What is the preferable type of gas for the RX-1?

[Frostbite]

I live in eastern Washington near the city of Spokane. Around 10 years ago due to Spokane being more or less of a big bowl geographically and air pollution issues on the rise the county in which I live in decided to go with an "Oxygenated" form of gas from 1 October -1 March.
Initially this caused major problems. Two stroke burnt down like crazy because no one was told you had to jet fatter for the stuff, fuel filters plugged up due to the high level of alcohol in the fuel cleaning out the old junk in fuel systems.
As a bandaid fix most snowmobilers drove across the state line to north Idaho to pump "real gas" and sidestep all the problems with the "clean gas". This has worked fine for a number of years but it does raise some questions.
1. Was the original "reformulated" fuel that caused all these problems a "fluke" (bad formula) and has it since been changed and is now perhpas ok for two strokes?

2.Does the RX-1 have a preference on gas? The regular or the oxygenated?
I notice on our automobiles that when we switch to the oxygenated "winter gas" that everyones mileage goes down. Mine typically goes down at least four miles per gallon. I think that it takes from 25-30% more fuel for the same distance.
I thought extra oxygen in fuel was good for more power besides the benefit of cleaner emissions?
If that's the case why does it take more fuel? How can burning up to 1/3 more fuel clean up the air? Yes, tail pipe to tail pipe testing may show less emissions but when you factor in the added amount of fuel burned to cover the same distance it can't possibly make the air cleaner.

Really I just want to know if the RX-1 will make more power with the oxygenated or regular winter fuel? How about economy? Will it suffer with oxygenated just like automobiles? I would think so.
Ok you chemical engineers. Baffle us.
Frosty

 

[LazyBastard]

Good question. It it spoils fuel mileage, then it sounds like you just have to jet up bigger - probably make the same power. If there have been some problems, then absolutely make sure that you MONITOR YOUR SPARKPLUGS!! Maybe jet fat to start off and lean it down when you're confident that its not running lean.

 

[nhrxrider]

Also keep in mind that oxygenated fuel destroys metal and plastic parts. It causes some plastics, even those normally not affected by gasoline, to melt and disolve, causing major problems. Steel parts will rust from the inside out, because most have coatings on the outside, but not the inside. The oxygen in the fuel allows any moisture in the system (even the slight bit normally found in fuel) to cause the lines and other parts to rust. Aluminum, like carbs, will oxidize and corrode on the inside. Of course all this takes time, but if you don't believe it, I have some pictures of some fuel tank parts from a Jeep that only had 26,000 miles but had sat for 3 years. I couldn't believe what had been done to the parts! I'd avoid the stuff if at all possible!!!

Jim

 

[Frostbite]

I have read that there ares oem real pluses to the MTBE formulated gas. In an article in American Snowmobiler it says:

"it actually gives you more power if carbs and ignition are adjusted (richer jetting and some more ignition advance). Most prefer to richen the carbs and leave the ignition alone, just for safety margin. As an alcohol, MTBE also has the advantage of absorbing water, which is good news for snowmobilers who used to carry bottles of isopropal along to absorb water in the gas".

On the flip side:

MTBE may corode fuel injectors and aluminum passages and harden some plastic and rubber components in the fuel system, but the gas also usually has some additive to prevent this. MTBE based fuels can also dilute petroleum based oils and influence engine lubrication.

I have purchased some race additive for my fuel before that claimed to raise the oxygen content in the fuel. If I were to use this wooldn't it be better to use it with the MTBE based fuels that already have a higher O2 component? MTBE fuels supposedly have a 2.7% higher O2 rating than normal gas.

Confused in Spokane.

 

[LazyBastard]

Clear rubber fuel lines are made hard by ANY gas. The grey lines on RX1 won't be affected since they're good rubber - thats the reason they use the grey rubber rather than clear.

Hey about that CHeep that sat for 3 years... no kidding it would rust - any fuel system that sits empty or partially empty will rust, you need to keep fuel full in order to prevent corrosion.