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Joined: Nov 9, 2015 11:46:28 GMT -5
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Post by ottoman on Nov 24, 2015 21:52:05 GMT -5
My Lifan Laguna 250 requires  Octane, 10.x:1 compression, 12KW, but I'm running 91RON ULP w/out ethanol and it's slowly overheating on runs. I've already decided to run  RON, just hoping that's going to fix it. I'm quite heavy, tho' my riding area is reasonably flat - just a few slopes, most modest and mild winds atm. |
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Post by hillbillybob on Nov 27, 2015 6:15:19 GMT -5
I really doubt that it's the gas you've been using......I'd be looking elsewhere for a problem with overheating.
I burn 91 octane, non-ethanol in my scooter (10.5:1 cr), and in both BMW's (10:1 cr), without any pre-ignition.
Don't know anything about your Lifan, but would almost bet it is liquid cooled.....if so, I'd sooner think that is the route of your problem......not the gasoline. A steady diet of ethanol blended fuel, will only add to your woes.
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Post by rockynv on Nov 27, 2015 16:42:56 GMT -5
How old is the bike, how long have you had it and what climate are we talking about?
Be mindful that the Lifan Laguna 250 has a water cooled engine which requires that the coolant be flushed and replaced with fresh at a minimum of every 2 years or it will to corrode internally and overheat. Also if its running lean due to clogged carb jets or any vacuum leaks it can also overheat. If the valves need adjustment that too can lead to overheating.
If the coolant has not been regularly flushed every 2 years you might want to start off with a white vinegar flush to clean out the cooling system thoroughly rinsing it out with distilled water and then filling it with a mixed metal coolant. I use a shop vac to help clean out the block when doing this.
Higher octane helps protect valves, heads and pistons in higher compression engines and can extend the period between valve adjustments however at 10:1 then 91 octane should be fine unless we are talking 10.9:1. The basic rule of thumb for compression is 8:1 takes regular, 9:1 to 10:1 takes mid grade and 11:1 or higher needs premium however with the tendency for the valve seats to be soft in these engines jumping a grade higher than required to extend time between valve adjustments and reduce wear to the valve seats is a good practice.
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Post by dollartwentyfive on Dec 1, 2015 10:31:44 GMT -5
i ran regular unleaded, no ethanol, in my 244cc for 9,000 miles with no problems. also, there seems to be differences in the quality of gas at various stations. i always got my gas at 1 of 2 places, while in town. out of town i would try to find the same brand of gas if i could. on long runs, you might try some octane booster if you have questions about the quality of gas you are getting. my ride also overheated, and badly, when i first got it. i couldn't ride it for more than about 3 or 4 miles before the red light came on. and it wasn't due to a gas issue. the steps i took to eliminate this issue: 1. removed the thermo, but i kept it. 2. wired the fans to continually run. 3. drilled holes in my CVT cover. these weren't randomly placed. i drilled 12 (9/16)" holes directly over the variator. the idea here is to suck fresh air into the case by the holes and exhaust it from the back of the case. this alone probably accounted for half of my overheating problems. my case was all metal, and it would get so hot, i'm surprised the belt didn't melt. i couldn't keep my hand on it for more than a second. after drilling the holes, the cover felt slightly warm. after making the above mods, i could WOT all day long in degree heat. other things you might check, make sure none of your hoses are collapsed. there are no restrictions (smaller diameter hoses). |
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Post by jerseyboy on Dec 2, 2015 13:21:51 GMT -5
I run regular when I forget and it runs fine.
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Post by rockynv on Dec 3, 2015 1:30:46 GMT -5
Yes medium and high compression engines may appear to run fine on occasional use of regular however its in the long term use and maintenance of the bike where the differences can start to show. If you never go over 30 mph or ride when its over 75 degrees out you may get away with it however if running at State Road or Expressway speeds you need the higher octane and valve cushioning additives that are used instead of lead in the premium grades of fuels. Occasional mixing of regular and premium is usually OK on an engine with 9:1 or greater compression as long as its only every now and then and not several tanks in a row.
