Discussion: Fighting Ethanol
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
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From: NC
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,229
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From: Outer Banks, NC
I live in the Outer Banks of NC. I'm 3 miles from the Atlantic. Lots of marinas and boats. I can buy non-ethanol in 87, 90 and 93 octane. And no restrictions on it's use. As it should be. Yes, more expensive.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,476
Likes: 3,860
From: Florida
For whatever reason the Softail doesnt show any of these symptoms but it gets just as gummy and green. Maybe the difference is the higher rpms, higher compression and being under a load most of its use. Plus the carb is board out with other tricks like shaved throttle shaft, longer intake and two air bleeds, no Blunder jet.
Before someone suggests it. The last time I cleaned out the Road King carb I didnt use the MM. but in about the same amount of time/miles It had the same ethanol build up. Both bikes burn super clean. Plugs are a nice expected coffee, strap transition right at the bend, maybe 2.5 threads show dry black. I gape wider than most at around 50 to 55 thou.
Last edited by Rains2much; Jun 24, 2025 at 06:48 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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Octane does not have anything to do with quality of the gas. It measures flash point ability to burn. Higher octane is needed in higher compression engines so it does not ignite before spark. Lower compression is needed so fuel does ignite.
Under higher heat Higher octane can help keep fuel for igniting early
My stock 1996 EVO runs best on 87 octane also the Street 750 runs best on 87.
Under higher heat Higher octane can help keep fuel for igniting early
My stock 1996 EVO runs best on 87 octane also the Street 750 runs best on 87.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,476
Likes: 3,860
From: Florida
Octane does not have anything to do with quality of the gas. It measures flash point ability to burn. Higher octane is needed in higher compression engines so it does not ignite before spark. Lower compression is needed so fuel does ignite.
Under higher heat Higher octane can help keep fuel for igniting early
My stock 1996 EVO runs best on 87 octane also the Street 750 runs best on 87.
Under higher heat Higher octane can help keep fuel for igniting early
My stock 1996 EVO runs best on 87 octane also the Street 750 runs best on 87.
I wish it was just as easy to go get Ethanol gas. There is a supplier Murphy’s at Walmart that says on line they have 93 Ethanol free gas. I didn’t know that so I’ll fill up 5-6 5 gallon containers and always leave the house on a full tank. That will Defiantly help. Wont do much for the longer 200-300 miles trips on the weekends though. Both bikes get about 34 - 38 mpg.
We won’t discuss the Shovel lol… it gets like 22-25 mpg. That 12:1 angry motor doesn’t do anything gentlemanly like. It’s just built to spread hate and discontent doing what shovels aren’t supposed to be able to do.
Last edited by Rains2much; Jun 24, 2025 at 10:51 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,901
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From: NE Ohio
if so, it might not be the alcohol
It could be crap gas
all gas isn't created equal.
I know this because I've owned vehicles that were fussy about what gas I ran (BP, Marathon, Circle K, Speedway, etc)
BP and Getgo were/are crap
"Top Tier" doesn't mean squat either.
a quality additive package can and is added to good gas or crap gas.
Case in point, Giant Eagle Getgo is Top Tier ...it's crap gas.
KTF
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 4,476
Likes: 3,860
From: Florida
do you buy your gas at the same station most of the time?
if so, it might not be the alcohol
It could be crap gas
all gas isn't created equal.
I know this because I've owned vehicles that were fussy about what gas I ran (BP, Marathon, Circle K, Speedway, etc)
BP and Getgo were/are crap
"Top Tier" doesn't mean squat either.
a quality additive package can and is added to good gas or crap gas.
Case in point, Giant Eagle Getgo is Top Tier ...it's crap gas.
KTF
if so, it might not be the alcohol
It could be crap gas
all gas isn't created equal.
I know this because I've owned vehicles that were fussy about what gas I ran (BP, Marathon, Circle K, Speedway, etc)
BP and Getgo were/are crap
"Top Tier" doesn't mean squat either.
a quality additive package can and is added to good gas or crap gas.
Case in point, Giant Eagle Getgo is Top Tier ...it's crap gas.
KTF
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
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From: Eastpointe, MI
I don't think there is any other more contested debate than what kind of gas or ethanol neutralizers or stabilizers to use and add or not add.
It will not be agreed on.
With people so loyal to certain brands like Seafoam and Amsoil or Rotella.
I'm surprised you don't see any Seafoam tattoos.
It will not be agreed on.
With people so loyal to certain brands like Seafoam and Amsoil or Rotella.
I'm surprised you don't see any Seafoam tattoos.