Honda VFR800 VFR 800 Owners Maintenance Manual

5. Remove the fixing bolts ( 5 ) and If You Have a Flat Tire
remove the right caliper assembly ( 6).
To avoid damage to the brake hose 6. Remove the axle bolt ( 7), and then
during removal, support the caliper loosen the right and left axle pinch bolts
assembly so that it doesn’t hang from ( 8 ).
the hose. Do not twist the brake hose.
Avoid getting grease, oil, or dirt on RIGHT FRONT
the disc or pad surfaces. Any
contamination can cause poor brake
performance or rapid pad wear after
reassembly.

(7) (8)

(7) axle bolt
(8) axle pinch bolt

(cont’d)

Taking Care of the Unexpected 193

If You Have a Flat Tire Installation
1. Install the side collars and position the
7. Remove the front axle shaft ( 9), wheel,
and side collar. wheel between the fork legs. Insert the
Avoid depressing the brake lever front axle shaft from the left side,
when the wheel is off the motorcycle. through the left fork leg and wheel hub.
This will force the caliper pistons out 2. Align the index line (10) of the front
of the cylinders. The result will be axle shaft with the recessed surface (11)
loss of brake fluid. If this occurs, the of the fork leg.
brake system will require service. See
your Honda dealer for this service. (11)

LEFT FRONT

(10)

(7) (9) (10) index line (11) surface
(7) axle pinch bolt (9) front axle shaft

194 Taking Care of the Unexpected

3. Tighten the axle pinch bolt on the left If You Have a Flat Tire
fork leg to the specified torque:
16 lbf·ft (22 N·m , 2.2 kgf·m) 8. Operate the front brake and pump the
fork several times. Check for free
4. Tighten the axle bolt to the specified wheel rotation after the brake is
torque: released. Recheck the wheel if the brake
43 lbf·ft (59 N·m , 6.0 kgf·m) drags or the wheel does not rotate freely.

5. Install the right and left brake caliper 9. If the clearances between each surface
onto the fork leg. of the brake disc and the brake bracket
To avoid damaging the brake pads, (13) (not brake pads) are symmetrical,
carefully fits the brake disc (12) follow next step.
between the pads. If the clearances are not symmetrical,
loosen the left axle pinch bolt and pull
6. Install the right caliper fixing bolts and the left fork outward or push inward to
tighten to the specified torque: adjust the clearance. Then follow the
23 lbf·ft (31 N·m , 3.2 kgf·m) next step.

7. Install the A and B left caliper socket 10. Tighten the axle pinch bolt on the right
bolts, and tighten to the specified fork leg to the specified torque:
torque: 16 lbf·ft (22 N·m , 2.2 kgf·m)
23 lbf·ft (31 N·m , 3.2 kgf·m)

Taking Care of the Unexpected 195

If You Have a Flat Tire Check for free wheel rotation after
the brake lever and brake pedal are
(13) (14) (13) released. Recheck the wheel if the
brake drags or if the wheel does not
(12) rotate freely.
After installing the wheel, operate the
(12) brake disc (14) clearance brake lever AND brake pedal several
times until you feel pressure. You
(13) brake bracket must restore pressure from BOTH the
lever AND the pedal because this
Visually check that the clearances motorcycle is equipped with a Linked
between each surface of the brake disc Braking System.
and the brake bracket (not brake pads) Verify proper brake operation before
are symmetrical. riding.

11. After installing the wheel, apply the 12. Remove the protective tapes from the
brake lever AND brake pedal several front wheel.
times, then recheck both discs for
caliper holder to disc clearance. Do not
operate the motorcycle without
adequate clearance.

196 Taking Care of the Unexpected

If a torque wrench was not used for If You Have a Flat Tire
installation, see your Honda dealer as soon
as possible to verify proper assembly. 2. Remove the four rear wheel nuts ( 1).
Improper assembly may lead to loss of RIGHT REAR
braking capability.
(2) (1)
Emergency Rear Wheel
Removal/Installation (1) rear wheel nuts
(2) rear wheel
Refer to Saf ety Precautions on page 74 .
3. Remove the rear wheel ( 2) slowly.
We recommend wheel removal be done
only by your Honda dealer or another
qualified mechanic. Do not attempt to
remove the wheel on your own. Wheel
removal requires mechanical skill and
professional tools.
Removal
1. Park your motorcycle on its center stand

on a firm, level surface.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 197

If You Have a Flat Tire If a torque wrench was not used for
installation, see your Honda dealer as soon
Installation as possible to verify proper assembly.
1. Position the rear wheel and install the Improper assembly may lead to loss of
braking capability.
rear wheel nuts.
Avoid getting grease, oil, or dirt on
the disc or pad surfaces. Any
contamination can cause poor brake
performance or rapid pad wear after
reassembly.

