Ethanol damage to bikes?
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
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Ethanol damage to bikes?
Came across this article http://*******.com/qwkfe5which discusses problems in the ethanol industry and their pressure on the EPA to raise the ethanol content in gas in order to save their industry.
Seems some of the ethanol blending of gas hasn't been too accurate and sometimes have exceeded the current 10% level which in turn has caused engine damage in a lot of cars.
With the prospect that the EPA (who answers to no-one) could allow/demand higher ethanol levels, I'm curious if anyone has had similar sort of engine damage in their bikes attributed to higher than the mandated ethanol levels.
Seems some of the ethanol blending of gas hasn't been too accurate and sometimes have exceeded the current 10% level which in turn has caused engine damage in a lot of cars.
With the prospect that the EPA (who answers to no-one) could allow/demand higher ethanol levels, I'm curious if anyone has had similar sort of engine damage in their bikes attributed to higher than the mandated ethanol levels.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,575
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From: Norfolk, VA
Having learned from the alcohol burning drag racers, all you have to do to offset the water resulting from the burning of ethanol/alcohol is to add some "top cylinder" lubricant to the fuel...What the additive does is coat the upper cylinder walls/valve stems with a fine film of oil to prevent moisture from accumulating and corroding the upper cylinder wall and valve stems. The aviators claim that some of the products will reduce the octane of the fuel but you can offset that with using premium or other additives to boost the octane. I've been using Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas for over 20-yrs and had a set of valve guides/valves in the 900 last 19-yrs.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 376
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From: Logan Ohio
Having learned from the alcohol burning drag racers, all you have to do to offset the water resulting from the burning of ethanol/alcohol is to add some "top cylinder" lubricant to the fuel...What the additive does is coat the upper cylinder walls/valve stems with a fine film of oil to prevent moisture from accumulating and corroding the upper cylinder wall and valve stems. The aviators claim that some of the products will reduce the octane of the fuel but you can offset that with using premium or other additives to boost the octane. I've been using Marvel Mystery Oil in the gas for over 20-yrs and had a set of valve guides/valves in the 900 last 19-yrs.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
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Seems that the damage is primarily to the fuel system. When a fuel pump fails, most mechanics do not test the ethanol content of the gas in the tank but some have and have found much higher than the maximum 10% allowed. I was wondering if anyone had had fuel system problems and had their gas tested attributing failure to excess ethanol.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,575
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From: Norfolk, VA
.4 oz/gal of gas....I also found that the oil will soak into any carbon and slowly burn it off over time. With the newer engines that is not of much concern because they burn so much cleaner than the the 'ol hemispherical heads...With fuel injection it is probably not an issue at all! An 'ol timer who lived next door taught me alot years ago....I soaked up everything he passed along....He was one helluva 45" Servicar fanatic and experienced engine builder!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: guntersville, al
boat dealer in Missouri reported recently that prior to state mandated 10% ethanol that he rebuilt about 60 or 70 carburators a year. after the mandate he has averaged close to 700 a year. in automobiles the ethanol leaves a black residue in the runners of the intake manifolds. luckily here in Bama i can still find ethanol-free gas. I'll pay the difference in price and make it up in better mileage.
