AV gas in '07 Attak

[sbsmith70]

I need an informed opinion. I'm trying to optimize cold weather starting on my Attak. Last year it was -37F when we left Dawson, Yukon on our way back to Tok, Alaska. My Attak started but it was a close call. I have circulating heater, oil tank heater, battery heater and am running Irridium plugs and 0-30 Mobil 1 oil. I'm thinking of using 100 octane low lead AV gas to help the cold weather starting issue. Any comments or other ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks.
SB Smith
Fairbanks, Alaska

 

[Phazernut]

While I am not an expert by no means....I know the AVGAS will make the sled run hotter. Not sure what effect the lead will have on the engine. Also the price of AVGAS is crazy compared to regular gas. I'm sure someone else here has more experiance with it.

 

[06apexrtx]

iwas always under the impression thatthe higher octang gas makes the sled run worse when you don't have the high compression to support it?

 

[snoseeker]

higher the octang the cooler the temp it burns at so no not a good idea unless you have more compression to burn it but it is great for storage over the summer

 

[bashley]

I don't believe you'll see any gains on trying this. You will lose performance if anything. AV Gas might light off a little easier but not enough to get the cold oil and greased bearings to turn any easier. And please don't use starting fluid either, you're just asking for trouble with these new motors. It might work a couple times but the long term effects aren't worth it.

The best thing you can do, if there is a possibility on getting caught out in that kind of weather, is get the remote start they're selling on here. It will start up periodically based on engine temp.
With one of those, some exhaust tips (that turn out), and a gas can the Tok to Dawson run will not be a worry anymore.

 

[Phazernut]

I knew there was something I forgot.

 

[Turk]

av gas will make the sled harder to start in cold temp & run crappier. Use the av gas when u install a turbo or supercharger.

 

[Super Sled]

higher the octang the cooler the temp it burns at so no not a good idea unless you have more compression to burn it but it is great for storage over the summer

X2

 

[tomanytoyz]

I need an informed opinion. I'm trying to optimize cold weather starting on my Attak. Last year it was -37F when we left Dawson, Yukon on our way back to Tok, Alaska. My Attak started but it was a close call. I have circulating heater, oil tank heater, battery heater and am running Irridium plugs and 0-30 Mobil 1 oil. I'm thinking of using 100 octane low lead AV gas to help the cold weather starting issue. Any comments or other ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks.
SB Smith
Fairbanks, Alaska

Did it turn over strong?if its bad gas or water in fuel it will cause hard starting expecially at -37F.throw a heated blanket over the fuel tank.its the only thing that ain't warmed up..

 

[ROCKERDAN]

av gas will make the sled harder to start in cold temp & run crappier. Use the av gas when u install a turbo or supercharger.

X3......i higher flash point(higher octane) will be harder to start. Hi octanes are used to stop preignition under Hi compression,either on Hi comp race motors or BOOSTED motors.

run 87 octane,and maybe some isopropyl for cold mornings.

I would think with the block heater and battery heater you should start up with no issues.....are you sure these heaters are working properly?

Dan

 

[sbsmith70]

AV gas & cold weather starting

Thanks for all the good info. Yes. All the heaters are working properly. The real trick to cold weather starting (-30F) and colder is to use 1/4 trottle when starting the motor. I know this flies in the face of the common wisdom but Dawson, Yukon is a very cold place. When my Attak wouldn't quite fire at -37F the President of the local snowmachine club walked over, gave it 1/4 trottle, turned the key at it fired. According to him, when you turn the ignition on the injectors pump a preset amount of fuel into the engine. At -37F, it's not enough. All I know is the there were several Yamaha's on the Tok-Dawson run, all with the same issues. That is until we tried the 1/4 trottle trick, we all got home.
Thanks for all the responses.
sbsmith

 

[apltx08]

Add SEAFOAM to your gas, its a good conditioner, stabilizer and keeps your gas from freezing, only use 87 octane in a STOCK APEX.... http://www.seafoamsales.com/motor-treatment/index.html