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Precautions and Tips for Using Ethanol Fuel
Bio-fuels, E10, Gasohol, Originated Fuel
1. Replace the gas in your fuel tank at least every 2-3 weeks. The shelf life of E-10 gas is only 3 months (90-100 days) under ideal environmental conditions.
2. Know the specific fuel laws for your state. Many states still do not require the labeling of E10 gas at the pumps.
3. Prevent external water and moisture (high humidity) from coming in contact with E-10 gas.
4. Ethanol-blend fuels will lower MPG in most engines. Fuel efficiency can decrease by 2-40%. Maintain your engine to provide the best possible fuel efficiency, i.e. inflate tires, keep tuned, stay current on oil changes, etc.
5. Choose an octane level above 90 for an added level of security when purchasing E-10 gas. If water contaminates your gas, the fuel will dilute and the octane level can drop up to 3 points.
6. Avoid all fuel additives and fuel system treatment products that contain ethanol or are alcohol-based.
7. Become familiar with symptoms and effects of "bad gas", often caused by too high alcohol levels of gas. Symptoms include varied engine malfunction including stalling, hesitation during WOT, smoke released from exhaust, clogged fuel filters and carburetors, damage to fuel and VRO pumps and pistons, disintegration and dissolving of engine parts (especially rubber and plastic), drying-out of parts (hoses) and more.
8. Save money - Contaminated gas can not be restored to the original composition. No miracle product exists that will effectively prevent all water absorption or safely repair phase separation (PS) of gas.
9. Frequently check gasoline tank for signs of water contamination (WC) and phase separation (PS). Two or three distinct layers will be seen after WC and PS occur.
10. Store E-10 gas in clean and dry alcohol-resistant tanks. Fuel discoloration indicates gas contamination, often caused from the release (cleansing) of rust, dirt and sediment from the gas tank walls.
11. Properly discard any fuel that appears to have gone bad.
12. Keep your engine well tuned and lubricated and follow the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. Replace parts that are not resistant to alcohol; plastic parts, rubber parts and hoses are most vulnerable. Fuel system and pumps, piston and carburetor and timing may need changes to be compatible. Older engines often contain parts not designed to resist ethanol/alcohol.
13. Be aware that "private" gas pumps (i.e. marine refilling stations) are not required to follow the same laws that pertain to public gas stations.
Check your State's Ethanol Labeling Laws
Replacing Parts
Sometimes, parts on your motorcycle need replacement even before they become visibly worn out. The Motor Company recommends that motor oil, transmission fluid, and primary fluid be replaced every year, regardless of mileage. Of course if you hit the mileage intervals before the 1 year mark, then change the fluids at that time.
Tires have a shelf life too. Dunlop does not recommend using tires that are over 5 years old. One of our service advisors can help you identify the date code on the tire if you are unsure how long they have been on the motorcycle, and determine if replacement is needed. We are currently offering great prices on tires with only a $75.00 fee for mounting/balancing (on most models).
Your original motorcycle battery is under warranty for the duration of your 2 year factory warranty. Replacement batteries are covered for the first 6 months, and pro-rated for the last 6 months. Under ideal conditions, your battery should last safely 3 years. We have seen them last as long as 5 years when maintained on a Battery tender. If you battery is more than 3 years old, consider replacing it the next time you are in for service.
For more information, contact your KCHD Service Department at 770.777.1000. | |
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![[Image] Killer Creek Harley-Davidson](http://image1.proxy.bikerornot.com/userimages/p191642/159787772r.jpg "Killer Creek Harley-Davidson")
