Who adds what to their gas???

[BobRoss]

I like the Klotz because it is a good octane boost, a cleaner, a lead substitute so it has some lube capabilities and a stabilizer at a pretty decent price point. As others have said, it is great for those unknown gas pumps.

 

[BobRoss]

Do some engines actually require premium for the compression, or just because 91 usually doesn't have ethanol? My girlfriends naturally aspirated Acura actually has higher compression so it will wreck the car if not used. My SRX says premium, which I run now, but I have also run it with regular 87 in the past no problems. I don't really rail on the thing so its pretty much babied despite all the power it has.

I think most sleds do not require 91, but most have a setting to run on 91 or they just run better. Less than 91 has more potential for knock and the sled will retard ignition and make less power.

 

[euphoric1]

I have to disagree "OCTANE" is a fuels resistance to spontaneously combust, the higher the octane the less likely it is to spontaneously combust (or ignite before the spark ignition takes place) Not all sleds require it, the sleds that do are generally a higher compression engine. the higher the compression the more likely for fuel to ignite before ignition thus the death rattle. The pinging you hear is fuel igniting before combustion/ignition takes place. putting high octane fuel in an engine that does not require it does nothing for performance and if you think it does you are just convincing yourself that the extra pennies you just spent are somehow doing so. Now.... if you put low grade/octane fuel in an engine that does require higher octane depending on conditions you can destroy the engine (burn through the dome of the piston or erode or burn the exhaust side of the piston skirt, this is usually the result of that death rattle you hear when you put the wrong gas in your sled or pumped something that isn't what it said it was and this is why (if your sled requires premium) I would recommend carrying an octane booster on your sled. "OCTANE" does not equal performance unless your sled requires it. The sleds that you can change switch position to run either regular or premium fuel changes the ignition timing. If your sled doesn't require premium, adding it does not equate to more power.

I think most sleds do not require 91, but most have a setting to run on 91 or they just run better. Less than 91 has more potential for knock and the sled will retard ignition and make less power.

 

[SledTL]

I didn't mean to start the octane argument thread. I just wanted to know if they say run premium because the engines actually have a specific compression, or if it is because 91 is sometimes deemed recreation gas with no ethanol.

 

[1fujifilm]

I think most sleds do not require 91, but most have a setting to run on 91 or they just run better. Less than 91 has more potential for knock and the sled will retard ignition and make less power.

Interesting portion of the discussion, my 18 Poo 800 has a setting in the gauge to accept 91 non-ethanol gas and the previous Ski-Doo 850 I has does the adjustment automatically.

Bear

 

[latner]

I didn't mean to start the octane argument thread. I just wanted to know if they say run premium because the engines actually have a specific compression, or if it is because 91 is sometimes deemed recreation gas with no ethanol.

moral of the story, run what the manufacturer recommends...my sleds get 87, that's what the fuel caps say.

 

[buddah2]

Do some engines actually require premium for the compression, or just because 91 usually doesn't have ethanol? My girlfriends naturally aspirated Acura actually has higher compression so it will wreck the car if not used. My SRX says premium, which I run now, but I have also run it with regular 87 in the past no problems. I don't really rail on the thing so its pretty much babied despite all the power it has.

87 in the turbo sleds is just not a good idea....it may live for a short while but the possibility of engine damage is always lurking...there's a reason the mfr "requires" 91, why challenge that?

 

[euphoric1]

SledTL, I hope it wasn't taken as an argument, a lot of people have misconception of what octane actually is and when it is important and not necessairily needed, just wanted to clear the air on your question

I didn't mean to start the octane argument thread. I just wanted to know if they say run premium because the engines actually have a specific compression, or if it is because 91 is sometimes deemed recreation gas with no ethanol.

 

[old abe]

I have to disagree "OCTANE" is a fuels resistance to spontaneously combust, the higher the octane the less likely it is to spontaneously combust (or ignite before the spark ignition takes place) Not all sleds require it, the sleds that do are generally a higher compression engine. the higher the compression the more likely for fuel to ignite before ignition thus the death rattle. The pinging you hear is fuel igniting before combustion/ignition takes place. putting high octane fuel in an engine that does not require it does nothing for performance and if you think it does you are just convincing yourself that the extra pennies you just spent are somehow doing so. Now.... if you put low grade/octane fuel in an engine that does require higher octane depending on conditions you can destroy the engine (burn through the dome of the piston or erode or burn the exhaust side of the piston skirt, this is usually the result of that death rattle you hear when you put the wrong gas in your sled or pumped something that isn't what it said it was and this is why (if your sled requires premium) I would recommend carrying an octane booster on your sled. "OCTANE" does not equal performance unless your sled requires it. The sleds that you can change switch position to run either regular or premium fuel changes the ignition timing. If your sled doesn't require premium, adding it does not equate to more power.

Very good explanation euphoric1. Use what the sled mfr calls for if at all possible. Right you are on using higher octane than is required, specified, is of no value other than the higher cost to the user, which many people don't comprehend.

 

[hybrid]

I run 91 cause it has no ethanol
its better gas

 

[dfattack]

I run 91 cause it has no ethanol
its better gas

Exactly. Even if your sled doesn't require 91+ octane but you want the gas to be ethanol free then run it. Like someone said in another post...it's pennies (slightly exaggerated) considering the 2-3 months a year you run the sled.

