Lower Octane Fuel

[Decayed]

No it does not.

The manual says the Maverick runs on a minimum pump octane rating of 87, meaning don't use anything less than 87.

The manual does recommend using 91 or higher for best overall vehicle and engine performance.

Whether an owner feels it is worth their money to fill with a top tier fuel an octane rating above 91 is entirely up to them.

Ford recommends it, but owners can get by on the minimum too.

You understand that "top tier" is branding to ensure the correct detergent packaging and has nothing to do with octane rating?

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[Mav_RICK]

Its fine to use 87. 11k miles on my only used 87. And yes all gas need to have detergent(top tier) in it and it will. On my research, Shell gas seems to have higher milage per gallon.

if you go to the Top Tier website it will list stations that are "Top Tier" and it certainly doesn't list anywhere near all the stations. Within 5 miles of where I live only Quick Trips and Valero are listed. There are many that are not.

 

[710-oil-614]

You understand that "top tier" is branding to ensure the correct detergent packaging and has nothing to do with octane rating?

Sure do, which is why I said a top tier fuel AND octane rating above 91.

Thanks for pointing it out to others who might not know though!

 

[Maverick Grabber]

Regular gas in mine and I'm averaging 34 mpg over 15,000 miles

 

[LM42]

My guess it will most likely run. But Ford recommends premium in the ecoboost. Mercedes says it's required. So results may vary.

I know it WILL run. What he is saying is that there is a LEGAL requirement for them to accept any octane fuel, and I am quite certain that is false.

 

[NJBob]

I had a 2011 F150 3.5 ecoboost. During the pandemic when gas was cheaper I ran a few tanks of premium. Saw a small gain in mpg no noticeable difference in performance. Not worth the difference in cost.

 

[crgator]

I had the 2.0 Eco for 11 months, and now have the 2.5 hybrid. I have only used 87 regular in both and have never had an issue with it. At an average of 80¢ a gallon more for premium, any possible mpg boost wouldn't offset the $8 + extra cost in a fill-up. If I was going to tow something a long distance in Florida heat, I would probably run premium, but I'm doing just fine on regular.

 

[bighead]

Engines are built around an octane. They're designed to run optimally at that rating. (you should see what octane actually does). There can be loss of performance and issues if you go down, say a porsche running 87 when the motor is built to perform at 91-2. Going up on a non-performance maverick will see an increase in performance (minimal at best), but isn't going to increase the longevity of the motor. My new mercury outboard is rated for 87. My 155k mile 06 tundra has had nothing but 87. My gasser F250 is built for 87.

 

[RichardCranium]

Back in the days of carburation, I could see difference in running higher grade fuel. but back then the computer did not control the timing advance and under certain conditions, preignition (pinging) would occur. In high compression engines, Higher octane was necessary to keep the preignition from happening. The fuel would ignite before the cylinder was fully compressed and would cause loss of power and could damage the engine. We would run anywhere from 102-107 octane in the race engines. Both my motorcycles I owned (12.1 to 1 compression and 12.9 to 1 compression) required 91 octane. Many performance motors still require it (My in-laws Volvo did). I was actually surprised when my chevy cruze turbo did not require 91 octane gas when I bought it.
When Ford designed the maverick, they programed the computer to make adjustments based on 87 octane, that is what the computer is expecting so that is the baseline. If the engine is in pristine condition, it would probably be very hard to tell the difference. As mileage and wear occurs, you might be able to tell more. Unless someone puts it on a dyno (has anyone?), we may never know for sure. until then, it is your preference of value to performance. Just be sure that you are not running E-85. The engine is not designed to run on that.

 

[BertoDeMamp]

Had my Mav for about 5 months and during the Hot Summer Heat of Phoenix.

Close to 10k miles on ODO and only ran 87oct [Top Tier Detergent Gas Only]

No issues at all, truck runs great and I am more than happy with the performance of my vehicle.

I do have 4K Tow, if I ever plan on towing I will definitely fuel up with 91oct

 

[LM42]

I had the 2.0 Eco for 11 months, and now have the 2.5 hybrid. I have only used 87 regular in both and have never had an issue with it. At an average of 80¢ a gallon more for premium, any possible mpg boost wouldn't offset the $8 + extra cost in a fill-up. If I was going to tow something a long distance in Florida heat, I would probably run premium, but I'm doing just fine on regular.

For the 150 millionth time on the internet and in this forum, octane has absolutely nothing to do with MPG directly. Mileage changes in between octanes have more to do with ethanol content. What there is, that is undeniable is a performance change and resistance to, or lack thereof against detonation.

 

[Jman79]

OP, are you now sorry for asking?

The subject you inquired about is related to a long line of questions that often spawn heated debate on the internet with no definitive answer.

Good gas / bad gas stations
fuel system cleaner / premium gass
Fuel system cleaner X vs cleaner X

Read the manual as outlined above and make the choice as you interpret it.

 

[wb5oxq]

No it does not.

The manual says the Maverick runs on a minimum pump octane rating of 87, meaning don't use anything less than 87.

The manual does recommend using 91 or higher for best overall vehicle and engine performance.

Whether an owner feels it is worth their money to fill with a top tier fuel and octane rating above 91 is entirely up to them.

Ford recommends it, but owners can get by on the minimum too.

It says you can use 87 and considering the cost I dont need to spend more than the inflated prices anyway. I would like to see dyno results that show the power gains from using premium.

 

[710-oil-614]

It says you can use 87 and considering the cost I dont need to spend more than the inflated prices anyway. I would like to see dyno results that show the power gains from using premium.

It isn't power gains from using 91 or 93 - it is power lost using 87.

The torque ratings are from using 91.

 

[Mightybeast]

if you go to the Top Tier website it will list stations that are "Top Tier" and it certainly doesn't list anywhere near all the stations. Within 5 miles of where I live only Quick Trips and Valero are listed. There are many that are not.

All gasoline is required to contain a minimum amount of additives and detergents as set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Regardless of toptier or nor. Top their is a brand. There is 129 gasoline refineries in US. Good luck finding pure gas.

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