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Post by SylvreKat on Dec 3, 2015 7:38:34 GMT -5
... also, there seems to be differences in the quality of gas at various stations. ... This is very true. My brother works at Shell and has told me to always try getting gas from a company that refines their own, like BP or Shell. I know around here, Conoco/Phillips' gas gives less MPG than BP or Shell. My old Taurus would only get 12 mpg from C/P gas (with crapanol). Then there's Quik Trip. Another Shell employee told me QT buys gas in lots from whatever company has a large quantity of spare to sell. So it might be Shell gas, or C/P, or who-knows. But they do hold to their guarantee if their gas damages your vehicle. I pretty much had to use them with the old wagon, since they were the only ones with clean pure gas. Meanwhile, the newish car doesn't seem to care where or what goes in. But then, it can handle 80% corn, so that's not real surprising to me. So yeah, don't just assume that gas is gas and all gas is equal. Figure out which stations carry better quality and try to stick with buying from them. >'Kat |
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Post by rockynv on Dec 3, 2015 13:26:48 GMT -5
In some areas all gas is the same coming from common distribution lines or a tank depot. The difference begins with the quality of the Ethanol they add to it and then the additive package. Depending on brand and grade a different pill will be put in the tank truck before they drive off to replenish the filling station.
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Post by spunn on Dec 14, 2015 15:58:13 GMT -5
I use regular ole 87 from Chevron, works like a charm and I commute at least 115 miles a day
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Post by rockynv on Dec 15, 2015 4:39:14 GMT -5
I use regular ole 87 from Chevron, works like a charm and I commute at least 115 miles a day Yes a fuel injected bike with computer feed back and knock sensors will do better on 87 than a carbureted bike with mid to high compression and no computerized systems to protect it. |
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Post by spunn on Dec 18, 2015 11:28:07 GMT -5
I use regular ole 87 from Chevron, works like a charm and I commute at least 115 miles a day Yes a fuel injected bike with computer feed back and knock sensors will do better on 87 than a carbureted bike with mid to high compression and no computerized systems to protect it. Oh how I remember cleaning the old carb out in many of the VW's I have owned.......bless fuel injection! (till it breaks) |
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Post by rockynv on Dec 18, 2015 13:29:09 GMT -5
Yes a fuel injected bike with computer feed back and knock sensors will do better on 87 than a carbureted bike with mid to high compression and no computerized systems to protect it. Oh how I remember cleaning the old carb out in many of the VW's I have owned.......bless fuel injection! (till it breaks) I wonder how the gasoline fired forced hot air heaters that they used in the colder climates in the old bugs hold up to ethanol. It always made me take pause when turning on one of those things with the gas tank right above them behind the dashboard. |
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Post by spunn on Dec 28, 2015 17:26:41 GMT -5
Oh how I remember cleaning the old carb out in many of the VW's I have owned.......bless fuel injection! (till it breaks) I wonder how the gasoline fired forced hot air heaters that they used in the colder climates in the old bugs hold up to ethanol. It always made me take pause when turning on one of those things with the gas tank right above them behind the dashboard. Crap, you have the guy in the front legs on fire and the guy in the back seat wrapped in a blanket! |
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Post by rockynv on Dec 29, 2015 2:27:14 GMT -5
I wonder how the gasoline fired forced hot air heaters that they used in the colder climates in the old bugs hold up to ethanol. It always made me take pause when turning on one of those things with the gas tank right above them behind the dashboard. Crap, you have the guy in the front legs on fire and the guy in the back seat wrapped in a blanket! Sit over to the side with the battery and you'll be a little bit warmer in the back seat. ;> |
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Octane, 10.x:1 compression, 12KW, but I'm running 91RON ULP w/out ethanol 
RON, just hoping that's going to fix it. I'm quite heavy, tho' my riding area is reasonably flat - just a few slopes, most modest and mild winds atm. 
