Octane Levels started by xINeEdSnOwIx
	October 13th 2009 at 9:56 PM Post #1
	xINeEdSnOwIx I walk softly but carry a big stick 215 Posts Group: Members Member Since: June 17th 2009 Location: Elk Lake, WI, USA Current Sled: 02 1/2 zr 440 sno pro
	So I did a little searchin around but I didn't come up with a straight answer. My sled is meant to be running 92 octane but around here and when I'm out on the trails it is hard to find 92. Does it really matter if I run 91 or 89 in it? If so what are the downfalls of doing it? 2002 1/2 zr 440 sno pro -D&D clutching -Fox shocks -6 inch bar risers -C&A skis -1.5 track -RSI handguards w/ billet mounts -RSI mountain bar .:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Edit Topic

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	October 13th 2009 at 10:06 PM Post #2
	James007 Disturbing the peace since 1991. 2090 Posts Group: Members Member Since: January 12th 2007 Location: kirkland lake, ontario, Canada Current Sled: 2009 MXZ X 600Etec 2008-2009 Miles: 1100
	Hmmm it should say 91 instead of 92, i could be wrong. Nothing wrong with running 89. Probly get a cleaner, smoother running engine if you use the recommend octane. Ive acctually heard before poeple hearing knocking in their engines from using 87 in their 800 high outputs 2009 MXZ X 600 ETEC www.youtube.com/sjames117 Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 13th 2009 at 10:21 PM Post #3
	Luke Snowmofile 903 Posts Group: Members Member Since: November 27th 2005 Location: Rotterdam, NY, USA Current Sled: 1998 XC 700 2008-2009 Miles: 410
	If it really needs 92 octane, and you run 87, youll get pre-ignition and run hot and probably pop a piston. 1998 XC 700 SLP pipe, boost bottle, power packs, VForce, clutched, Ripsaw 1.25, M-10 susp, 2 in riser, handlebar hooks, third testicle, and good brakes. "I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Alva Edison Amsoil dealer http://www.galushascottages.com Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 13th 2009 at 10:27 PM Post #4
	xINeEdSnOwIx I walk softly but carry a big stick 215 Posts Group: Members Member Since: June 17th 2009 Location: Elk Lake, WI, USA Current Sled: 02 1/2 zr 440 sno pro
	Well it used to be a backup race sled and the guy decided he didn't need a backup sled anymore and then sold it and the person then put the 92 heads on it for trail riding, and now it's mine. 2002 1/2 zr 440 sno pro -D&D clutching -Fox shocks -6 inch bar risers -C&A skis -1.5 track -RSI handguards w/ billet mounts -RSI mountain bar .:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 13th 2009 at 10:28 PM Post #5
	erick Alternate Realities erick pretty much excited that it's Friday, though there are no plans for the weekend yet! Updated Friday at 11:45 AM 11495 Posts Group: Administrators Member Since: April 10th 2001 Location: Strathcona, MN, USA Current Sled: IQr 800 & RMK 800 2008-2009 Miles: 800
	Most new sleds are calibrated to run premium fuel and will give the best performance and run safer with premium. The newer sleds with detonation sensors can tolerate lower octane fuels but the performance will suffer are more prone to to burndown and will have less than optimum fuel mileage. When sensing detonation the ECU will retard the spark and add more fuel trying to reduce the detonation level. They may seem to run fine but the engine will not run as well as it could. The newer high performance cars work in much the same way. Best performance and millage will always be with higher octane fuel. Hope this helps answer your question. Breaking free from the thoughts in my mind Rating: +1 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 13th 2009 at 10:54 PM Post #6
	xINeEdSnOwIx I walk softly but carry a big stick 215 Posts Group: Members Member Since: June 17th 2009 Location: Elk Lake, WI, USA Current Sled: 02 1/2 zr 440 sno pro
	Basically just try and get 92 if I can but if I can't then just get the next highest? 2002 1/2 zr 440 sno pro -D&D clutching -Fox shocks -6 inch bar risers -C&A skis -1.5 track -RSI handguards w/ billet mounts -RSI mountain bar .:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 12:40 AM Post #7
	stormrider62033 wally 4729 Posts Group: Members Member Since: December 25th 2004 Location: Gillespie, IL, USA Current Sled: 99xcr 800 2008-2009 Miles: 500
