TOP TIER - High Quality Fuel ...

[sajohnson]

I'm almost certain that gasoline producers are capitalizing on consumer ignorance. "Premium" is obviously "better" than "regular" via the magic of marketing. I don't believe there is enough difference in the refining process to justify the cost difference. If anyone has any data on that please share.

My thoughts exactly.

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[Bucko]

Add a small bottle of Textron every 3rd or 4th tank full. Shell has it in all their grades, but you can easily add it yourself instead of paying the higher prices Shell charges for their gas.

 

[Mark S.]

Add a small bottle of Textron

I believe you meant Techron.

 

[Cursed Bronco]

Okay, I'll admit it. I sometimes use 89

 

[rocks]

I believe you meant Techron.

and its Chevron, not Shell.

 

[Bucko]

I believe you meant Techron.

I did! sorry for the typo!

 

[Bucko]

and its Chevron, not Shell.

Shell adds it in their gas too, at least the few remaining Shell stations I see in my locale.

 

[NMhunter]

My problem in NM is that regular gas is 86 octane. I understand that carburators run fine on lower octane at altitude, but maybe not turbo engines. Will using 86 octane damage a turbo engine?

 

[TSO_NJ]

My problem in NM is that regular gas is 86 octane. I understand that carburetors run fine on lower octane at altitude, but maybe not turbo engines. Will using 86 octane damage a turbo engine?

Octane Boosters 101 (video link)

Watch the video on the OP starting at 3:28 to 4:28 and 11:12 to 11:36:

 

[Mark S.]

My problem in NM is that regular gas is 86 octane. I understand that carburators run fine on lower octane at altitude, but maybe not turbo engines. Will using 86 octane damage a turbo engine?

Yes, it's very possible. And as Joe points our, your owner's manual makes it clear any damage caused by using less than 87 octane may not be covered by your warranty.

 

[Barry S.]

I just did three more tanks of premium as part of my long-term testing. For my use pattern I've seen no improvement on fuel economy using premium. I believe you might get slightly better economy if you were towing in a hot day, or if you drive all the time with a heavy foot. But for normal, mixed use (city/highway) driving I don't believe the average owner will get any better mileage.

Spreadsheet here.

Me thinks you need a hobby. I just started learning to fly a drone quadracopter. It's the only electric vehicle I plan to own.

 

[Mark S.]

Me thinks you need a hobby. I just started learning to fly a drone quadracopter. It's the only electric vehicle I plan to own.

The problem for me right now is too many hobbies, especially of the expensive kind.

 

[sajohnson]

My problem in NM is that regular gas is 86 octane. I understand that carburators run fine on lower octane at altitude, but maybe not turbo engines. Will using 86 octane damage a turbo engine?

I agree with those who say that 86 octane might cause damage, and the owner's manual does recommend against it. Two points:

1) If possible, run the mid-grade or premium.

2) Unless the engine is going to be given a serious workout -- towing max GCWR up steep grades in 100*F heat -- 86 should be OK. After all, Ford says 87 is acceptable under all operating conditions -- including heavy loads -- so 86 (just 1 point lower) should be fine for normal operation.

My wife and I have traveled pretty extensively out west and we've been in areas where the only fuel available was 86 (or just 85!) octane. There is no choice but to use it -- or be towed 100+ miles to a station with higher octane.

In short, BS owners who live out west cannot always follow the owner's manual.

 

[21Broncosaurus]

I always use top tier fuel 91 octane. Even with that every few months I add sea foam for piece of mind.

 

[NMhunter]

For those who don't know, Seafoam is magic for small 2 stroke and 4 stoke engines. I couldn't start my leaf blower last week, so I added a few ounces of Seafoam and pulled the cord about 10 times. I let it sit for a while and pulled 10 more. About the 3rd time, it started right up and ran like a champ.

I've used a syringe to inject it into the gas line going to the carb on my Honda generator after sitting for two years. It started right up.

I've never used it in a vehicle, but I'd imagine it cleans the gum out just as well.

I've been running 86 octane in my wife's Hyndai for 5 years with no issues, but she doesn't drive it hard.

I do use 91 octane (highest Costco sells) when pulling a trailer. It also makes sense when going to lower altitude.

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