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CVO Social => Other Topics => Topic started by: JONNIEROCK on May 12, 2021, 11:08:53 AM

Title: Fuel
Post by: JONNIEROCK on May 12, 2021, 11:08:53 AM
While talking to a Harley technician today he mentioned that it’s good to run fuel with ethanol in it during the riding season, where as the non-oxygenated gasoline is good for storage. Has anyone heard of running high-octane (91) Or more with ethanol was a good thing .? I believe his reasoning was that it would clean better and leave less carbon build up behind, where as the non oxygenated  gas was probably better for storage.
 
Title: Re: Fuel
Post by: GregKhougaz on May 12, 2021, 11:43:36 AM
There is not uniform agreement but there is significant research showing that ethanol is terrible for aluminum engines and fuel system components. Here is one example:
Is Ethanol Bad For Motorcycles?
acarta21Rider Guides  (https://akcustomcycles.com/is-ethanol-bad-for-motorcycles/#:~:text=Your%20motorcycle%20is%20now%20trying,carbureted%20motorcycles%20for%20these%20reasons.)
Title: Re: Fuel
Post by: 2smoke on May 12, 2021, 01:37:02 PM
During the riding season a tank of fuel is purchased and used up in a matter of days. Then you refill with fresh stuff and repeat. As long as you are using the fuel up in this short amount of time you are gonna be fine. Oxygenated fuel (most likely oxygenated with ethanol) has a corrosive component to it. That is why you never want to store your bike with oxygenated fuel. Always store your bike with pure gas over the non-ridable months. I believe this is what your tech was getting at. Talk of cleanliness and carbon build-up is non-sense in any modern fuel-injected 4-stroke engine. (assuming it is mapped correctly) The problem with the topic of ethanol is it is so polluted with politics that a conversation about just the fuel is almost impossible to have. Here's my bottom line: A good martini should contain 90% ethyl alcohol, a good gallon of gas should contain 0%.
Title: Re: Fuel
Post by: OBB on May 12, 2021, 02:12:24 PM
Non ethanol gas is finally starting to show up locally at regular stations. Unfortunately it's labeled as Recreational Gas aimed at boaters so it's about $1.50 per gallon higher than ethanol gas.

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Title: Re: Fuel
Post by: mark on May 12, 2021, 05:15:01 PM
Non ethanol gas is finally starting to show up locally at regular stations. Unfortunately it's labeled as Recreational Gas aimed at boaters so it's about $1.50 per gallon higher than ethanol gas.

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And in my area, finding premium non-ethanol is about impossible.
Title: Re: Fuel
Post by: iski on May 12, 2021, 11:56:42 PM
We now have 2 stations within 5 miles that sell non ethanol.  One has Regular, the other has Premium.  Price is $.50 or so above 10% ethanol on each.  Use the premium in the bike as much as possible.  Use the regular for small gas engines.  Have not had a single small gas engine fuel problem since I started buying the non ethanol regular. Before - even with fuel treatment - had fuel issues.  On the bike it seems to get better gas mileage.  Ethanol is a tremendous waste of resources.
Title: Re: Fuel
Post by: 2smoke on May 13, 2021, 09:20:16 AM
We now have 2 stations within 5 miles that sell non ethanol.  One has Regular, the other has Premium.  Price is $.50 or so above 10% ethanol on each.  Use the premium in the bike as much as possible.  Use the regular for small gas engines.  Have not had a single small gas engine fuel problem since I started buying the non ethanol regular. Before - even with fuel treatment - had fuel issues.  On the bike it seems to get better gas mileage.  Ethanol is a tremendous waste of resources.
You (anybody) can treat ethanol laced gas all you want with whatever you can find and it will do NO good. Ethanol is corrosive and it absorbs moisture. You cannot change that with some $7/ oz. potion from AutoZone. Now we have moved from politics to marketing. Buying elixirs to fix the problems of ethanol is equivalent to buying shampoo that will grow hair on your bald head or supplements promising a big d*ck.
Title: Re: Fuel
Post by: iski on May 13, 2021, 09:37:59 AM
You (anybody) can treat ethanol laced gas all you want with whatever you can find and it will do NO good. Ethanol is corrosive and it absorbs moisture. You cannot change that with some $7/ oz. potion from AutoZone. Now we have moved from politics to marketing. Buying elixirs to fix the problems of ethanol is equivalent to buying shampoo that will grow hair on your bald head or supplements promising a big d*ck.

Yeah, noticed the ethanol problem first many years back with a boat motor that had carbs rebuilt.  Treatments for ethanol are worthless. Best to run the tank/motor dry if stored for a long time unused.  A huge waste of resources & a wasteful fed program to support it - the "perfect" fed program.
Title: Re: Fuel
Post by: 2smoke on May 13, 2021, 10:43:58 AM
Those of you that are fortunate enough to have access to NON-ethanol fuel need to do everything you can to promote the station that sells it. That station has to place a special order with their distributor for a tanker to deliver that fuel. Yes, it is expensive and that cost is passed onto the consumer. It is illegal to sell NON-ethanol gas in the county that I live in but it is NOT illegal in the county just west of me. I buy all my gas (for my bikes, sleds, SxS, tractor, etc.) at that station. I asked a worker at the station one day who the owner was. It just so happened the owner was there. I introduced myself to her and thanked her for going through the trouble to offer NON-ethanol gas. I told her I will always be a loyal customer as long as she sells the "good" gas. I run a Facebook page for a Snowmobile Club Alliance in my County and I post the names and addresses of stations that sell NON-ethanol gas so folks know where to get it. Also, the AMA has some excellent info on the fight against ethanol on their website.
Title: Re: Fuel
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on May 14, 2021, 07:27:26 AM
In TN near most lakes, Non-Ethanol Premium is usually available.  My bikes see more non ethanol fuel than the stuff with it.  My yard equipment never gets ethanol.