	eh this can be interesting ,if you want you're engine to run a long time use the better fuel ,,besides what ever body says yes the better gas cosy more but keeps your'e engine cleaner ,we all learned this 30 years ago mid Il alway's waiting for snow,moving north(way north)2001 thundercat 99xcr 800 97SPX ULTRA 96 zrt 600&800,92 doo plusX 92 v max 4 750 Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 7:02 AM Post #8
	arcticcatf5 Junior 537 Posts Group: Members Member Since: April 13th 2007 Location: Boston, NY, USA Current Sled: 2003 F5 Sno-Pro 2008-2009 Miles: None
	Quote originally posted by xINeEdSnOwIx Basically just try and get 92 if I can but if I can't then just get the next highest? yes that's the easiest way “Love is like racing across the frozen tundra on a snowmobile which flips over, trapping you underneath. At night, the ice-weasels come.” Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 8:27 AM Post #9
	xcr440 Sundowners Trail Coordinator xcr440 icefish's because having feeling in your fingertips is overrated. Updated Over 4 hours ago 12582 Posts Group: Members Member Since: February 1st 2003 Location: St.Germain/Edgerton, Wisconsin, USA Current Sled: 03prox700/97xcr440 2008-2009 Miles: 610
	Quote originally posted by stormrider62033 eh this can be interesting ,if you want you're engine to run a long time use the better fuel ,,besides what ever body says yes the better gas cosy more but keeps your'e engine cleaner ,we all learned this 30 years ago better fuel??? a good beer drinker isnt a picky beer drinker Loggers.... Working their ass off so you can wipe yours! "Steep ground is when your cutting a notch and notice a mountain goat looking at you like you are crazy." - Hexan woodbooga: (WOOD-boog-ah), n. regional dialect, common to areas of New Hampshire and Maine including the towns of Ossipee, Alton, Farmington, Acton, and Lebanon; one who attempts to obtain free firewood to fuel woodburning appliances in an effort to mitigate expenses related to home heating with fossil fuels. Frequently used as a term of derision by non-woodburners who mock the presence of loose bark and other wood waste in the beds of their pickup trucks. 2003 Pro x 700 almond/blue,10-66 black/red team 719 T-flow, 440 mains 1997 xcr440 my clutch kit, 380 mains,T-flow Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 12:32 PM Post #10
	stormrider62033 wally 4729 Posts Group: Members Member Since: December 25th 2004 Location: Gillespie, IL, USA Current Sled: 99xcr 800 2008-2009 Miles: 500
	Quote originally posted by xcr440 Quote originally posted by stormrider62033 eh this can be interesting ,if you want you're engine to run a long time use the better fuel ,,besides what ever body says yes the better gas cosy more but keeps your'e engine cleaner ,we all learned this 30 years ago better fuel??? Premium gas usually keeps carbon formations from forming ,this is a leading cause of engine failures carbon mid Il alway's waiting for snow,moving north(way north)2001 thundercat 99xcr 800 97SPX ULTRA 96 zrt 600&800,92 doo plusX 92 v max 4 750 Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 12:50 PM Post #11
	Twill08 Junior Member 303 Posts Group: Members Member Since: December 8th 2008 Location: Roseville, MN
	Is this for the sno pro? you should have a timing dial under the hood, if you have to run the lower octane gas just drop that dial to -3 and you should be okay just don't be holding it to the bars the whole time. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 12:54 PM  [ Modified October 14th 2009 at 12:58 PM ] Post #12
	sledfreak139 Sled Junky 368 Posts Group: Members Member Since: March 12th 2009 Location: Derry, NH, USA Current Sled: 05 Polaris Switchback 600 2008-2009 Miles: 400
	higher octane makes the gas burn slower if I'm correct. It helps get a better burn out of each explosion. Please correct me if i'm wrong though as this was my understanding. A quick google search confirmed what I said: "High octane gasoline burns slower than low octane gasoline. The slow burn prevents engine knock when cylinder pressures are high." It also said: "Knock occurs when cylinder pressures are high. It is normal for an engine to ping a little at full throttle because cylinder pressures are very high at full throttle. Engine knock, however, should not be ignored since it can result in serious damage to the engine." 2005 Polaris Switchback 600: SlyDog PowderHound Ski's, SLP Air Box Mod, V-Force 3 Reeds, 144" track fully studded, Powermadd Pivot Riser and 4" block, Polaris Hand guards, Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 12:59 PM Post #13
