FUEL

[Claviger]

Yeah, it's funny how hot rod tricks are cyclical and frequently reinvented by younger generations as needed.

That's said, regarding fuel, there is only one good reason to run premium, the additives tend to be better.

 

[TriumPhil]

I strictly use what the factory calls for and have never had a fuel-related hiccup. In the US of A that means 87 octane, regular, unleaded gas. If you can get that locally without the b.s.-bad-for-internal-combustion-engines cornsqueezins' in it, all the better, Eugene.

 

[rocketjohn]

I strictly use what the factory calls for and have never had a fuel-related hiccup. In the US of A that means 87 octane, regular, unleaded gas. If you can get that locally without the b.s.-bad-for-internal-combustion-engines cornsqueezins' in it, all the better, Eugene.

That's my problem....corn free gas costs more to start with, and premium costs more, so the local vendor sells premium corn free at an extremely profitable price. I only run a tank once in while cause it will scour the gum that alcohol leaves.

 

[hvacnr]

Yes, seafoam if used in excess will lean you out temporarily....a blow torch exhaust is not unexpected!

That's when the Rocket becomes the turkey roaster.

 

[hvacnr]

Correct, there is no advantage with running higher octane than specified in the owner's manual. The difference between lower and higher octanes are additives that prevent pre-detonation and slow burn process within the cylinder to prevent detonation (with no additional performance gains). If your engine makes say 150HP using regular, it will still only make 150HP on premium fuel or visa-versa. If however your high compression turbo bike pings on regular, not good, need higher octane. Now added detergents are a different story. Most major auto manufacturers have identified the top tier fuels to use. The top of the top tiers are Shell, Exon/Mobil, Amoco. Exon/Mobile has the highest detergent concentration in regular blend, followed by Shell then Amoco. Shell has the highest detergent blend in premium, followed by Exon/Mobil, then Amoco. If you avoid the no-name gas stations and use good quality top tier fuels, you should not need additional cleaners to keep your valves clean.

Yeah but that cheap gas sometimes is hard to pass up. The penny pincher in me is hard to control.

 

[Steel]

Similar to sea foam, a controlled spray / fine mist introduced in the intake will clean the pistons, runners, valve faces and exhaust ports.

Most people are terrified of doing it though, and for good reason lol.

Water injection has grown though as a cooling agent in extremely high boost detonation prone motors (4g63 etc at 30+ psi).

An old timer taught me that years ago. A spray bottle with just plain old water, sprayed into the intake until the motor starts to sputter. Then watch all the black gunk blow out the tail pipe. Repeat a few times until the exhaust clears.

 

[Bernard Vinet]

I stay away from anything that is marked " may contain up to % ethanol " If the companies can't inform you what they have as a mix then don't touch it.
For me " Super " at all times " No Ethanol ".

 

[Muff]

I don't like ethanol fuel, but on a long trip, if you put a tank fuel of high octane ethanol fuel(which is only 6% ethanol per litre), the ethanol attracts water and gives the same results as seafoam/mentholated spirits. Like I said, only on long trips so you use it all up then put a good tank of fuel in.(only know this after being a supervisor in the fuel industry). Don't leave the **** in your tank!!!!!!!!

 

[Mhboldt]

By me near Chicago, there are no non-ethanol choices. I always go with the top tier gas, near me is: Mobil, Costco or Shell. The top tier gas retailers sell 87 Octane with all of the additives and the low compression Rocket premium is not necessary at all. Also, mid grade is not a separate product, gas stations mix regular and premium at a ratio to create mid grade right at the pump, usually at a higher price than if you mixed it yourself.

Here's a handy site I use when traveling to find ethanol free gas.

Pure-Gas.org : Map of Ethanol-Free Gas Stations in the U.S. and Canada


Here's the top tier gas info:

Licensed Brands | Top Tier Gas

 

[Rick McC.]

Since we live on the water in Fla., several of the local stores (and most marinas) sell non-ethanol gas.

I use 89 octane ethanol free in the rocket, and in my boats and small engines.

I keep Pri-G fuel stabilizer in all the gas I haul in cans, and put it in the rocket once or twice during the winter.