Author Topic: ETHNANOL FUEL (Read 2711 times)

Sierra2 · « **on:** June 10, 2006, 12:15:04 AM »

OK, I've tried searching.....and came up empty handed.

Some may remember the problems had with my B4 not being ridden for 4 yrs.... the worst carb corrosion I have ever seen.....etc. Thats all sorted out. The idle jets I couldn't quite get all the crap out of, so once she warms up she sputters a bit waiting for the traffice light.

I've been running 94 octane with some carb cleaning additive since I got her back on the road. I ride her religiously rain/shine (no fairweather rider here) She was running OK but not smoothly. On a whim (and because it was cheaper) I put a tank of Ethanol Gas (89 octane) and now she's running like a top. Seems simple to me....... cheaper gas......runs better.....better for the environment etc.

Then my friend says "Don't run that crap in small engines the alcohol will fry them"......

OK .....so here I sit.....confused.

Is ethanol fuel OK for bikes ??.....specifically for mine? Can anyone help me out?

Pete

gsxr400 racer · « **Reply #1 on:** June 10, 2006, 03:38:38 PM »

if it runs better good for you!

Sierra2 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2006, 04:24:55 PM »

Thanks for writing back Racer

No concerns then??

Could the alcohol damage the pistons in such a low percentage as in ethanol fuel?

What octane do you run generally, just out of curiosity?

Pete

gsxr400 racer · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2006, 05:51:21 PM »

no dont worry some work the opposite they run better on good gas and visa versa. I only race but if i rget my street fighter done 87 will be fine for me , in my race bike i use 110 VP race fuel U4,U2, or mr8 all are oxygenated. but on occasions i run citgo race fuel all leaded too and turbo blue, cam 2 , rocket brand race fuel . I seem to prefure VP though.

Vidrazor · « **Reply #4 on:** June 11, 2006, 03:05:00 AM »

If you still feel you carbs are crudded, check this out:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/sea-foam/

Sierra2 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 11, 2006, 10:35:04 AM »

Thanks Gents,

I'll keep running with the ethanol then. And if it doesn't clear up I'll try the sea foam.
I've never seen it around my normal haunts, (auto parts places) maybe at a boat shop....

Makes me feel a bit better.....the ethanol fuel around here is usually a few cents cheaper than the lowest price "regular" gas so it's a considerable cost difference. ($17.00CDN vs $23.00CDN per tank)

Thanks again!

Pete

PitterB4 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2006, 06:08:37 AM »

Search this forum for "Octane". There's a couple good threads. Your bike does not need the high-test.

Sierra2 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2006, 04:46:56 PM »

Thanks Rob,

It pays to know the right search key words.

Pete