	xcr440 Sundowners Trail Coordinator xcr440 icefish's because having feeling in your fingertips is overrated. Updated Over 4 hours ago 12582 Posts Group: Members Member Since: February 1st 2003 Location: St.Germain/Edgerton, Wisconsin, USA Current Sled: 03prox700/97xcr440 2008-2009 Miles: 610
	Quote originally posted by stormrider62033 Quote originally posted by xcr440 Quote originally posted by stormrider62033 eh this can be interesting ,if you want you're engine to run a long time use the better fuel ,,besides what ever body says yes the better gas cosy more but keeps your'e engine cleaner ,we all learned this 30 years ago better fuel??? Premium gas usually keeps carbon formations from forming ,this is a leading cause of engine failures carbon true but with the amount of cleaners that are in fuel nowadays. There is not much difference between premium and low grade 87 carbon deposit wise. a good beer drinker isnt a picky beer drinker Loggers.... Working their ass off so you can wipe yours! "Steep ground is when your cutting a notch and notice a mountain goat looking at you like you are crazy." - Hexan woodbooga: (WOOD-boog-ah), n. regional dialect, common to areas of New Hampshire and Maine including the towns of Ossipee, Alton, Farmington, Acton, and Lebanon; one who attempts to obtain free firewood to fuel woodburning appliances in an effort to mitigate expenses related to home heating with fossil fuels. Frequently used as a term of derision by non-woodburners who mock the presence of loose bark and other wood waste in the beds of their pickup trucks. 2003 Pro x 700 almond/blue,10-66 black/red team 719 T-flow, 440 mains 1997 xcr440 my clutch kit, 380 mains,T-flow Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 1:39 PM Post #14
	stormrider62033 wally 4729 Posts Group: Members Member Since: December 25th 2004 Location: Gillespie, IL, USA Current Sled: 99xcr 800 2008-2009 Miles: 500
	man sure is around here were i live ,cheap fuel around here is what you get mid Il alway's waiting for snow,moving north(way north)2001 thundercat 99xcr 800 97SPX ULTRA 96 zrt 600&800,92 doo plusX 92 v max 4 750 Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 5:47 PM Post #15
	xINeEdSnOwIx I walk softly but carry a big stick 215 Posts Group: Members Member Since: June 17th 2009 Location: Elk Lake, WI, USA Current Sled: 02 1/2 zr 440 sno pro
	Quote originally posted by Twill08 Is this for the sno pro? you should have a timing dial under the hood, if you have to run the lower octane gas just drop that dial to -3 and you should be okay just don't be holding it to the bars the whole time. Ya for the 02 sp. I looked before and I didn't see a dial, knob or anything in that kind of matter. And when you say to run the lower octane gas, do you mean lower than 92 which it's meant to run right now or lower than 110 octane? 2002 1/2 zr 440 sno pro -D&D clutching -Fox shocks -6 inch bar risers -C&A skis -1.5 track -RSI handguards w/ billet mounts -RSI mountain bar .:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 5:58 PM Post #16
	sledcrusher Junior Member 379 Posts Group: Members Member Since: August 10th 2009 Location: Maine, USA Current Sled: 2003 Rev 600 2008-2009 Miles: 1400
	In any sled, I have been told run the lowest safe octane possible. Watch your plug wash, and pay attention to performance and exhaust smell as well as jetting, etc.. The lower the octane, in SOME cases, the more performance. The reason you need the higher octane is to run higher compression. The detonation point of the fuel is greater than that of a lower octane. Im pretty sure on the 02 SnoPro 440, as well as the 03, stock, their is no timing dial. You have to have the ECU sent to a Cat shop and have it done there. People think running race fuel ( or if your really dumb, you might say you can run JET fuel, which is just really clean diesel ) in their trail sled, or trail converted sled, will make their sled have 12391230 more hp. It won't. If your sled requires 87 octane, and you run 110, you will notice a loss of power. Running to low of an octane can even result in dieseling. This is when your plug gets so hot, that it acts like a glow plug, like in a diesel. It keeps going because the plug is so hot, and the compression:fuel ratio is just right to make it keep running. Even if you pull the plug wires off, it will keep running, so that is also a danger of running to low of an octane. Hope this helps a little Proud Supporter of Snowmobilers.com Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 6:36 PM Post #17
