Fuel fundamentals : The Stuff We Feed Our Rides

[door54]

I thought I'd start this thread to expose some myths, and confirm the realities, of the stuff we feed our rides.
For starters, its tough to find anything taller than 92 octane here in vegas. Ive read where some of you use an octane boost of one kind or another, whereas some of the feedback I've gotten personally says... No to the boost... and No to injector cleaner. I'm not advocating throwing away a good hand in the hopes of gettin a better one..(using 92 without any worries) Just a better understanding of the liquid and the effects of supplements and or ageing.

I read a post recently where a shop contacted BRP for problem resolution, and stated that BRP's response was to "Run three tanks through the unit with IJ cleaner in it and re-test."
Also, there seems to be quite a bit of interpretation/speculation as to how long fuel stays 'Fresh'...

Fuel Gurus, and those with lessons learned...what do you say?

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Rotax are built to run on 87 octane. You can run them on 89 if it makes you feel better but using 92 is just a waste of money and doesn't really help.
Also, Dr Honda doesn't recommend using Seafoam in 2 strokes.

 

[door54]

Rotax are built to run on 87 octane. You can run them on 89 if it makes you feel better but using 92 is just a waste of money and doesn't really help.
Also, Dr Honda doesn't recommend using Seafoam in 2 strokes.

Both the owners and shop manual that I have call for premium 91 octane (RON+MON)/2) inside North America, For SCIC engines. Can't say I know what RON+MON/2 means.

 

[ocod]

Rotax are built to run on 87 octane. You can run them on 89 if it makes you feel better but using 92 is just a waste of money and doesn't really help.
Also, Dr Honda doesn't recommend using Seafoam in 2 strokes.

DOOOHHH
SBD this is a 4 stroke and not 2 stroke section.

And OP yes run premium for your engine.
Just like you would and SC/Turbo car. Prevents pre detonation.

 

[door54]

My RXTs have been on a diet of premium since day one...
What about periodic additives or injector cleaners?
Seafoam was mentioned, and I recall seeing that product recently at WalMart. But is the $8-9 per can worth it?

 

[ocod]

If your machine is running there is no need for addivitives I would think.

Seafoam is used in automotive as detergent to displace oil/carbon build up. It is used with caution. Been known to clog internal filters.

FI cleaners are up in air for me. Rather have them flow tested.

 

[Dennis]

I'm with ocod.....use premium.

I hear SEAFOAM works good but DO NOT take the attitude that "if a little is good then alot is better". Use only as directed. I also don't recommend using it ( or any additive) all the time. One time a year or every 50 hours would be good.

 

[red2blue]

I'm with ocod.....use premium.

I hear SEAFOAM works good but DO NOT take the attitude that "if a little is good then alot is better". Use only as directed. I also don't recommend using it ( or any additive) all the time. One time a year or every 50 hours would be good.

If i fill up before i get to the water it's 93. I can now get 91 w/o ethanol...lil more $ but if I gotta leave it in the tank for a while I'll prolly buy that.

I put an entire can of seafoam into a full fresh tank of 93 for the winter. Fires up months later and runs like a raped ape to boot!

 

[door54]

If i fill up before i get to the water it's 93. I can now get 91 w/o ethanol...lil more $ but if I gotta leave it in the tank for a while I'll prolly buy that.

I put an entire can of seafoam into a full fresh tank of 93 for the winter. Fires up months later and runs like a raped ape to boot!

OK....Seafoam for Winterization is worth the $8-9 to me, if one of the forum sharps has tested it out with solid results.
Now back to the other side of this thread...
With 60-70 hrs on my two rides....is it time to run, say, a bottle of Lucas injector cleaner in one tank of fuel as a preventative measure. Don't misinterpret my intent, I'm ALL for leaving well enough alone....I just dont want to step over a recomended practice, if the concensus recomends it.

Thanks

 

[red2blue]

OK....Seafoam for Winterization is worth the $8-9 to me, if one of the forum sharps has tested it out with solid results.
Now back to the other side of this thread...
With 60-70 hrs on my two rides....is it time to run, say, a bottle of Lucas injector cleaner in one tank of fuel as a preventative measure. Don't misinterpret my intent, I'm ALL for leaving well enough alone....I just dont want to step over a recomended practice, if the concensus recomends it.

Thanks

I've never heard of any "time" listed anywhere for fuel system additives to be used. If fresh 91+ is used...and the motor runs good/smooth from 1800-8100...I'd save my money for mods instead.

 

[nevitt4]

im for premium, its just better for 2 stroke.