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Engine Detuning Kills Performance: How to Protect Your Motorcycle

Engine Knock Kills Performance: How to Protect Your Motorcycle

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Some modern motorcycles are equipped with a knock sensor that adjusts timing to compensate for low-octane gasoline and eliminate engine knock. Unfortunately, when timing is adjusted, you may experience…

  • Rough idle
  • Lack of throttle response

Many bikers don’t even know this is occurring. Understanding engine knock, also known as detonation or pre-ignition, requires an understanding of octane, which is a standard measure of gasoline performance.

The three most common octane ratings include:

  • Anti-Knock Index (AKI)
  • Research Octane Number (RON)
  • Motor Octane Number (MON)

AKI is the rating most bikers are familiar with. It’s typically displayed on gas pumps as the average of the fuel’s RON and MON. RON, however, is the most common industry rating.

 

Engine knock can cause piston damage

Gasoline’s RON is generally a few numbers higher than the AKI posted on the gas pump (e.g. 87 octane fuel, or regular pump gas, has a RON of about 91-92). The higher the octane, the more compression the fuel can withstand before igniting. Low-octane gas is susceptible to uncontrolled and early ignition in the combustion chamber. It causes a knocking or pinging sound, robs the engine of power and, left unchecked, can cause catastrophic piston damage.

Engine knock may be eliminated by using a higher-octane fuel. Alternatively, you can use a fuel additive designed to raise the fuel’s octane number.

 

Boost Octane and maximize power and efficiency

AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost increases octane up to three numbers, which eliminates knock or ping and maximizes power and efficiency.

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An easy solution for engine detuning

Motorcycle Octane Boost offers a low-cost solution to engine detuning and helps maximize bike power and performance. It offers the
added benefits of maintaining engine and fuel-system cleanliness, with active detergents that help prevent deposits for improved efficiency.


Amsoil's motorcycle Octane Boost for maximum performanceAMSOIL Octane Boost

  • Maximizes power and efficiency
  • Improves startup performance
  • Eliminates engine ping or knock

 

 

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Stock up on Winter Cold Flow Additive for your Diesel

Sioux Falls's diesel fuel additive selectionTake advantage of AMSOIL’s cold flow improver here in stock in the Sioux Falls store (12th and G streets). Avoid fuel clouding while keeping your power and economy.

AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow (ACF) combats diesel fuel gelling by improving diesel cold-flow ability. It is formulated with an advanced deicer to enhance fuel flow and help prevent fuel filter plugging in cold temperatures. Diesel Cold Flow is formulated for a broad range of diesel fuels, including biodiesel and #1 and #2 ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD). Unlike all-in-one fuel additives that may sacrifice performance in specific areas in the name of convenience, AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow makes no sacrifices; it is purpose-built for diesel owners who demand maximum results.

Treat Rate:

Just two ounces for every five gallons of fuel!

Reduces Need for #1 Diesel Fuel

Using #1 diesel fuel is one traditional solution to cold-weather diesel fuel problems. While #1 diesel fuel has an advantage in low-temperature operability, the energy content of #1 diesel fuel is about 95 percent that of #2 diesel fuel, resulting in reduced fuel economy and less horsepower. In addition, the kerosene used in #1 diesel fuel provides less lubrication for the fuel pump and fuel injectors, increasing the likelihood for wear. AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow minimizes the need for blending standard #2 diesel fuel with lower-quality #1 diesel fuel, helping to maintain fuel economy and keep engines functioning normally.

Helps Prevent Gelling

As the temperature drops, the wax naturally found in diesel fuel begins to crystallize. The point at which wax crystals form is known as the cloud point. These wax crystals eventually clog the fuel filter and starve the engine of fuel, preventing it from starting. While low-quality fuels may form wax crystals in temperatures as warm as 40ºF (4ºC), most fuels have a cloud point near 32ºF (0ºC). The point at which the crystals clog the fuel filter is known as the cold filter-plugging point (CFPP). AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow lowers the CFPP by up to 20ºF (15ºC) in ULSD.

Additional Benefits of Diesel Cold Flow

AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow uses a jet-fuel-type deicer that disperses water to control ice formation throughout the fuel system. It inhibits wax crystal formation and can improve diesel pour point as much as 58ºF (32ºC), allowing fuel to flow to the engine more easily and improving diesel engine reliability in cold temperatures.

AMSOIL’s Cold Flow improver is also available available in a combination bottle of our award winning Diesel Injector Clean fuel additive so if you are not treating your diesel fuel with a lubricant and cleaner this one will keep you covered. Please read more about our top selling diesel fuel cleaner fuel additive (AMSOIL ADF) maintenance product which you MUST use to keep your injectors clean and free from severe and costly wear.

If refiners make changes to diesel fuel in winter months, why do cold flow improvers need to be used?

During cold weather months, fuel refiners produce a #1 diesel fuel that flows more readily in colder temperatures. Some refiners also produce a product termed a winter blend which is a blend of #2, #1 and potentially cold flow improver additives. Fuel varies significantly in different regions, and refiners estimate how low the temperature will actually drop in these regions. Depending on the fuel source and temperature mix, fuel directly from gas stations may cause issues with wax formation, preventing vehicles from starting and stalling while on the road.