Oh, and I run an entire can of sea foam in a tank at least once per trip and also run the sea foam in the final tank/ride of the season.

 

[Deleted member 10829]

I've used Stabil during storage only for 25+ years with no issues.

 

[misty_pines]

One of my sled requires 91 octane and my other does not (older carbed sled) but I always run ethanol free gas in them which is always 91 octane at the gas stations I have gone to. I put Startron in the last tank of the season in my sleds which works great along with ethanol free gas for storage.

 

[euphoric1]

If what anybody uses works for them, continue. There are good,better and bad fuel treatment products out there, not trying to bash any of them just opinion as I deal with this subject and see the end result almost daily. I have people that drive up north or to the next county to get the "GOOD" gas and guess what, still cleaning their carburetors. The problem with the fuels we have today is the shelf life, everything since the nineties has been made to run on ethanol fuel. If it works for you.... use it, and I just wanted those that didnt know or are convinced it does that octane does not equal horsepower, better starting or mileage.

 

[jperog]

Aces IV-2S 1 oz per 5 gallons in my turbo 1 oz per 10 gallons in the other sleds. Injector cleaner, fuel stabilizer, and octane booster. I have been running in my high compression V-6 outboards for years and have always had positive results.

Joe

 

[snake]

I've used Stabil during storage only for 25+ years with no issues.

35 years in the marine industry, with multiple certifications.the dealership i last worked for would winterize over 600 units every fall using the red then blue stabil when introduced.I was there for 24 years. we had very good results so please do say stabil is not any good. I'm not saying it is the best. A little tid bit of info brought to our attention in service schools( and mind you these are companies with global exposure and experiences) is that sea foam contains iso propal,alcohol by nature attracts water...for what its worth. also any alcohol=leaner burn. the biggest issue with fuel is when it sits idle,esp eth blends. also brought to our attention in school( and I can attest from 1st hand experiences)is that when you go to fuel up and want non eth,most stations have 3 grades of fuel(1 non and 2 with eth)and only one hose assy.......if the guy before you pumped ethynol and you select the non eth then you are getting a splash of garbage first. if its poss to put a gallon in your vehicle 1st, then fill your recreational tanks. puregas.org is also a handy tool. remember....these are my personal experiences. I have extensive exposure to a multitude of recreational toys and I'm just sharing my experiences to try and help people that do not see the issues i see on a daily basis. there are many different variables that lead to fuel issues so everyone's experience are more than likely different in some way. I personally have and will not ever buy any ethynol if I can help it

 

[old abe]

Just make sure to read the label on any additives you use, in anything. Many differences, in many additives. If need further info, contact the mfr, or research companies that do so.

 

[BobRoss]

I have to disagree "OCTANE" is a fuels resistance to spontaneously combust, the higher the octane the less likely it is to spontaneously combust (or ignite before the spark ignition takes place) Not all sleds require it, the sleds that do are generally a higher compression engine. the higher the compression the more likely for fuel to ignite before ignition thus the death rattle. The pinging you hear is fuel igniting before combustion/ignition takes place. putting high octane fuel in an engine that does not require it does nothing for performance and if you think it does you are just convincing yourself that the extra pennies you just spent are somehow doing so. Now.... if you put low grade/octane fuel in an engine that does require higher octane depending on conditions you can destroy the engine (burn through the dome of the piston or erode or burn the exhaust side of the piston skirt, this is usually the result of that death rattle you hear when you put the wrong gas in your sled or pumped something that isn't what it said it was and this is why (if your sled requires premium) I would recommend carrying an octane booster on your sled. "OCTANE" does not equal performance unless your sled requires it. The sleds that you can change switch position to run either regular or premium fuel changes the ignition timing. If your sled doesn't require premium, adding it does not equate to more power.

I never said all sleds require it, I said most do not. But a lot have the ability to switch modes between ethonal vs non ethanol mode. But I drive polaris so I am not sure of other manufacturers. If you run non-ethanol mode, you are pretty much required to run 91.

 

[euphoric1]

BobRoss, I didn't mean it to sound that way, I should have responded to SledTL question and quote as to 91 octane and was just trying to explain the importance and non importance of running it, didn't mean anything towards you or your post and sorry if it sounded or was taken that way.

I never said all sleds require it, I just said I think most do. Or at least have the ability to switch modes between ethonal vs non ethanol mode. But I drive polaris so I am not sure of other manufacturers. If you run non-ethanol mode, you are pretty much required to run 91.

 

[BobRoss]

Also, the fuel type switch changes fuel rate/AFR for the polaris sleds. It's not just a timing thing. Having the right amount of octane for your engine does create more power. Having less pulls timing or adds fuel which is less power. Having a little more octane doesn't make more power, but it does make sure your engine is in the safe zone and can run at the optimum timing and fuel ratio which to me is better than the sled right on the verge of adjusting timing and fuel rate. Plus I only run non-ethanol in all my small engines.

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It's no problem, what you said was good info. I just wanted to make sure that people didn't think all sleds need 91.