The Different Types Of Valve Adjusters Used In 4-Stroke Motorcycle Engines
With each passing model generation, more and more bikes turned to a shim-under-bucket configuration. But why? Let's explore why poppet valves (mushroom valves) need to be adjusted to stay within spec, and what made shims and buckets the (might as well be) industry standard.
Will Higher Octane Gas Increase Horsepower?
If you’ve been around powersports for any length of time, you’ve probably heard a lot of misinformation when it comes to choosing fuel. You might hear things like "high octane fuels burn slower," or "motors that aren’t built for high octane can’t benefit from high octane fuels."
More Alcohol Does Not Mean More Octane!
There is a lot of debate over alcohol blended fuel octane ratings, but due to the limits of standardized testing equipment, you cannot measure the octane of alcohol. The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) only allows the use of carburetors on Cooperative Fuel Research Engines (CFR). Of course, these...
Does Octane Play A Role In Gas Shelf Life?
High vs. Low Octane Fuel Stability
Does octane play a role in the shelf life of gasoline? Octane is the most discussed property when it...
What Does “Specific Gravity” Mean For Fuel?
Specific Gravity is the density difference between one substance and the density of a different substance used as a benchmark. Water is the benchmark for liquids and solids, while hydrogen or "air" being the measurement for gases.
How Is Octane Measured And How Are Ratings Found?
The most reliable way of testing the octane value of a fuel is to use a CFR (Cooperative Fuel Research) engine (AKA knock engine). The CFR testing method was developed in the 1920s as a reliable way to measure octane levels, and the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) still uses is to this day. Not the exact came engine though.
Can You Increase Mileage With A Fuel Saving Device?
I'm going to bet that you are continually looking for ways to save on fuel costs, especially with the fluctuating price of fuel. However, it's a myth that you will get better fuel consumption by installing a fuel saving device in your car; they don't work. SUPRISE!
Can I Run AvGas In My Dirt Bike?
AvGas, also known as Aviation Gasoline, is appealing to riders because of the high octane rating, low price (when compared to race gas), and its relative availability. These benefits make it out to be an obvious choice when looking for performance, but some aspects would suggest otherwise.
What is Octane? How Does It Affect My Engine?
Without going into depth about chemistry, octane refers to the measure of a fuel's resistance to detonation. The higher the octane level, the less susceptible fuel is to pre-ignition and detonation, also known as "knock."
Does Octane Booster Work Or Does It Just Look Flashy On The AutoZone Counter?
Do Those Flashy Bottles At the AutoZone Counter Do What They Claim? Bottled octane boosters can, without doubt, technically raise the octane of the gasoline in your tank. However, the extent by which they increase the octane depends on two significant variables; product and fuel dilution. On the one hand, high-quality octane boosters can deliver the octane increases they claim.
