Here's some interesting reading I've found in search for the best gas brand/station chain for my GS -- http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html (http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html). It talks about having higher levels of detergents in the gasoline to aid in cleaning. Interstingly enough Mobil is not on the list of Top Tier retailers.
From their front page:
"TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is a recently established new standard for gasoline performance. Four of the world's top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota recognize that the current EPA minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to ensure optimal engine performance.
Since the minimum additive performance standards were first established by EPA in 1995, most gasoline marketers have actually reduced the concentration level of detergent additive in their gasoline by up to 50%. As a result, the ability of a vehicle to maintain stringent Tier 2 emission standards have been hampered, leading to engine deposits which can have a big impact on in-use emissions and driver satisfaction.
These automakers have raised the bar. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline help drivers avoid lower quality gasoline which can leave deposits on critical engine parts, which reduces engine performance. That's something both drivers and automakers want to avoid. "
I searched to no avail on what's the best US brand of gas to put into the GS (like Shell, Chevron, etc.) By the best brand I mean the gas to have the least amount of problems with contaminants, condensated water, extra ethanol content, etc. I don't mind higher price if it means quality fuel. I read all discussions about octane and I only run Regular in my GS. I've just rebuilt my carbs so I wanted it last a bit in top shape.
From what I read so far it does not matter much what brand. Just pick a station with the highest amount of traffic (i.e. fuel stock tunaround) to minimize the chance of station tanks are gummed/dirty/high on water/etc. Is that true?
It's bad enough that we in Mass cannot buy no-MTBE (non-ethanol) gas in addition to all other gasoline issues. And there's no Chevron or BP anywhere north of Boston :-(
A4
Quote from: reminor on March 15, 2007, 12:05:53 PM
From what I read so far it does not matter much what brand. Just pick a station with the highest amount of traffic (i.e. fuel stock tunaround) to minimize the chance of station tanks are gummed/dirty/high on water/etc. Is that true?
That's pretty much what I've heard or chosen to hear. I usually go to the place with the lowest price that's not completely out of the way. I think that's a good way to find the stations with the most traffic/turnaround.
I have never noticed a difference between ethanol (e10) and non-ethanol gas. I've heard it can break down faster, but I still use it mixed with fuel stabilizer when I store my bike over the winter with no problems.
I've only had problems with Arco, it ran wierd and got worse MPG, other than that everything else seems fine. Normally I run mostly 76 or chevron (just because those are the closest stations) and I never have any deposits in my carbs when I have them apart (to fiddle with jets or whatnot), just a tiny ammount of sediment which is probally from my tank. I've used all other brands without any noticable differences.
All gas stations get the bulk fuel from the same place and then add their additives, so there isn't too much difference. Laws regarding alcoholl vary from state to state and depend on the season, so comparing brands across the country is pretty meaningless.
Regular gas has such a fast turnarround at almost every station that freshness shouldn't be much of an issue. Most gas won't store very well even with fuel stabilizers. Avgas will though, so if you're storing it for a long time go to your local airport and get a can 100LL (tell them it's for your homebuilt airplane otherwise they may not sell it to you) It'll last a year no problem.
Whatever you run, if you put a little sea foam or simmilar stuff in your tank every so often it should take care of any "harmfull deposits" that may form. Properly tuned carbs are the most important thing, if you run too rich you'll get more deposits no matter what kind of gas you run.
Quote from: reminor on March 15, 2007, 12:05:53 PM
It's bad enough that we in Mass cannot buy no-MTBE (non-ethanol) gas in addition to all other gasoline issues. And there's no Chevron or BP anywhere north of Boston :-(
Dude, MTBE and ethanol are not the same thing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTBE
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol