Ethanol Problems
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 822
Likes: 61
From: Northern Kentucky
Ethanol Problems
While riding the Blue Ridge Parkway last week I noticed pre-ignition knock for the first time from my 2013 Ultra Limited with stage 1. Seems all the fuel sold in the areas we were in has a minimum of 10% ethanol. Under medium acceleration I would get pre-ignition knock which has a tinny sound. As soon as I was able to purchase fuel without ethanol I filled up the tank until the ethanol was cycled out of the system. I have a Power vision 1 and perhaps an auto tune would have helped. I just want to warn others to watch for the ethanol and see what others are doing to cope with it.
Bill
Bill
Last edited by paid4c4; Jul 23, 2015 at 07:48 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 895
Likes: 27
From: Outside Dover, OH
Just had the same problem in the Sturgis area. All the gas is loaded w/ethanol and one place the highest octane offered was 87. My bike ran OK on the ethanol blend but my truck, pullin a trailer, ran like crap + the mileage was ATROCIOUS! One station wanted $1 a gal more for 91 octane than 87. Strongly suggest folks travelin in ethanol areas to carry a bottle of octane booster.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 755
Likes: 189
From: Sartell, Minnesota
Ethanol has no effect on knocking, that is caused by low octane causing preignition under load. Up here in Minnesota, gasoline has 10% ethanol, unles you can find non-oxyginated fuel, and they are only allowed to be used in boats, atvs, motorcycles, and I believe in classic cars.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Everywhere
Ethanol Problems
[quote=paid4c4I just want to warn others to watch for the ethanol and see what others are doing to cope with it.
Bill[/quote]
52,000 miles on my 08 running 10% ethanol every fill up. My state, only ethanol free fuel is at airports and marinas. No issues.
Pre-ignition is not so much due to ethanol as due to octane, timing and your tune.
Bill[/quote]
52,000 miles on my 08 running 10% ethanol every fill up. My state, only ethanol free fuel is at airports and marinas. No issues.
Pre-ignition is not so much due to ethanol as due to octane, timing and your tune.
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From: Doghouse... mostly
Just had the same problem in the Sturgis area. All the gas is loaded w/ethanol and one place the highest octane offered was 87. My bike ran OK on the ethanol blend but my truck, pullin a trailer, ran like crap + the mileage was ATROCIOUS! One station wanted $1 a gal more for 91 octane than 87. Strongly suggest folks travelin in ethanol areas to carry a bottle of octane booster.
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Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
During our recent trip to York, PA we used the Startron treatment every time we got fuel. Didn't experience any pinging in the rolling hills but when we got into the Applachians I kept the bike in a lower gear. No pinging going over or coming back. We were in BRP last year and gas is very questionable, even the premium brands. Just have to watch what gear you are in.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 822
Likes: 61
From: Northern Kentucky
A lot of good information. I guess I should have posted when I run fuel with 10% ethanol my bike runs like crap. When I run gas without ethanol my bike runs great. I have sent an email to FuelMoto to see if I can tune the problem out with my PV1.
Bill
Bill