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Detonated pistons and rings. Heads up!

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Old Apr 21, 2012 | 04:29 PM
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Default Detonated pistons and rings. Heads up!
I bought an 89 Ultra Glide off a guy in December. This bike has the Screamin Eagle Stroker kit in it. He told me he had be putting low octane fuel in it, well I am replacing the pistons and rings. I was lucky on the jugs and some minor clean up on the heads. Do not use low octane fuel in these motors. They will ping and melt down your pistons and cause ring detonation.
 
Old Apr 21, 2012 | 04:39 PM
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Welcome to HD Forums and thanks for the tip. I run nothing but non-oxy 91 octane in my bike. Luckily, there are 4 stations in my area that sell non-oxy (or non ethanol) gas. To me, the extra $.35 per gallon is money well spent.
 
Old Apr 21, 2012 | 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Stroker Dan
I bought an 89 Ultra Glide off a guy in December. This bike has the Screamin Eagle Stroker kit in it. He told me he had be putting low octane fuel in it, well I am replacing the pistons and rings. I was lucky on the jugs and some minor clean up on the heads. Do not use low octane fuel in these motors. They will ping and melt down your pistons and cause ring detonation.
This showcases why many buyers avoid modified bikes. And why every rider should know better than to destroy a motor by intentionally running it while pinging. There's ignorance, but that's vandalism.
 
Old Apr 21, 2012 | 07:15 PM
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Old Apr 21, 2012 | 09:18 PM
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Welcome aboard from Maryland
 
Old Apr 22, 2012 | 08:04 PM
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Old Apr 22, 2012 | 11:16 PM
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Welcome to the HD Forum from the sunny shores of SoCal.
 

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Old Apr 22, 2012 | 11:22 PM
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Please explain what ring detonation is. Thank you.
 
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