Does higher octane fuel increase engine life?
#1
#2
If the car does not require it (and Volvo's don't), no it does not. But I'm sure you'll find people who think it does.
The last time I tried to explain this, it got ugly. But have a read anyway:
Click here
The last time I tried to explain this, it got ugly. But have a read anyway:
Click here
Last edited by ES6T; 02-27-2014 at 08:47 PM.
#3
Oh wow! I didn't know that question was that controversial!
My buddy's motorcycle with 87 octane had terrible gumming in the valve head. My 91 was clean as new. Maybe it's because of ethanol content, or age, or, oil leak or... who knows!?
My mechanic tells me that Shell has the least ethanol content, I take his word by faith!
My buddy's motorcycle with 87 octane had terrible gumming in the valve head. My 91 was clean as new. Maybe it's because of ethanol content, or age, or, oil leak or... who knows!?
My mechanic tells me that Shell has the least ethanol content, I take his word by faith!
#4
It isn't necessarily controversial, it is just a lot of people don't know what octane is. Most people assume something that costs more is better. So they think 93 octane is cleaner or makes their car faster or increases their fuel economy, etc.
Ethanol content and octane are different. The pump will say how much ethanol may be in the fuel. Volvo has no problem with 10%.
Ethanol content and octane are different. The pump will say how much ethanol may be in the fuel. Volvo has no problem with 10%.
#7
#10
Yes, oil degrades over time.
Waiting too long on oil changes causes it to sludge, but doesn't necessarily cause the valves to gum up (as there should not be any oil on them anyway). But don't do it anyway, it will cause a host of other problems.
The manual does recommend 91 but 87 will do no damage. I have almost 120,000 miles on my car using 87 octane, my valves are spotless. I pulled the fuel rail not too long ago it take a peek actually.
Waiting too long on oil changes causes it to sludge, but doesn't necessarily cause the valves to gum up (as there should not be any oil on them anyway). But don't do it anyway, it will cause a host of other problems.
The manual does recommend 91 but 87 will do no damage. I have almost 120,000 miles on my car using 87 octane, my valves are spotless. I pulled the fuel rail not too long ago it take a peek actually.
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