Can I run 93 Octane?

[IcyHotUrBeanBag]

I have a 80 gs 550E with stock carbs. I put in 93 octane after taking her out for the first time this year with the hopes the high octane would burn out crud in the jets after their winter hibernation in fuel stabilizer. She seemed to put out more power with the jet fuel and now I wonder if I can use the 93 all the time. My Clymers says use 87 but it was made in 87. Will high Octane hurt my Carbs?

[salty_monk]

No it won't hurt but you won't get any more power out of it either....
I use high octane if I know the bike is going to sit a week or two as octane degrades by about 1pt for every week it sits...

[Nessism]

EDIT: Salty posted while I was typing...

Yes, you can run 93. It won't make more power though or clean your jets.

[chuck hahn]

It WILL clean out your wallet faster though!!!

[salty_monk]

true.... Try seafoam for cleaning out your jets if its just from hibernation...

If you haven't done so by now then I suspect the carbs need a proper clean with O-rings replaced etc.

[barnbiketom]

It WILL clean out your wallet faster though!!!

Well Said!!! hahhaa

I simply cannot believe the amount of people who buy "premium" fuel at the pumps thinking it is better for their 87 octane low compression econoboxes.

[steve murdoch]

Rather than using 93 octane i would be looking for ethanol-free gasoline.
In my neck of the woods it is only available in 91 octane.

[bccap]

Rather than using 93 octane i would be looking for ethanol-free gasoline.
In my neck of the woods it is only available in 91 octane.

Here Chevron premium is 94 octane and ethanol free. It also comes through a separate hose ensuring no contamination by the previous fuel used. I use it whenever I am able to. They are also one of the last companies to still offer free air.

[Steve]

CAN you? Sure.


Should you? Not really.

.

[greg78gs750]

there is some argument, too, as to whether the higher octane doesn't burn well enough in our lower compression engines. i think most here will say 87 (non ethanol if you can find it) is not only good enough, but actually better, unless you have bumped compression with mods. (though, even the non-ethanol part is a "little" controversial.)

better than an oil thread, heh.

greg

[bonanzadave]

Use this ...

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-high-performance-pure-4-cycle-fuel/p-07133501000P

Much more expensive so Its gotta be better ( being facetious)

[Steve]

Use this ...

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-high-performance-pure-4-cycle-fuel/p-07133501000P

Much more expensive so Its gotta be better ( being facetious)

$6.99 a quart?

$27,96 a gallon?

But it's only 92 octane.

No thanks.

.

[nejeff]

better than an oil thread, heh.

Well, not really, just another octain thread. Just read another "quality of the gas now" thread and probably by the end of the day the debate over which diesel oil to use in our bikes will start again. The more things change, the more the stay exactly the same

[Crankthat]

I like to use a lot of octane booster and a little mystery oil mixed with my fuel on occasion.
Do not know if it actually boosts the octane but the bike has more zip when I do.

[Nessism]

High octane fuel actually burns SLOWER than low octane. This can be an advantage with a high compression engine in order to avoid knocking, or you could advance your ignition timing to take advantage of the fuels properties and pick up a bit of mpg and power. Modern cars have knock sensors that automatically adjust ignition timing until it's on the edge of knock, thus optimizing the system.

If someone's engine/timing is set up for using regular fuel, and then you use high octane fuel, you will NOT pick up any extra power or mpg. In fact, because the fuel is designed to burn slower, you may even reduce performance, although the difference will be minor and not noticeable.

Bottom line, use regular fuel in your GS and save the money.