Tested: Is Higher Octane Fuel Better? Better MPG? More HP? -- 87 vs 91 vs 93 Octane with Ethanol Edition (by Project Farm)

[TheWizziard]

small engine video, pretty much pointless on this forum.
but in keeping with OPs small engine theme.
I use only one 5gal can for my yard equipment to keep the fuel fresh and only premium gas containing no ethanol. the higher octane doesn't damage 4 strokes and is usually recommended in 2 strokes.
oh crap, just remembered I need to drain the old gas from the snow blower and 2 generators.

I don't know if it is useless. It had provided fodder for 46 posters so far.

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[fossil]

Non Ethanol gas would be great if I could buy it where I live in CA.

this might help.
https://www.pure-gas.org/

 

[GPSMan]

Non Ethanol gas would be great if I could buy it where I live in CA.

Non ethanol gas is for off-highway use only in California. I recently called around and the FEW places (like 12 in the whole state) sell it for $8 to $17 per gallon. You can't put it in a vehicle and some places sell it in sealed containers like buying paint or something.

All weed whackers need to be electric and soon lawn mowers, so that need is going away.

 

[Ranch]

this might help.
https://www.pure-gas.org/

Nothing close to me.

 

[bbeverag]

This feels like a long beaten topic in this forum but my response is that I will follow what the owners manuel suggests. Premium for me is fine I will burn the extra cash for piece of mind.

Maverick manual snippet copied from Fords website: Fuel Quality - Selecting the Correct Fuel
Your vehicle operates on regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating below 87. The use of these fuels could result in engine damage that will not be covered by the vehicle Warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The performance gained by using premium fuel is most noticeable in hot weather as well as other conditions, for example when towing a trailer.
Do not be concerned if the engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the engine knocks heavily while using fuel with the recommended octane rating, contact an authorized dealer to prevent any engine damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent gasolines, where available to help minimize engine deposits and maintain optimal vehicle and engine performance.

Why did you not highlight the full sentence? By only highlighting half the sentence you changed the meaning. Here, let me help.

For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended.

In context, premium fuel increases performance. There is no mention of increased reliability or fuel mileage regarding premium fuel.

 

[pgstick02]

Why did you not highlight the full sentence? By only highlighting half the sentence you changed the meaning. Here, let me help.

For best overall vehicle and engine performance, premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended.

In context, premium fuel increases performance. There is no mention of increased reliability or fuel mileage regarding premium fuel.

No I think the highlighted context brings my point across fine. Let me fix it further premium fuel is recommended.

 

[bbeverag]

No I think the highlighted context brings my point across fine. Let me fix it further premium fuel is recommended.

Yes, it is recommended for performance, but not as a general recommendation.

 

[Montana]

It is slightly amusing how many people feel the need to address variables in testing's like ProjectFarm does.

Obviously the tests should be taken about the same as a Blackstone Oil lab rats "suggestions" on what to do with your engine oil. With a grain of salt.

It's almost like since there is no disclaimer on things people need to go "these tests don't represent (insert variable here)"...

...no ?

I still firmly believe this man is a national treasure and should be protected similar to Fort Knox. Now if you were talking about Scotty Kilmer... I'd be asking for the guillotine already

Anyways... when I'm racing my lawn mower I'll be using 93. #sleeper

 

[pgstick02]

Yes, it is recommended for performance, but not as a general recommendation.

That is your opinion and you are entitled to it. If you prefer your vehicle not preform overall optimally than that is your choice.

As previously stated, I am going to follow the manuals recommendation of optimal performance. I want my vehicles to last so that is what I will do. I played around with different octanes and I found what works best for me.

 

[Barracuda340]

How does a portable generator's performance with different octanes of fuel relate to vehicles like the Maverick? It's entirely different application, no?

Apples to oranges. Generators piston compression ratio is what it is. Put the grade of fuel in it that it calls for. Any higher your wasting your money.

The ecoboost compression ratio or CR varies based on what the boost pressure of the turbo is. And that CR varies up and down the RPM band relative to the Watergate position. As I stated before light acceleration and freeway cruising or mild acceleration in town, 91 is not necessary.

It is necessary if you plan to tow a heavy trailer or haul 1,500 lbs in the bed, or drag race the thing. The reason being is your working the turbo harder, that in turn is increasing the CR of the cylinders by forcing more air with the fuel in for more power. The higher the CR, the higher the octane is needed to prevent knock or detonation which is preignition where the squeeze ignites the fuel and air before the spark plug goes. Lower octane fuels tend to do that when the CR is increased.

And yes detonation does start, however you will never hear it as the computer is quick enough to make changes to timing before it becomes apparent to your ears. It's called a knock sensor. Even my 1988 daytona Shelby with 2.2 turbo ll had one.

 

[RRaynor2]

Yes, it is recommended for performance, but not as a general recommendation.

To jump in on this one, I believe "Engine Performance" in this context is more than just HP. For example, a Science Direct article about the ICE contains this definition:

Engine performance is often characterized by the engine operating behavior in the speed–load domain, for example, the behavior of emissions, fuel consumption, noise, mechanical and thermal loading.

That would suggest more than just HP output. Fuel consumption, thermal behavior, etc. Personally I believe the Ford manual is referencing the latter definition. Multiple factors of engine behavior will be affected by using 91 or higher.

 

[Ron Neal]

Not getting super scientific, I haven't bought and dismantled dozens of engins. I have inspected the top of the valves before paying for a boosted vehicle and you can make some good guesses as to how the engine was maintained and treated. Also by being on multiple forums with OE turbos, between 150-175k most of the "gas is gas" people start rethinking their decision. More often than not, but just my opinion. It is up to each person to decide how they will take care of their investment. I run premium only, or a high grade non-ethenol. I maybe over paying but I'm ok with that, I like the insurance that I will give mine the best chance fir a long life. Also, their is almost never a 100 or 0 percent of the time.

Actually I deleted my post shortly after posting but I guess not soon enough. After re-reading it I thought I was just stirring the pot and not really adding value to this thread.
I tend to look at daily drivers as a consumable item, use it for a period of time and move on after the warranty expires as I don't plan on keeping my Maverick but I also don't abuse it. The Mav lives in the family garage, gets serviced on a regular basis, gets a bath once a week wether it needs it or not, no one drives it but me, if I need to do serious truck stuff I borrow one, if towing I do use premium. I appreciate your concerns and the use of a higher grade of fuel but think I will stick with 87 for daily use.

 

[Old Man]

Who is Project Farm and why should I care what they say? Don't think Youtube is the definitive answer for engineering issues so I didn't watch the video.

 

[Montana]

"Back in my day before the interwebs, we took our advice from books. Now when I go online, it's to complain about things being online"...

 

[GPSMan]

"The problem with people doing their own research is people doing their own research."

(Because most people don't know how to do actual research.)

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