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 :helpsmilie:

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

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.

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.

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Tim, it appears you neeed a 'login' for the XT site link :(

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.

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

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.