2. Tighten the rear wheel nuts to the
specified torque:
80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)

3. After installing the wheel, apply the
brake several times and then check if
the wheel rotates freely. Recheck the
wheel if the brake drags or if the wheel
does not rotate freely.

4. Operate the brake pedal and check the
brake operation.

5. Inspect the brake system (page 146 ).

198 Taking Care of the Unexpected

Normally, the coolant temperature on your If Your Engine Overheats
temperature meter will rise and then level
off. Hot weather may cause the Continuing to ride with an overheated
temperature to rise higher than normal. So engine can cause serious engine damage.
will temporary stress such as climbing a
hill. If you’re stuck in stop-and-go traffic, A steaming engine indicates a coolant
the temperature may climb some, but the leak. Shut the engine off and wait until
radiator fan is designed to prevent the steaming stops. Look for a leak, but
overheating. Be aware of these variations don’t touch the engine or radiator
as you monitor the meter. system. Let everything cool off first.
If there’s no obvious problem, leave the
If the coolant temperature display begins engine on so the fan and coolant
to flash, a red bar appears on the display circulating system can continue
and the coolant temperature indicator goes working. Monitor the temperature meter.
on for no apparent reason, pull safely to The temperature may drop to the
the side of the road. If possible, park in a normal range after a brief stop with no
shady area. load on the engine.

(cont’d)

Taking Care of the Unexpected 199

If Your Engine Overheats If the temperature doesn’t drop, do not
ride. The engine needs repair. Transport
Check the radiator fan. your motorcycle to a Honda dealer
If the fan is not working, turn the (page 179 ).
engine off. Open the fuse box (page If the temperature drops to normal,
202 ) and check the radiator fan fuse. check the coolant level. If it has gone
If the fuse is blown, replace it with the down, add more coolant.
proper (same rating) spare fuse. Start
the engine. If the coolant temperature If you are able to resume riding, continue
indicator goes on, the coolant to monitor the meter frequently.
temperature display begins to flash, and
a red bar appears and stays on the If there’s a mild leak, you can ride for
display, turn the engine off. awhile, carefully watching the meter. Be
If the radiator fan is working, visually prepared to stop and add more coolant or
check the coolant level in the reserve water. If the leak is bad, transport your
tank, located behind the left lower motorcycle to a Honda dealer (page 179 ).
fairing (page 115 ). It isn’t necessary to
touch the radiator system.
If the reserve tank is low or empty, don’t
ride without adding coolant (page 115 ).
After adding coolant, turn the engine on
and check the temperature meter.

200 Taking Care of the Unexpected

If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Lights

If you check your engine oil level Continuing to ride with low oil pressure
regularly, you should never see the low oil can cause serious engine damage.
pressure indicator while riding. Normally,
it will only light momentarily when you Check for an oil leak.
turn the ignition switch ON. Occasionally, Then check the oil level. If necessary,
it may flicker at or near idling speed. add the recommended oil (page 105 ) to
the upper level mark. If you must leave
Low oil pressure may be caused by an oil your motorcycle to get oil, secure it as
leak, a low oil level, or some problem in much as possible.
the engine’s lubrication system. After adding oil, start the engine, and
check that the low oil pressure indicator
If the indicator comes on while you’re goes off. Check for a possible leak.
riding, don’t ignore it. Pull safely to the
side of the road. If possible, pull the clutch If the indicator goes off and there is no
lever in and coast to a stop. Stop the leak –– resume riding. If there is a
engine as soon as it’s safe to do so. leak –– do not ride the motorcycle until
the leak is repaired by a Honda dealer.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 201

If a Fuse Blows (INTERCEPTOR)
The circuit fuse box (including spare
All of the electrical circuits on your fuse) is located under the right inner
motorcycle have fuses to protect them panel.
from damage caused by excess current (INTERCEPTOR ABS)
flow (short circuit or overload). The circuit fuse boxes (including spare
fuses) are located under the left and
If something electrical on your motorcycle right inner panels.
stops working, the first thing you should
check for is a blown fuse. Recommended Fuses
Determine from the chart on the circuit
fuse box cover which fuse or fuses control main fuse A 30A
that component. Check those fuses first, main fuse B 30A
but check all the fuses before looking other fuses 10A, 20A
elsewhere for another possible cause of 30A (INTERCEPTOR ABS ONLY)
the problem. Replace any blown fuses and
check component operation.

