (compression ratio). Using a cheaper grade may lead to pinging and an eventual hole in the piston top.
To clean up the fuel system, first you need to drain any old fuel out of the tank and the float bowls. Replace it with fresh gas. Then, if you got lucky and there are no serious clogs in the system from the old fuel, you might be able to get away with using a gasoline additive to clean things up. I've had excellent luck over the years with Seafoam. It was originally designed for boat fuel systems that sat around with old gas in them.
flynrider wrote:If the sticker says 91 octane, then that's what you should use. When a manufacturer specifies an octane requirement that is higher than regular gas, they usually have a good reason for it. Typically it has to do with the engine's design (compression ratio). Using a cheaper grade may lead to pinging and an eventual hole in the piston top.
Exactly!!! a little bit more for in gas prices is much cheaper than the problems you can get with detonation. It can hurt your pistons, valves even the combustion chamber itself.
flynrider wrote: To clean up the fuel system, first you need to drain any old fuel out of the tank and the float bowls. Replace it with fresh gas. Then, if you got lucky and there are no serious clogs in the system from the old fuel, you might be able to get away with using a gasoline additive to clean things up. I've had excellent luck over the years with Seafoam. It was originally designed for boat fuel systems that sat around with old gas in them.
I'm not sure how old your fuel lines are. If they are in relatively good shape than almost any fuel line cleaner will do. However, ask the salesperson if it will actually clean fuel lines. The stuff that they ususally sell over the counter is nearly worthless. But I agree with "Flynrider" in that try and replace the gas in the tank and clean out the float bowls so there isn't any cr*p that can cause problems. If you don't do it first, a little chunk of whatever can lodge in a place that will drive many a mechanic gray haired in a short time. Just a thought for now...
Alex
It's good spelling but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places. WtPooh
My First Custom, Late 90's Sportster, Heavily Breathed On, Big Block, S&S HP Heads, Custom High Performance Pipes. Wickedly fast, Uncomfortable, Front end is a jackhammer. Age 18yrs, Still have the bike!
joleicia wrote:I just got a bike that had been in storage for awhile, it runs okay for it's age. I was checking the sticker on the bike and near where it lists idle speed it says something about 91 for gas I think. I don't have an owner's manual and the repair manaul doesn't have recomendations for fuel.
Need more info. What does it say next to the 91octane? RON? MON? Pump? (RON+MON)/2? or something else?
flynrider wrote: I've had excellent luck over the years with Seafoam. It was originally designed for boat fuel systems that sat around with old gas in them.
I'll second that. About $6 for a can and well worth it.
