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227 messages, Last post on Aug 19, 2009 at 7:52 AM
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Replying to: coldcranker (Nov 13, 2006 5:33 pm)
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Replying to: fordwrench (Nov 14, 2006 9:54 am) When it comes to any maintenance procedure, of course it's always better to do it sooner, but that's why we look to the manufacture to tell us when the maintenance is recommended. And the maintenance interval does say for extreme conditions to do things sooner. What bugs me is when the tech doesn't ask if I'm driving in extreme conditions, but still wants to conduct the maintenance earlier than recommended. As far as foreign cars, I just bought a Honda Fit and it has an automatic maintenance reminder telling me when to bring it in based on usage, so that's pretty nice. |
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I got the filters done only because it was convenient. I normally change my own air filters, but had a 10 percent off coupon, so I figured, what the heck? I've heard that fuel filters can also pick up metal shavings from gas nozzles, so it's not a bad idea to change. A few years ago, the filter on my chevy celebrity clogged and caused a engine light malfunction. So I realize the importance there. However, getting gas from a good station, say Costco, where they change their filters quite often, can protect your fuel system. One way to tell if the station is not changing filters regularly is how long the gas takes to pump. Slow pumping can indicate dirty fuel filters at your station. One new question. IN the southwest mountain states, regular is 86 octane. The manual tells me not to use 86, regardless of where I purchase it, the manual says 87. However, at Costco, where I buy gas, it's 86 or premium, which is cheaper than plus at neighboring stations. But the manual says premium isn't always good. What should I do? |
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Octane recommendations Your vehicle is designed to use “Regular” unleaded gasoline with pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend the use of gasolines labeled as “Regular” that are sold with octane ratings of 86 or lower in high altitude areas. Do not be concerned if your engine sometimes knocks lightly. However, if it knocks heavily under most driving conditions while you are using fuel with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to prevent any engine damage. Fuel quality If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability problems, try a different brand of unleaded gasoline. “Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended for vehicles designed to use “Regular” unleaded gasoline because it may cause these problems to become more pronounced. If the problems persist, see your authorized dealer. I would say to use the premium unless you are experiencing "Starting, rough idle or hesitation problems" If you do experience these problems, then I don't know what to say. Its pretty clear that you should not use 86 though Mark.
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visit www.toptiergas.com Mark |
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Replying to: mschmal (Nov 15, 2006 4:28 am) I think you meant to say he should use 87 octane unless the problems are encountered?
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Replying to: stevedebi (Nov 15, 2006 5:33 pm) Mark. |
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It's kind of different than it has been with past cars. In most places 87 is regular, except in high altitude areas of the southwest. That had led me to believe that octane is a function of atmospheric oxygen levels and fuel mixture. In every other car I've owned, the owner's manual exempted those living in the s/w mountain areas from the 87 requirement and said 86 was ok. However, Ford is quite specific about 87 in all areas. Am I right about the oxygen thing? Because it seems like the refineries are going to a lot of trouble to refine 86 octane just for us in the southwest. 
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Replying to: gerardtn (Nov 17, 2006 5:36 am) http://www.drive.subaru.com/Fall03_QuickStops.htm Jim Sinclair, Vice-President, Service for Subaru of America, Inc., replies that the recommended octane is 87, even at 6,800 feet. Using 86 octane may not cause any problems at that altitude or above, but if the customer drives in lower altitudes with 86 octane, there could be some performance problems and possible spark knock. If the customer cannot find 87, he should be careful with the use of 86 or continue to “mix” as he is doing. And while this article is not official, it makes sense that refining to 86 octane is cheaper, since 87 is cheaper than 89, which is cheaper than 91. So maybe they sell 86 for the price of 87 and make that additional profit on 86. My guess is that if they tried to introduce 86 in the East, people would go to other gas stations, while in the southwest 86 is accepted enough that people buy it. So the oil companies get more profit not only from those buying 86 at the price of 87, but also profit from those buying premium gas because they don't want to buy 86, but these profits are probably less, since it costs more to refine the higher octanes. http://www.dukecityfix.com/index.php?itemid=1763 These days the only value of lower octane gasoline is that it costs less for the oil companies to produce. Yet, right now, we’re paying more for 86-octane “regular” in New Mexico than we would for “regular” in 38 states, where it’s mostly 87. |
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My brother just changed the oil in his 2006 Ford Freestyle. Now the car will not go into any gear. What could he have done? And, does anyone know if it's an easy fix, or will he have to have it towed?
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