Main fuse A (and spare) are located on
the starter motor magnetic switch ( 3)
under the seat.
Main fuse B is located under the seat.

202 Taking Care of the Unexpected

1. To prevent an accidental short circuit, If a Fuse Blows
turn the ignition switch OFF before
checking or replacing the fuses. Main Fuse Access:
3. To access the main fuse A ( 1 ),
2. Remove the seat (page 90 ).
disconnect the wire connector ( 2 ) of
UNDER SEAT (7) (6) the starter magnetic switch ( 3 ).
(1) 4. Pull main fuse A out.
(2) If it is blown (4 ), install spare main
(3) fuse A ( 5 ).
MAIN FUSE A, B
(5)
(4)
(1) main fuse A
(2) wire connector (4) blown fuse
(3) starter magnetic switch (cont’d)
(5) spare main fuse A
(6) main fuse B Taking Care of the Unexpected 203
(7) main fuse B cover

If a Fuse Blows Circuit Fuse Access:
10. Remove the inner panel (page 96 ).
5. Reconnect the wire connector. 11. Open the fuse box cover ( 8 ).
6. To access main fuse B ( 6), open the
RIGHT FRONT
main fuse B cover ( 7 ).
7. Pull main fuse B out. (8)

If it is blown, install a new main fuse B.
8. Close the main fuse B cover.
9. Install the seat.

(9)

(8) cover
(9) spare fuses

204 Taking Care of the Unexpected

LEFT FRONT If a Fuse Blows
(INTERCEPTOR ABS only)
CIRCUIT FUSE
(10)

(8) (10) blown fuse

(8) cover (9) 13. Close the fuse box cover.
(9) spare fuses 14. Install the inner panel.
If you do not have a replacement fuse with
12. To check or replace a circuit fuse, pull the proper rating for the circuit, install one
the old fuse out of its retaining clips. with a lower rating.
Look for a burned wire inside the fuse.
If the fuse is blown (10 ), replace it with Replacing a f use with one that has a
a spare fuse ( 9 ) of the same rating or higher rating greatly increases the chance
lower. of damage to the electrical system.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 205

If a Fuse Blows

If you do not have a spare fuse and you
cannot ride the motorcycle without fixing
the problem, take a fuse of the same rating
or a lower rating from one of the other
circuits that you can do without
temporarily.

If you replace a blown fuse with a spare
fuse that has a lower rating, replace the
fuse with the correct rating as soon as you
can. Also remember to replace any spare
fuses that were installed.

If the replacement fuse of the same rating
burns out in a short time, there is probably
a serious electrical problem on your
motorcycle. Leave the blown fuse in that
circuit and have your motorcycle checked
by your Honda dealer.

206 Taking Care of the Unexpected

Personal safety is your first priority after If You Crash
any accident. If you or anyone else has
been injured, take time to assess the If there is minor damage, or you are
severity of the injuries and whether it is unsure about possible damage, ride slowly
safe to continue riding. Call for and cautiously. Sometimes, crash damage
emergency assistance if needed. Also is hidden or not immediately apparent, so
follow applicable laws and regulations if you should have your motorcycle
another person or vehicle is involved in thoroughly checked at a qualified service
the accident. facility as soon as possible. Also, be sure
to have your Honda dealer check the
If you decide you are capable of riding frame and suspension after any serious
safely, carefully inspect your motorcycle crash.
for damage and determine if it is safe to
ride. Check the tightness of critical nuts If your motorcycle cannot be ridden, see
and bolts securing such parts as the Transporting Your Motorcycle, page 179 .
handlebar, control levers, brakes, and
wheels.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 207

If You Lose Your Key If you lose your key and aren’t carrying a
duplicate, either get your spare or have
Be sure to record your key number in the one made. If you don’t know your key
Quick Reference section at the rear of the number, call the dealer you purchased
manual. You’ll need this number to have a your Honda from. They may have it listed
duplicate key made. in their records. If they don’t, transport
your motorcycle to them or the nearest
A lost key won’t be a problem if you take Honda dealer. The dealer will probably
preventative action. Store one duplicate have to remove the ignition switch
key in a safe place at home and carry a assembly to find the key number so they
second duplicate in your wallet. can make a key for you.

