Low Octane Fuel Effects
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 90
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From: Okinawa, Japan
Low Octane Fuel Effects
About a month ago I noticed an oil leak coming out of my front jug. I finally got it to my indie a few days ago and he called me last night to tell me it's finished. Problem fixed, however, he stated the heads, combustion chamber and oil where all filthy. According to him, the oil & filter needed to be changed twice just to get it all cleaned out.
I just changed the oil & filter less than 700 miles ago, and I run Royal Purple. I would have expected synthetic to last slightly longer than 700 miles. The only thing I could correlate this to would be a change in our fuel octane on island. A few months ago AAFES gas stations on island went from mid-grade to 86 octane. I haven't had any issues with engine performance, so I continued using it. I trust the indie mechanic I use, he came highly rated around the island and used to work at the local HD dealer.
What is the general consensus, will the low grade create create more problems?
Haven't picked up the bike yet, but what if he went from synthetic to dino-juice? I've heard rumors about seals deteriorating, any truth or first hand info? Thanks to all-
I just changed the oil & filter less than 700 miles ago, and I run Royal Purple. I would have expected synthetic to last slightly longer than 700 miles. The only thing I could correlate this to would be a change in our fuel octane on island. A few months ago AAFES gas stations on island went from mid-grade to 86 octane. I haven't had any issues with engine performance, so I continued using it. I trust the indie mechanic I use, he came highly rated around the island and used to work at the local HD dealer.
What is the general consensus, will the low grade create create more problems?
Haven't picked up the bike yet, but what if he went from synthetic to dino-juice? I've heard rumors about seals deteriorating, any truth or first hand info? Thanks to all-
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,327
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From: South Jersey
You should only put in premium fuel. It burns hotter and helps clean everything out. Plus you don't get the sluggish response that a low grade will give you. At most it's only 20 cent more a gallon so I hope an extra buck per tank aint gonna break ya
Long term use of a lower grade fuel can lead to problems. The lower grade fuel can detonate prematurely and can cause damage to bearings. Not to mention it doesn't burn as clean and causes carbon build up.
Right away you should notice sluggish response though.
Right away you should notice sluggish response though.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 340
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From: Peach Bottom Pa.
Do not use low grade fuel....thats all there is to it,,,,as for the seals,,,if they start to leak ,,,its not from the type of oil,,,if the type of oil caused seals to leak,,your car, truck, lawn mower, boat motor, and so on ,, would have problems too....
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Okinawa, Japan
.20 cents more, I wish. Living overseas gets a little more expensive at the pump. I'm not even sure how much gas is off base right now for mid grade. I'm guessing at least 300-400 Yen per litter. So depending on the day, 4.50-5.00 per gallon. Fuel additives, maybe. I'm not sure if they're available here, but until I've never looked.
Either way, my cost at the pump is going to get a little higher.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 266
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From: Down by the River
I try to always fill up with Sunoco Ultra 93 octane, every so often while out on a long run I've had to settle for 92 octane with no real appreciable difference in performance, but once I get home I'll top it off with the Sunoco Ultra 93. I also run fuel stabilizer in every tank full, Star Tron helps to offset the ill effects of the E-10 (ethenol) additive in our fuels......
As for oils, I run nothing but Mobile 1, V-Twin 20W-50 in the motor, and primary, 75W-90 in the tranny......
As for oils, I run nothing but Mobile 1, V-Twin 20W-50 in the motor, and primary, 75W-90 in the tranny......
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 47
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From: when will the rain stop, WA
Hate to say it brother, I am paying $4.27 a gallon for premium in the Seattle area. I see on the news it is even worse in California in places. I would do as others suggest and get an octane booster if you can. If low octane is indeed the cause of your problem.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: canada
premium which is 91octane here is $1.48/L atm. thats about $5.92/ga i think and the closest station that sells it is 60miles away so i keep a few cans of it around so i dont have to fill with regular
