Adjusting Fuel Settings: Pro Rmk's Performance Tweaks

The fuel setting on a Pro RMK snowmobile can be changed by adjusting the ignition timing and fuel mapping based on the type of fuel used. This is done through the vehicle's gauge or display, which varies depending on the model. For example, on a Ten-Icon Digital Gauge, one must start the engine, press and hold the centre button, press the MODE button until FUEL TYPE is displayed, and then press the SET button to select the desired fuel type. On a 7S Display, one must open the Badge Panel and choose the appropriate fuel description. The procedure for changing the fuel type designation is outlined in the Owner's Manual and may vary between different models of Pro RMK snowmobiles.

Changing the fuel setting on the 2013 Pro RMK 800

To change the fuel setting on the 2013 Pro RMK 800, first start the engine and lock the parking brake. Then, press and release the SELECT button on the gauge or the SET switch until "FUEL" is displayed in the lower section of the gauge. You may need to refer to your owner's manual to locate the SELECT button or SET switch, as the location can vary depending on your model. Once "FUEL" is displayed, press and hold the SELECT button or SET switch until the desired fuel type is shown in the centre of the screen.

When using 91 non-ethanol fuel, always select the "91-non" setting. If you are using ethanol, MTBE, or other forms of oxygenated gasoline, choose the "Eth" setting. If you are unsure of the type of fuel in your tank, it is recommended to use the "Eth" setting as a safeguard to prevent engine damage.

It is important to note that the fuel setting can impact the performance of your snowmobile. Some users have reported that the non-ethanol setting provides a more crisp ride and higher RPMs, while the ethanol setting may provide harder pulling power. However, the availability of fuel types and the specific performance impacts may vary depending on your location and riding conditions.

Additionally, proper fuel selection is crucial for the maintenance of your snowmobile. Always refer to your owner's manual and any relevant safety recalls, such as the Polaris Snowmobile Safety Recall S-24-01, to ensure you are using the correct fuel type and fuel setting for your vehicle.

The impact of fuel type on engine performance

Octane Rating: The octane rating of a fuel measures its ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. Higher octane fuels are suitable for high-performance engines or those with high compression ratios. Using a lower octane fuel in an engine designed for higher octane can lead to reduced power and potential damage. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal performance.

Combustion Process: Understanding how different fuels burn inside the engine is vital. Gasoline, for instance, burns quickly and provides a high energy release. Ethanol-based fuels, like E85, have gained popularity due to their renewable nature and higher octane rating, but they may result in reduced fuel efficiency due to their lower energy content.

Engine Design: The vehicle's engine design plays a significant role in fuel choice. Spark ignition (SI) engines, commonly used in light-duty applications, perform better with higher-volatility fuels like gasoline. On the other hand, compression ignition (CI) engines, typically used in heavy-duty applications, tend to favour fuels with lower volatility and better autoignition characteristics, such as diesel fuels.

Manufacturer Recommendations: It's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for fuel type and octane rating. Deviating from these recommendations can lead to decreased performance and potential engine damage.

Usage and Personal Preferences: Depending on your intended usage and personal preferences, you may prioritise fuel efficiency, environmental sustainability, or maximising performance. Ethanol-based fuels or biodiesel may be preferable for those prioritising sustainability, while higher-octane gasoline or race fuels might be more suitable for those seeking peak performance.

By considering these factors and understanding how fuel interacts with your engine, you can make informed decisions about fuel choice to optimise the performance of your vehicle.

How to change the fuel type designation on the gauge

The procedure for changing the fuel type designation on the gauge of your Polaris snowmobile varies based on the type of gauge your vehicle is equipped with. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change the fuel type designation on the gauge:

Ten-Icon Digital Gauge

• Start the engine.
• Press and hold the center button with the Polaris logo to enter the Options Menu.
• Press and release the MODE button until FUEL TYPE is displayed in the information display area.
• Press and release the SET button to toggle through available options until the desired fuel type is displayed in the information display area.
• To exit the Options Menu, press and release the MODE button until EXIT appears in the information display area.
• Press and release the SET button to exit. The fuel type being displayed is the active fuel type.