208 Taking Care of the Unexpected

If Your Battery Is Low (or Dead)

Jump starting is not recommended,
especially if you use an automobile battery.
The greater amperage of an automobile
battery when the car engine is running can
damage your motorcycle’s electrical
system.
Bump starting is also not recommended.
If you can’t charge the battery or it
appears unable to hold a charge, contact
your Honda dealer.

Taking Care of the Unexpected 209

210 Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section contains dimensions, Technical Information
capacities, and other technical data, plus
information on government requirements Vehicle Identification........................... 212
and how to break-in your motorcycle. Specifications ....................................... 215
Break-in Guidelines.............................. 222
Emission Control Systems ................... 223
Catalytic Converter .............................. 229
Oxygenated Fuels ................................. 230

Technical Information 211

Vehicle Identification The VIN (vehicle identification number)
appears on the Safety Certification Label
Serial Numbers attached to the left side of the frame.

The frame, VIN, and engine serial LEFT SIDE
numbers are required when you register
your motorcycle. They may also be (1)
required when ordering replacement parts.
You may record these numbers in the
Quick Reference section at the rear of this
manual.

(1) VIN

212 Technical Information

The frame number ( 2 ) is stamped on the Vehicle Identification
right side of the steering head.
The engine number ( 3 ) is stamped on the
RIGHT SIDE top of the crankcase.

(2) LEFT SIDE

(3)

(2) frame number (3) engine number

Technical Information 213

Vehicle Identification

Color Label & Code

The color label is attached to the frame
under the seat. Remove the seat (page 90 )
to check the label.
The color code is helpful when ordering
replacement parts. You may record the
color and code in the Quick Reference
section at the rear of this manual.
UNDER SEAT

(1)

(1) color label

214 Technical Information

Specifications

Dimensions 83.5 in (2,120 mm)
overall length 28.9 in (735 mm)
overall width 47.0 in (1,195 mm)
overall height 57.5 in (1,460 mm)
wheelbase 4.9 in (125 mm)
ground clearance

Technical Information 215

Specifications

Fuel & Lubricants unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 86 or higher
fuel
recommendation 5.81 US gal (22.0 )
fuel tank capacity after disassembly: 4.0 US qt (3.8 )
engine oil capacity after draining: 3.1 US qt (2.9 )
after draining & oil filter change: 3.3 US qt (3.1 )
engine oil API Service Classification SG or higher except oils
recommendation labeled as energy conserving on the circular API service
label, SAE 10W-40, JASO T 903 standard MA,
drive chain lubricant Pro Honda GN4 or HP4 (without molybdenum additives)
cooling system, 4-stroke oil (USA & Canada) or Honda 4-stroke oil
recommendation (Canada only), or an equivalent motorcycle oil
SAE 80 or 90 gear oil
cooling system, Pro Honda HP Coolant or an equivalent high quality
capacity ethylene glycol antifreeze containing corrosion protection
inhibitors specifically recommended for use in aluminum
engines
3.09 US qt (2.92 )

216 Technical Information

Specifications

Capacities Operator and one passenger
passenger
capacity USA: 399 lbs (181 kg)
maximum weight Canada: 408 lbs (185 kg)
capacity rider, passenger, all cargo and accessories

Engine Specifications

displacement 47.7 cu-in (782 cm )

bore & stroke 2.83 x 1.89 in (72.0 x 48.0 mm)

compression ratio 11.6 : 1

spark plug IMR9B 9H (NGK) or

(standard) VNH27Z (DENSO)

spark plug IMR8B 9H (NGK) or

(cold climate) VNH24Z (DENSO)

spark plug gap 0.031 0.035 in (0.80 0.90 mm) no adjustment

valve clearance intake 0.008 in (0.20 mm)

(cold) exhaust 0.014 in (0.35 mm)

idle speed 1,200 100 rpm

Technical Information 217

Specifications

Power Transmission 1.939
primary reduction 2.846
gear ratio, 1st 2.062
2nd 1.578
3rd 1.291
4th 1.111
5th 0.965
6th 2.687
final reduction drive (engine) sprocket: 16
standard driven (rear wheel) sprocket: 43
sprocket sizes chain
final drive DID50VA8 or RK50HFOZ5

218 Technical Information

Specifications

Chassis & Suspension

caster 25°30’

trail 3.7 in (95 mm)

tire size, front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)

tire size, rear 180/55ZR17M/C (73W)

tire type radial ply, tubeless

tire pressure, front 36 psi (250 kPa , 2.50 kgf/cm )

(cold)

tire pressure, rear 42 psi (290 kPa , 2.90 kgf/cm )

(cold)

Electrical 12V 10Ah or
battery 12V 11Ah
0.497kW/5,000rpm
generator

Technical Information 219

Specifications 12V 55W (4 bulbs)
12V 21/5W (2 bulbs)
Lights 12V 21W (front)
headlight 12V 21W (rear)
brake/tail light 12V 8W
turn signal lights

license light

220 Technical Information

Specifications

Fuses 30A
main A 30A
main B 10A, 20A, 30A (INTERCEPTOR ABS ONLY)
other fuses

Torque Specifications

engine oil drain bolt 22 lbf·ft (30 N·m , 3.1 kgf·m)

engine oil filter 20 lbf·ft (26 N·m , 2.7 kgf·m)

front wheel axle 43 lbf·ft (59 N·m , 6.0 kgf·m)

bolt

front wheel caliper 23 lbf·ft (31 N·m , 3.2 kgf·m)

fixing bolts

front wheel caliper 23 lbf·ft (31 N·m , 3.2 kgf·m)

socket bolts

front wheel axle 16 lbf·ft (22 N·m , 2.2 kgf·m)

pinch bolts

rear wheel nuts 80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)

Technical Information 221

Break-in Guidelines

Help assure your motorcycle’s future
reliability and performance by paying
extra attention to how you ride during the
first 300 miles (500 km).
During this period, avoid full-throttle
starts and rapid acceleration.

222 Technical Information

Exhaust Emission Requirements Emission Control Systems
The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), the California Air Warranty Compliance
Resources Board (CARB), and Compliance with the terms of the
Environment Canada require that your Distributor’s Warranties for Honda
motorcycle comply with applicable Motorcycle Emission Control Systems is
exhaust emissions standards during its necessary in order to keep the emissions
useful life, when operated and maintained system warranty in effect. (USA only)
according to the instructions provided.
(1)
Noise Emission Requirements
The EPA also requires that motorcycles (2)
built after January 1, 1983 comply with
applicable noise emission standards for (1) vehicle emission control information
one year or 3,730 miles (6,000 km) after label
the time of sale to the ultimate purchaser,
when operated and maintained according (2) vehicle emission control information
to the instructions provided. (USA only) label (Canada only)

Technical Information 223

Emission Control Systems Source of Exhaust Emissions
The combustion process produces carbon
The Vehicle Emission Control monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
Information label ( 1 ) ( 2) is attached to and hydrocarbons (HC). Control of
the air cleaner housing under the fuel tank. hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen is
very important because, under certain
conditions, they react to form
photochemical smog when subjected to
sunlight. Carbon monoxide does not react
in the same way, but it is toxic.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. utilizes various
systems to reduce carbon monoxide,
oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons.

224 Technical Information

Exhaust Emission Control System Emission Control Systems
The exhaust emission control system
includes a secondary air injection system, PGM-FI System
PGM-FI system, two three-way catalytic The PGM-FI system uses sequential
converters, and two heated oxygen sensors. multiport fuel injection. It has four
subsystems: Air Intake, Engine Control,
No adjustment to these systems should be Fuel Control, and Exhaust Control.
made although periodic inspection of the The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses
components is recommended. various sensors to determine how much air
is going into the engine. It then controls
how much fuel to inject under all
operating conditions.

Ignition Timing Control System
The system constantly adjusts the ignition
timing, reducing the amount of HC, CO
and NOx produced.

Technical Information 225

Emission Control Systems Evaporative Emission Control System
(USA only)
Secondary Air Injection System This motorcycle complies with the
The secondary air injection system requirements of the California Air
introduces filtered air into the exhaust Resources Board (CARB) evaporative
gases in the exhaust port. The secondary emission regulations. Fuel vapor from the
air injection system helps improve fuel tank is directed into the charcoal
emission performance. canister and air cleaner where it is
adsorbed and stored while the engine is
Three-Way Catalytic Converters stopped. When the engine is running and
The three-way catalytic converters are in the purge control solenoid valve is open,
the exhaust system. Through chemical fuel vapor in the charcoal canister and air
reactions, they convert HC, CO, and NOx cleaner is drawn into the engine through
in the engine’s exhaust to carbon dioxide the throttle body.
(CO2), nitrogen (N), and water vapor.