 

From Wikipedia
Using these guidelines gas stations offer “winter ready diesel” for sale to the Motorist – there are two ways to achieve this:

  • winter blend – the gas station has blended the No.2 diesel with No.1(kerosene) by some percentage.
  • winterized diesel – the No.2 diesel has been treated with additives by the diesel supplier.

As the treatment with additives (1:40000[35]) is a cheaper way to enhance No.2 fuel in winter, most stations offer winterized diesel in cold weather conditions. In regions with colder weather, most gas stations offer No.1 fuel at the same pump allowing drivers to decide for themselves on a winter blend.

Always inquire at your local diesel fuel stop the version or their knowledge of the state of Winter diesel or blended fuel at their locality. The AMSOIL product will enhance that limit another 20 degrees.

Diesels In Winter Need Special Care

Written by Ed Newman – AMSOIL Inc.
As the temperature drops, the wax naturally found in diesel fuel begins to crystallize. The point at which wax crystals form is known as the cloud point. These wax crystals eventually clog the fuel filter and starve the engine of fuel, preventing it from starting. While low-quality fuels may form wax crystals in temperatures as warm as 40ºF (4ºC), most fuels have a cloud point near 32ºF (0ºC). The point at which the crystals clog the fuel filter is known as the cold filter-plugging point (CFPP).

2009 Ford F-450 Super Duty: Lariat. Sioux FallsAMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow lowers the CFPP by up to 20ºF (15ºC) in ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD). It uses a jet-fuel-type deicer that disperses water to control ice formation throughout the fuel system. AMSOIL Diesel Cold Flow inhibits wax crystal formation, allowing fuel to flow to the engine more easily and improving diesel engine reliability in cold temperatures. If gelling has already occurred, AMSOIL Diesel Recovery quickly liquefies gelled diesel fuel and thaws frozen fuel filters in engines that haven’t been treated with Diesel Cold Flow.

AMSOIL’s Synthetic Warehouse in Sioux Falls on 12th St. has a full range of products for the special needs of diesel owners. Find out more at amsoil.com/diesel.

 

Amsoil Motorcycle Octane Boost Q&A

One product we see a lot of return sales is of the MOB (Motorcycle Octane Boost) The chemistry differs from the car version and really makes for a punch when temperatures are climbing. It cleans and raises octane all at once.

What is AMSOIL Motorcycle Boost (MOB) and what benefits does it provide?

AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost is a fuel additive designed to increase octane in fuel. Higher octane fuel can lead to more powerful and efficient engine operation. Motorcycle Octane Boost also cleans combustion chamber deposits for increased performance at startup and helps eliminate engine ping or knock for more power at low RPM acceleration.

How much boost does AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost provide?

AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost typically responds better in lower octane fuel and in fuel that contains ethanol. When treated at 1.3 fluid ounces per gallon in 92.6 Research Octane Number (RON) unleaded gasoline with 10% ethanol, Motorcycle Octane Boost increases fuel up to 3 RON, boosting 92.6 RON fuel up to 95.6 RON.

Is AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost compatible with catalytic converters and oxygen (O?) sensors?

Yes, at the recommended treat rate Motorcycle Octane Boost is registered with the EPA and is safe for use with catalysts and O? sensors.

What is the treat rate for AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost? Are there are issues with overtreatment?

One 4 ounce bottle of AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost treats four to six gallons of gasoline. Slight overtreatment causes no issues, but significant overtreatment is not recommended.

How does AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost help improve fuel economy?

 Deposits frequently form in motorcycle engines and Motorcycle Octane Boost contains active detergents that clean deposits in combustion chambers and fuel delivery systems, helping improve fuel economy and overall performance. Motorcycle Octane Boost also helps protect fuel delivery systems from corrosion.

What is the primary market for AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost?

Motorcycle Octane Boost is primarily recommended for use in four?stroke air? or liquid?cooled motorcycles. Motorcycle Octane Boost is formulated for motorcycles manufactured by: Harley?Davidson, Yamaha, Honda, Ducati (Tell Ducati of Sioux Falls we said Hi), BMW, Triumph and all other four?stroke motorcycles. It may be used in off?road applications, including ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles, as an alternative to DOMINATOR® Octane Boost (AOB).

Is AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost compatible with other fuel additives? Does fuel need to be stabilized for storage when using Motorcycle Octane Boost?

Yes, Motorcycle Octane Boost is compatible with other AMSOIL fuel additives, including Quickshot (AQS) and Gasoline Stabilizer (AST). Motorcycle Octane Boost does not contain a fuel stabilizing agent. AMSOIL recommends treating fuel with Gasoline Stabilizer for long?term storage.

 

Stop in the store and try AMSOIL products in your motorcycle today
We’re at 4610 W. 12th street just next to the Wendys. Call us at 402-933-3902