	Twill08 Junior Member 303 Posts Group: Members Member Since: December 8th 2008 Location: Roseville, MN
	The 02.5's came with LC domes so not sure what heads they swapped on.. I Thought all sno pro's 01+ had the dial. If you do have it it should be way up on the front a few other wires run up that way, but running 89 over 92 won't make a huge or damaging difference just try to get 92+ whenever you can. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 6:45 PM  [ Modified October 14th 2009 at 6:48 PM ] Post #18
	Quinlan Department of Corrections Quinlan is a little disappointed that he received HMK Highmark 4 boots instead of the Highmark Pros as he had anticipated... Updated Friday at 6:19 PM 9723 Posts Group: Moderators Member Since: December 8th 2003 Location: Fargo, ND, USA Current Sled: 06 SP 440/700, 98 ZR 600 2008-2009 Miles: 365
	Quote originally posted by sledcrusher Im pretty sure on the 02 SnoPro 440, as well as the 03, stock, their is no timing dial. And you would be wrong. 02 had LC heads that could run 92 stock, 03+ had to have heads swapped. So it'd depend on your "02 1/2" SnoPro being a 02 or 03 as to whether it "needed" to have the heads swapped. 2006 Arctic Cat SnoPro 440/700 EFI 1998 Arctic Cat ZR 600 EFI Custom 1996 Ski-Doo FormulaIII 600 A mountain lion roaming the prairie found a bull, killed it and ate the entire bull. With a heavy belly, unable to walk, the lion laid in the tall grass moaning and roaring. Soon a hunter, attracted by the roaring, shot and killed the lion. Moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut! Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 7:11 PM Post #19
	xINeEdSnOwIx I walk softly but carry a big stick 215 Posts Group: Members Member Since: June 17th 2009 Location: Elk Lake, WI, USA Current Sled: 02 1/2 zr 440 sno pro
	Quote originally posted by Quinlan 02 had LC heads that could run 92 stock, 03+ had to have heads swapped. So it'd depend on your "02 1/2" SnoPro being a 02 or 03 as to whether it "needed" to have the heads swapped. I heard from the previous owner that the stock 92 heads are in it. Basically all I'm asking is if there is not 92 octane where I'm getting gas can I get 91 octane? and how low could I go for octanes to be safe? 2002 1/2 zr 440 sno pro -D&D clutching -Fox shocks -6 inch bar risers -C&A skis -1.5 track -RSI handguards w/ billet mounts -RSI mountain bar .:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 8:51 PM Post #20
	sledcrusher Junior Member 379 Posts Group: Members Member Since: August 10th 2009 Location: Maine, USA Current Sled: 2003 Rev 600 2008-2009 Miles: 1400
	Oh, okay. I know my 04 had the dial on it, which was kind of a pain to get my hand on it to switch the dial, but my 02 didnt have it. Then again, I had a 700 in it, so it was removed. Thanks for the knowledge quinlan. Proud Supporter of Snowmobilers.com Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 10:10 PM Post #21
	Quinlan Department of Corrections Quinlan is a little disappointed that he received HMK Highmark 4 boots instead of the Highmark Pros as he had anticipated... Updated Friday at 6:19 PM 9723 Posts Group: Moderators Member Since: December 8th 2003 Location: Fargo, ND, USA Current Sled: 06 SP 440/700, 98 ZR 600 2008-2009 Miles: 365
	I would certainly run 91 if available. I would think you would be safe running it. 2006 Arctic Cat SnoPro 440/700 EFI 1998 Arctic Cat ZR 600 EFI Custom 1996 Ski-Doo FormulaIII 600 A mountain lion roaming the prairie found a bull, killed it and ate the entire bull. With a heavy belly, unable to walk, the lion laid in the tall grass moaning and roaring. Soon a hunter, attracted by the roaring, shot and killed the lion. Moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut! Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	October 14th 2009 at 11:32 PM Post #22
	stormrider62033 wally 4729 Posts Group: Members Member Since: December 25th 2004 Location: Gillespie, IL, USA Current Sled: 99xcr 800 2008-2009 Miles: 500
	All i know is the local boat dealers around here like it when people fill there boats up with cheap gas ,,keeps them in business year around ,carboned up engines gummed up carbs etc etc ,not worth buying pay the few extra cents mid Il alway's waiting for snow,moving north(way north)2001 thundercat 99xcr 800 97SPX ULTRA 96 zrt 600&800,92 doo plusX 92 v max 4 750 Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit