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227 messages, Last post on Aug 19, 2009 at 7:52 AM
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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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Replying to: chiph (Nov 21, 2006 1:43 pm) Chad
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Replying to: saabturboid (Nov 21, 2006 2:54 pm) Not to mention if he refilled it with engine oil instead of transmission fluid! 
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Okay, I've been having the problem that at 2K miles, and at roughly 60 days after the oil change my 'no oil life left' light keeps coming on. Any ideas what is up with that? I haven't even hit 5K miles, so I'm not sure why it's doing this. I've also been getting miserable gas mileage (14-15 city), but I'll post that on the mileage thread. Other than that I luv my car!!
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