gasoline

[Larry D]

How would you know that? Can you tell by looking at something on the pump? Thanks!

I'm not sure if it's a requirement, but the pumps around here have a sticker on them that indicates ethanol content.

[chuckycheese]

Thanks

I'm not sure if it's a requirement, but the pumps around here have a sticker on them that indicates ethanol content.

I didn't know that but I'm going to take a look. If that's required anywhere, I would think it would be in super heavily regulated California, so maybe it will be there. I'm assuming the designation stands for the percentage of ethanol...right?

Thanks for the head's up!

[Steve]

How would you know that? Can you tell by looking at something on the pump? Thanks!

I'm not sure if it's a requirement, but the pumps around here have a sticker on them that indicates ethanol content.

Could be different in your area, but around here, the sticker indicates the maximum amount of ethanol.
Most of our stations here are labeled "E10". Might not have any ethanol, but might contain a maximum of 10%, you never know.

.

[chuckycheese]

Great!

Thanks! I'm eager to check it out since I buy gas at several different places in town and would like to avoid ethanol, if possible.

[duaneage]

How would you know that? Can you tell by looking at something on the pump? Thanks!

Two ways.

First is the little yellow and green sticker that says E-10 and warnings not to use this fuel in your boat because it contains tax dollars in the form of ethanol.

Second is by county. Certain counties are exempted from the mandatory E-10 so gas is not only cheaper it is better. Before I got the carbs redone with new o rings I had to smuggle fuel from 3 counties away. I did this about once every 3 months and brought back enough gas for about 3000 miles of driving. Sounds nuts, but I had two bikes that didn't tolerate it. I was concerned about the o rings in the CV carbs on the 650 and the Hondamatic had was not allowed to have it.


There is another way that involves some chemistry. Pour a small amount of the questionable fuel into a glass beaker and then add water to the mix. The water will go to the bottom. Measure the amount of gas versus water. If there is alcohol in the gas it will absorb the water and you can see the levels change. Try a 50 50 mix to make it easy to notice.

I got that from the Honda CM400A service manual. It was expressly stated not to use ethanol gas because it would damage the carbs. I sold the bike around the time they mandated it all around me, didn't want to buy those anti backfire diaphragms again.

[duaneage]

I didn't know that but I'm going to take a look. If that's required anywhere, I would think it would be in super heavily regulated California, so maybe it will be there. I'm assuming the designation stands for the percentage of ethanol...right?

Thanks for the head's up!

You live near Sacramento?
They haven't had real gas for centuries. You're lucky they still sell gasoline for transportation purposes.

[rustybronco]

I get some pinging on 87 that does not happen with 93. At 80 cents a tank it doesn't seem like a real waste of money to me. Since it's my bike I make that choice. As usual YMMV.

Same thing here with 87 Octane fuel. 37 degrees timing advance, all in at 2,500 rpm might have a LOT to do with it. roll on the throttle @ 3-3.5k, rattle rattle, rattle.
89 Octane from marathon takes care of it, while speedway 89 doesn't...

[makenzie71]

It's probably been said in greater detail, but when it coils down to what fuel to use, you use the fuel that doesn't make your engine knock. If you knock on 87, go up one level. If the engine doesn't knock on 87, you have no reason to run higher.

[chuckycheese]

Taxifornia

You live near Sacramento?
They haven't had real gas for centuries. You're lucky they still sell gasoline for transportation purposes.

We're lucky they still sell cars!

[Dave R]

Guys, regarding the 87 vs. 93 octane thing. A reason you MAY not want 87.

Have done the (alcohol self-test in a graduated ml container) thing on several gasolines in my area - central Illinois.

87 octane always tests 9-10% alcohol.

BP (Amoco) Gold tests approx. 4-5% alcohol. (even though the station managers tell you it's alcohol free)


Alcohol = less is better My 2 cents worth.

[eddiev]

I agree with a previos post. I only up the octane if I get pinging which is more apparent in the heat of the summer on my bike. In the cooler weather I stick with 87 and I have even found that on a cold winter day, the bike will start easier with 87 than 92 which makes sense to me.
Eddie V

[duaneage]

That's the entire purpose of gasoline octane choice. You use what works. On hot days in traffic the GS pings on 87 or 89 because the engine is really hot, the air is hot going in, the gasoline is warmer, and it preignites. Also, on hills and grades a higher octane fuel is recommended, and at altitude it is a good idea too.

But really at only 70 - 80 cents a tank more why take a chance on pre ignition? We've see the inside of a few engines this past winter and it looked like detonation damage.

The factory manual recommends 85 - 95 octane, I'm going for Sunoco super 94.5 when I find it in PA.