7S Display

To change the fuel type on a 7S display, open the Badge Panel on the display. There are two ways to do this: either press the Polaris icon at the top of the touchscreen or use the Polaris button on the right side of the display. Once the Badge Panel is open, follow these steps:

• Open the CONTROLS TAB and then press the FUEL TYPE button.
• Choose the fuel description that best fits the fuel type in your vehicle's tank. There are two fuel options available: NON-PREMIUM / ETHANOL.

Polaris Interactive Digital Display (PIDD)

• Press Key 3 to access the Main Menu.
• Press Key 4 to toggle down to System Settings, then press Key 3 to select.
• Toggle to Vehicle Settings and press Key 3 to select.
• Toggle to Fuel Type and press Key 3 to select.
• Press Key 2 or Key 4 to toggle between the fuel types. When the screen displays the fuel type used in the fuel tank, press Key 3 to exit.

Six-Icon Instrument Cluster

• Start the engine and lock the parking brake.
• Press and release the SELECT button (located on the gauge) or SET switch until FUEL is displayed in the lower section of the gauge. The SET switch may be located on the left handlebar or on the console, depending on your model.
• Press and hold the SELECT button or SET switch until the desired fuel type is displayed in the center of the screen.

Round Gauge

• Start the engine and lock the parking brake.
• Press and release the MODE button until "FUEL" is displayed in the lower section of the gauge, in the rider information center.
• Press and hold the SET switch on the left handlebar until the desired fuel type is displayed in the center of the screen.

It is important to select the correct fuel type designation to ensure optimal performance and avoid engine damage. When in doubt, it is recommended to use the "Eth" or "NON-PREMIUM/ETHANOL" setting as a safeguard.

The importance of using the correct fuel type

Gasoline, or petrol, is the most common type of fuel for vehicles, including snowmobiles like the PRO RMK. It is a specialized fossil fuel made from petroleum and is available in different grades, denoted by their octane ratings. The octane rating of gasoline indicates how much compression the fuel can withstand before igniting. Higher-octane fuels are used in high-performance engines that require higher compression ratios.

Some vehicles, like the PRO RMK, have the option to switch between fuel types, such as between 91 octane and ethanol. Ethanol, or ethynol, is a type of fuel that is not widely used but is sometimes added to gasoline as an additive. It burns hotter and less consistently than non-oxygenated gasoline, which is why a specific setting is required when using ethanol fuel.

Using the correct fuel setting is crucial for optimal engine performance. As one source notes, "The ethanol/Prem jumper or switch changes the timing and overall fuel quantity. The ethanol setting adds approximately 2% more fuel and changes the timing to best work with 89 octane 10% ethanol. The Prem setting optimizes the fuel delivery and timing for 91 octane non-ethanol."

Another user comments, "The non-ethanol resistor reduces fuel shot through the injectors by 5%. The resistors' use has nothing to do with octane. Zero. You can get 91+ octane 10% ethanol, which burns hotter and less efficiently than 91+ octane non-ethanol, which is why the ethanol resistor offers more fuel flow."

In conclusion, using the correct fuel type and setting is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your vehicle. Always refer to your owner's manual or consult with experts to determine the optimal fuel type and setting for your specific vehicle.

Fuel resistor selection for snowmobiles without a gauge

For snowmobiles without a gauge, the fuel type is not selectable on the dash, but they may be equipped with a fuel resistor. This feature allows the engine controller to select the proper operating software based on the type of fuel being used.

The ECU fuel designation connector must have the "NON-ETHANOL 160 OHM" resistor installed when using non-ethanol gasoline. When using ethanol, MTBE, or other forms of oxygenated gasoline, the "10% ETHANOL 24 OHM" resistor must be connected.

If you are unsure of your fuel purchase, use the "10% ETHANOL 24 OHM" resistor as a safeguard. The resistor is installed into the wiring harness on the left side of the snowmobile just above the top of the oil bottle.

Note: Engine damage may occur if ethanol fuel is used while the non-ethanol fuel resistor is installed. The check engine light may also display in this condition as this could cause detonation.

Frequently asked questions