226 Technical Information

Crankcase Emission Control System Emission Control Systems
The engine is equipped with a closed
crankcase system to prevent discharging Problems That May Affect Motorcycle
crankcase emissions into the atmosphere. Exhaust Emissions
Blow-by gas is returned to the combustion If you are aware of any of the following
chamber through the air cleaner and the symptoms, have the vehicle inspected and
intake manifold. repaired by your authorized Honda
motorcycle dealer.

Symptoms:
1. Hard starting or stalling after starting
2. Rough idle
3. Misfiring or backfiring during

acceleration
4. After-burning (backfiring)
5. Poor performance (driveability) and

poor fuel economy

Technical Information 227

Emission Control Systems AMONG THOSE ACTS PRESUMED
TO CONSTITUTE TAMPERING ARE
Noise Emission Control System THE FOLLOWING ACTS:
TAMPERING WITH THE NOISE 1. Removal of, or puncturing the muffler,
CONTROL SYSTEM IS PROHIBITED:
U. S. federal law prohibits, or Canadian baffles, header pipes or any other
provincial laws may prohibit the following component which conducts exhaust
acts or the causing thereof: ( 1 ) The gases.
removal or rendering inoperative by any 2. Removal of, or puncturing of any part
person, other than for purposes of of the intake system.
maintenance, repair or replacement, of any 3. Lack of proper maintenance.
device or element of design incorporated 4. Replacing any moving parts of the
into any new vehicle for the purpose of vehicle, or parts of the exhaust or intake
noise control prior to its sale or delivery to system, with parts other than those
the ultimate purchaser or while it is in use; specified by the manufacturer.
or (2 ) the use of the vehicle after such
device or element of design has been
removed or rendered inoperative by any
person.

228 Technical Information

This motorcycle is equipped with two Catalytic Converter
three-way catalytic converters.
The catalytic converter contains precious A defective catalytic converter contributes
metals that serve as catalysts, promoting to air pollution, and can impair your
chemical reactions to convert the exhaust engine’s performance. Follow these
gasses without affecting the metals. guidelines to protect your motorcycle’s
catalytic converter.
The catalytic converters act on HC, CO,
and NOx. A replacement unit must be an Always use unleaded gasoline. Even a
original Honda part or its equivalent. small amount of leaded gasoline can
contaminate the catalyst metals, making
The catalytic converters must operate at a the catalytic converter ineffective.
high temperature for the chemical
reactions to take place. They can set fire to Keep the engine tuned-up.
any combustible materials that come near
them. Park your motorcycle away from Have your motorcycle diagnosed and
high grasses, dry leaves, or other repaired if it is misfiring, backfiring,
flammables. stalling or otherwise not running
properly.

Technical Information 229

Oxygenated Fuels The following are the EPA-approved
percentages of oxygenates:
Some conventional gasolines are being
blended with alcohol or an ether ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol) 10%
compound. These gasolines are by Volume
collectively referred to as oxygenated
fuels. To meet clean air standards, some You may use gasoline containing up to
areas of the United States and Canada use 10% ethanol by volume. Gasoline
oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions. containing ethanol may be marketed
If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is under the name ‘‘Gasohol’’.
unleaded and meets the minimum octane
rating requirement. MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) 15%
Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to by Volume
confirm the fuel’s contents. Some states/
provinces require this information to be You may use gasoline containing up to
posted on the pump. 15% MTBE by volume.

230 Technical Information

METHANOL (methyl or wood alcohol) Oxygenated Fuels
5% by Volume
Fuel system damage or performance
You may use gasoline containing problems resulting from the use of an
methanol containing up to 5% methanol oxygenated fuel containing more than the
by volume as long as it also contains percentages of oxygenates mentioned
cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to above are not covered under warranty.
protect the fuel system. Gasoline
containing more than 5% methanol by Oxygenated fuels can damage paint and
volume may cause starting and/or plastic. Be careful not to spill fuel when
performance problems. It may also filling the fuel tank. Wipe up any spills
damage metal, rubber, and plastic parts immediately.
of your fuel system.
Oxygenated f uels can damage paint and
If you notice any undesirable operating plastic. Damage caused by spilled f uel is
symptoms, try another service station or not covered by warranty.
switch to another brand of gasoline.

Technical Information 231