Piston Ring Sticking

from MarineMechanic.com

(for some reason, this excellent site is down at this time.  Here is the archived copy of this essay from Google)

Subject: Piston Ring Sticking
Models: All
Problem: The chemical composition of gasoline has changed significantly during the past ten years. Most notably, the level of tetraethyl lead has been reduced from approximately 3 grams per gallon to 1/10 gram per gallon or eliminated completely.
During the same period, oxygenates and ethers were added to enhance octane and extend supplies of hydrocarbon fuels. Also. beneficial components were removed from some gasoline's because of blending and economic reasons.
The result of this evolution is that some contemporary gasoline's deposit significant amounts of carbon during the combustion process.
If these deposits are not addressed, they can reduce engine performance, foul spark plugs, cause piston ring sticking, and contribute to powerhead failures.

Solution: There are four things that you and your customers can do to minimize the negative effects of carbon deposits:

• Use a national brand, premium grade fuel. These fuels have ingredients that promote cleaner combustion and help reduce carbon deposits.
•  Use Evinrude or Johnson outboard lubricant. These lubricants are specifically blended by OMC to provide maximum lubrication while controlling combustion chamber deposits.
•  Use OMC Carbon Guard" additive in the fuel. OMC Carbon Guard fuel additive is formulated to minimize combustion chamber deposits. Cleaner combustion chambers will reduce the customer dissatisfaction associated with piston ring sticking.
• Use OMC Engine Tuner on a regular basis as outlined in the engine operator manuals. For engines operating under unusual conditions or for older engines that have not been treated within 100 operating hours, follow the treatment instructions on the can.

Note by Had Robinson – I am not sure these additives are the best for paramotor engine.  I would recommend (and use) Chevron's Techron fuel additive to clean things up.  I have had good luck with it.