Comments on: What’s So Premium About Premium Gasoline?

By: Billy B

Billy B — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:02:03 +0000

Dave you are absolutely correct…
It is true that some older computer models were designed to run lower octane fuel (e.g. older Ford Taurus ran much better on 87). The current computers are constantly adjusting for various conditions including different drivers using the vehicle. So like Dave, I do not agree with the statement that there will be more unburned fuel using a higher octane.
On another note, some of the premium fuels available in our area have lower ethanol content or none at all, which in turn provides more fuel efficiency.

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:26:08 +0000

I don’t see how, by using premium gasoline in a engine that doesn’t require it ” just get rid of unburned fuel, putting unnesessary stress on the emission systems”. All modern vehicles use sophisticated computerized engine controls to constantly adjust the air/fuel ratio based upon information from the o2 sensor (among many other sensors). Any unburned HC’s would be viewed as a “rich” mixture. The ECM would then “lean” out the mixture to try and bring it back in line with stoichiometric.

By: Aus Az

Aus Az — Fri, 27 May 2011 14:58:03 +0000

Also, you might find in Brazil that no higher octane fuel exists. Different countries have different standards, so some providers may market a lower quality product than the name suggests. This is a proven industry cheat, employed more by the final retailers than the oil companies.
For example: If, due to shutdown reasons, we have to import any finished “marketable” product from Southeast Asian countries, you can bet that 95% of the time, what they deem marketable isn’t so in Australia. Jet Fuel and diesel being the most obvious, but ULP/PULP ratings tend to be doctored also and require boosting and re-blending to meet specification.
And the comment about “Europe using mostly diesel” is pretty off. Granted diesel cars are more popular than other western continents, but gasoline is more prominent and more readily available from personal experience. (apart from the fact that “Europe” is far too large and diverse to classify as one)

By: Aus Az

Aus Az — Fri, 27 May 2011 14:48:32 +0000

I work for Caltex (Australian Chevron/Texaco oil company)and learned all about this during my job schooling and subsequent blending of gasoline for marketing purposes. Modern day higher octane gasolines generally have additives which aid in the lubrication of pistons/heads etc, but overall the article is spot on with the differences in fuel and reasons for this. One argument is that a more controlled, cleaner burn (high octane) in a newer engine runs more efficiently than lower octane due to a complete burn producing total available power from combustion. This supports the articles statement alluding to the pointlessness of using high octane fuel in older engines.
One correction, as garnet knapman highlighted, is the makers of the RON engines. We have 3 in our laboratory, all made by General Motors, costing the same and comprising the same control mechanisms as mentioned in the article.
And as James Smith from Brazil accused, it is not just a rip off, there are a couple of very different ingerdients in high octane fuel, and the mixtures are very different. It’s like offering a gold plated bracelet for the same price as a solid gold. “but the ingredients are the same….” yep, metals. The overall value is more determined by the ratios and differences than the names only.
Always love flossing mentally!!
Az from Oz

By: dirk alan

dirk alan — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:48:09 +0000

knock knock .

By: Mac

Mac — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:11:44 +0000

Garnet Knapman, you should write Jay Leno, he knows about this stuff. He might even want to buy that engine from you.

By: Mac

Mac — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:11:23 +0000

Garnet Knapman, you should write Jay Leno, he knows about this stuff.

By: garnet knapman

garnet knapman — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 04:41:45 +0000

Hi i have in my possesion a 1 cyl engine that says its made by ethyl gasoline corporation called a test engine block apears to be stainless steel has a variable compression ratio some sort of sensor in the head has a generator on the rear direct mounted i suspect to put a load on the engine copper coiled fins on the head for cooling, push rods are external head push rods and rockers are chromed mounted on a piece of wood with chrome handles also a small generator driven by a spring type belt looks like it was used to tell the rpms.can you tell me anything about this engine. Garnet.

By: dirk alan

dirk alan — Thu, 20 May 2010 04:18:43 +0000

blame the BP overlords headed by the
” Master Cylinder ” . assume the position taxpayer dogs. luckily BP uses plenty of lube.

By: James Smith JoÃ£o Pessoa, Brazil

James Smith JoÃ£o Pessoa, Brazil — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:37:50 +0000

It is definitely a scam. Here in Brazil, there is no extra charge for premium. It does not cost a bit more for the higher octane. It’s just a different formula, but the ingredients are the same.

Just another cheat by the oil companies.