Mid Grade gas makes noticeable difference on my Ranger

[CrabGuy]

I recently used 89 octane filling the Ranger from empty. I have to to say it made it run smoother, seems more responsive, and highway mileage has increased just a bit (1+mpg). I was pretty surprised actually. The Ranger always ran decent on 87 but mid grade felt like the Italian tuneup I used to do on my old Porsches if they had sat for awhile. This is on a vehicle with about 220K miles. I'm not sure if the difference in price justifies it but at $.10/gal more I might stick to it.

 

[RonD]

That would be expected in a 4.0l SOHC engine
These run 9.7:1 compression ratio, so can't run on 87 octane as is, they have a Knock Sensor that changes spark timing "on the fly" which reduces power output, but you can run the cheaper fuel, so trade off

Using 89 or higher octane reduces Knocking so more power

If you are just driving around town then save the cash
If pulling a load it can even out using higher octane , as the engine would have to use more 87 octane fuel for the same power pulling the load
Would still cost a bit more for higher octane, but you could pull the load at 75MPH instead of 65MPH, lol

 

[CrabGuy]

The only load I carry is my fat self on a numerous 540 mile each way trips to Oregon. There are many passes on that trip, none over 5K ft. and my 16' aluminum boat is pretty much non-existent as far as towing. I've never heard knocking around town so the timing adjustment makes sense. Does the knock sensor adjust timing at idle or just under load? I'm still trying to track down a pesky knock at hot idle but doubt it's a rod since I've driven it on countless long trips. The noise seems to be lower from the bellhousing area when I use a stethoscope. I might try 10W-30 next oil change since I'm pushing 230K miles now and see if the noise persists.

 

[RonD]

If the knock sensor is working you would never hear a spark knock/ping
If engine is fully warmed up spark knock can happen at any RPM

But Low octane knock usually happens the most under load, i.e. accelerating and driving at highway speeds, also when the EGR is used, its mainly to lower NOx emissions but also helps slow pinging/knocking because it cools cylinders

You could test MPG using a tank of 89 vs a tank of 87

Spark knock is high frequency "ping" noise like a diesel engine noise
Lower frequency is usually a mechanical noise so not spark knock

 

[JohnnyO]

Like RonD said, higher octane will allow the timing to advance a bit more.
Owner’s manual for my 2020 Ecobeast says minimum 87 octane but to use 91 for best performance, when towing, and in extremely hot weather.
I ran several tanks of everything and tracked the mileage. Averaged 1.5 mpg better with 89 over 87 so the extra cost is a wash. Saw no difference with 93 over 89. The chain where I usually buy gas has 93 instead of 91.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

My Ranger likes better fuel as well. Higher octane and quality make a difference.

The 87 octane from 76 or Sinclair is better than the 87 at Arco or Thrifty gas.

There is a 76 station that has really good gas for some reason. Maybe they are first on the delivery route or something, so its fresh.

Also since people just want the cheapest gas, the 91 tends to sit longer at the stations tanks (just a theory).

 

[sgtsandman]

While not always the case, at many gas stations, 89 and 91 are a blend of 87 and 93 mixed in the pump.

 

[Josh B]

Wish I had known this 16 years ago!

 

[Josh B]

Fact is I fill mine every payday so this trip it'll be upgraded and I'll see what the mileage does

 

[Eddo Rogue]

What I dont get is the ones who drive miles out of the way to save a few cents per gallon....especially when they got gas savers that only hold a few gallons.

But then again around here I've seen Teslas parked at the gas pump trying to fill up. Not kidding, sadly.

Starting to think whole hipster chem trails theory is true. Idiots out there.

 

[RonD]

I don't get the people that fill up when just driving around town

Gas weights 7 pounds a gallon, if you have a 19gal tank thats 133lbs you are dragging around when you might only need 33lbs, 4 or 5 gal
Like having a hitchhiker with you but not wearing short shorts and a tank top, or even a girl, lol

 

[Josh B]

I could lose 2 tankfulls just leaving the toolbox at home. I took it off right after putting my hoist frame up and that was quite a job, even though I just left it hanging while I hauled some stuff.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I could lose 2 tankfulls just leaving the toolbox at home. I took it off right after putting my hoist frame up and that was quite a job, even though I just left it hanging while I hauled some stuff.

Yep, weight adds up...as do parachutes

 

[Eddo Rogue]

A beater gas saver nowadays pays for itself...cheaper than EV if you ask me.

I drive the truck only when I must...f150 or ranger, depending on load and driveway size.

 

[cbxer55]

While not always the case, at many gas stations, 89 and 91 are a blend of 87 and 93 mixed in the pump.

Station I go to, he has 87, 90 and 93. 90 is exactly halfway between 87 and 93. You're thinking of 87 and 91, which, halfway in between is 89.