Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
The Effects Of Low Grade Fuel On My CAT?? The Effects Of Low Grade Fuel On My CAT??
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
The Effects Of Low Grade Fuel On My CAT??
Hi
I am wondering what the effect/ damage low grade fuel [leaded fuel] can have on my Catalytic Converter on my XT660Z, on my trip from the UK to Thailand passing through Russia, Stanz and China, i understand leaded fuel will destroy the CAT.
It seems in these parts of the world there is only very low grade 86 RON and some leaded fuel used.
Has anyone had experience with this problem??
Am i better replacing the CAT with a aftermarket Exhaust??
Will the bike still run if Leaded Fuel is used???

Eric
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 147
See here http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...781#post382553, just 3 days ago.

The problem with the XT660Z is that you can't just take out the cat. Any aftermarket solution will cost just about as much as replacing the cat should it turn out to be ruined after the trip. So there is really not much to be gained financially in replacing it ahead of time. I worried about this too before heading into Iran and had the emissions tested on my return. It was fine. From colebatch's info in the linked post it sounds like you shouldn't worry.


Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Cyprus
Posts: 168
Quote:
Originally Posted by boarder View Post
See here http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...781#post382553, just 3 days ago.

The problem with the XT660Z is that you can't just take out the cat.
I can't actually speak for the XT660 but there is probably a way.

I removed the cat on my X Challenge exhaust with a hacksaw and angle grinder then had the can welded back together by a local fabricator for £30. Cheaper and quieter than a new can, a lot cooler than having a cat cooking my left leg.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jul 2012
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
Wait until you are on the road having a rest day and get a local metalworker to chop the cat out. It cost me £2.50 in Morocco, photos of the procedure on a XT660Z on this thread.

This was done a couple of years ago, no problems in the 20,000km since. I also have a stage 2 DNA air filter and what's known as Kev's fuel mod which is a little gizmo with a dial that you can use to adjust the fuel/air mix.

.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jul 2012
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
Wait until you are on the road having a rest day and get a local metalworker to chop the cat out. It cost me £2.50 in Morocco, photos of the procedure on a XT660Z on this thread.

This was done a couple of years ago, no problems in the 20,000km since. I also have a stage 2 DNA air filter and what's known as Kev's fuel mod which is a little gizmo with a dial that you can use to adjust the fuel/air mix.

.

Tim, it appears you neeed a 'login' for the XT site link
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 147
The OP was concerned with destroying his CAT. While Tim's method works, it is irreversible. A problem for those who have to undergo an emission test. My point was that instead of spending money upfront (or destroying the OEM exhaust by taking the CAT out) to just wait and see and replace the OEM exhaust after the trip, should the CAT be shot. Unfortunately, the stock Tenere is not like some other bikes where you can just replace a part of your exhaust system with the CAT before your trip and put the CAT back in for the emission test.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Jul 2012
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
No problems with emissions on UK bikes, it's never tested. I've stuck the photos up on HUBB at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...467#post387184
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 147
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
No problems with emissions on UK bikes
Same in NZ. The OP shouldn't have to worry then, other than concern for the environment.

FYI, Germany, where my Ten was originally registered does have an emissions test. You can trust that the Germans always have the strictest rules :-)

BTW, thanks for posting those pictures. That question pops up now and then on various forums and your pictures do show clearly how the OEM exhaust is put together.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
London To Australia - The Non Direct Route Rixxy's Ride Tales 77 8 Jun 2015 15:59
Taking extra fuel with you duive01 Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 26 24 Jul 2012 16:27
F800GS .. bad fuel warning .. don't let one tank of bad fuel end your trip _CY_ BMW Tech 4 5 Feb 2012 00:15
increasing fuel capacity Robertsmits Tech 9 19 Dec 2011 13:42
DRZ and Low octane/ Leaded fuel Fantastic Mister Fox Suzuki Tech 2 8 Nov 2011 08:13

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:07.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top