Is 91octane really needed
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Is 91octane really needed
Sorry Milo, I have not seen a thread about this yet. EXCUSE ME for being so ignorant .With all your vast knowedge from your 124 posts I should have asked you directly . I just asked for an opinion.Why else would I care other than the 20 cents.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
RE: Is 91octane really needed
Good for you Winston Chopper. It seems there are too many guys on this site that think they have all the answers like Milo. I enjoy a good discussion and enjoy learning. There are no stupid questions, just Milo type responses.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
RE: Is 91octane really needed
ORIGINAL: winston chopper
Waht exactly is pining?
Waht exactly is pining?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
RE: Is 91octane really needed
ping is preignition detonation sounds like a man with a little hammer is in the top end bangging away when the motor is hot and under a load.its also called deiseling it can sound like a deisele engine. the fuel charge ignites b4 the plug sparks and gives an uneven burn in the chamber it ussually causes the top edge of pistons to pit and if left unchecked the ring grooves will get ate up. higher compreson requires higher octane(wich is less explosive).the 96 inch motor seems to have the timing advanced pretty far (for cleaner hotter burn epa) so running higher octain is a good idea but if u remap and retard timing(most tuners will retard the advance curve a bit) u get less ping and a litle less preformance and could get away with lower octane unless its really hot or under a heavy load.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Is 91octane really needed
Good question actually. For one there areplaces where 91 or better aren't sold oreven 89 is 10% ethanol. Last Sunday I rode in aFiremens Memorial Ride (2005 FLST 95" V&H FP) and when bike got really hot I noticed some slight pinging with the 93 I had in it. I've run 89 when it was cool and had no problem. I've experimented because I want to know what I can reasonably do in a pinch. Bottom line is these are air cooled motors and operating temps. vary widely. The factory recommendation is meant to cover all the bases.
But wait, there's a whole other issue and maybe even more important: I've yet to pull apart one of these motors (TCs and Evos) that didn't have significant carbon deposits on the piston crowns, For those that may not know themore carbon the more likely you'll have pinging. THis is for 2 main reasons. One the buildup raises compression and two the carbon is alot like charcoal and retains heat contributing further to pre-ignition (pinging).
Perhaps some suggestion regarding how to prevent this build upsuch as certain types of fuel or additives, or lubricants would better serve the subject. Just my .02.
But wait, there's a whole other issue and maybe even more important: I've yet to pull apart one of these motors (TCs and Evos) that didn't have significant carbon deposits on the piston crowns, For those that may not know themore carbon the more likely you'll have pinging. THis is for 2 main reasons. One the buildup raises compression and two the carbon is alot like charcoal and retains heat contributing further to pre-ignition (pinging).
Perhaps some suggestion regarding how to prevent this build upsuch as certain types of fuel or additives, or lubricants would better serve the subject. Just my .02.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 199
From: Vancouver BC
RE: Is 91octane really needed
if you type "octane" into the search you will get hours of reading and lots of good info. generally there is no benefit to running higher octane than what your bike requires. if you get no pinging and the bike runs good on 87/89 then that's what you should run.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
