• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Mid Grade gas makes noticeable difference on my Ranger


Roert42

Well-Known Member
RBV's on Boost
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Apr 24, 2020
Messages
4,739
Reaction score
4,888
Points
113
Location
Kintersville, PA
Vehicle Year
2011
Make / Model
Ranger XLT
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Use to be very common around here to have a different hose for each grade. You would pay, then pick of the hose for the grade you wanted, then flip up the latch that the hose rested in to activate it.

last 15 years most placed have switched to a single hose for all grades, and you press a button to select the grade.
 


Eddo Rogue

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 18, 2020
Messages
3,952
Reaction score
2,472
Points
113
Location
Burbank,CA
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ranger 4x4
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
OHV
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
skyjacker front leveling kit
Tire Size
31-10.50R15
My credo
Crossed threads are tight threads.
We have several stations that sell unbranded gas and I drive right by them. The 351 in my Ranger came out of a 95 F150 and even with the new pistons it's less than 9:1 by my math. It has a Holley 4 barrel and Duraspark but for the first time in my life, I left the puny 1995 roller cam. It likes 87 just fine and doesn't even notice changing to 89- or 93. My Mustang doesn't like anything less than 93 and runs like crap on 6 month old gas with Marine Stabil in the spring so I drain most of the gas and feed it to the truck and Escape.
The unbranded gas is still better than ARCO lol. IDK what it is about ARCO, its like the terrible quervo of tequilas.
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,695
Reaction score
12,388
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
Yea it is way less common. My favorite 76 used to have em, but then switch to single nozzle for gas and separate for diesel.

I like the non ethanol for the yard equipment, so they will start again next season.
I’ve been running my equipment dry at the end of the season and I treat the fuel with fuel stabilizer. That seems to help a lot.

For the stuff I keep fuel in year round, like generators, making sure to run them for about 20 minutes every 3 months and shutting off the fuel valve to starve the carburetor of fuel has made them fairly easy to start. The fuel does need to be swapped out with fresh fuel from time to time. Other items, like my chain saw get used regularly enough that I don’t have to do the 3 month run.

I tried the non-ethanol fuel but what is available locally is outrageously priced or the place is unreliable as far as being open. So, I’m stuck using E-10.
 

Eddo Rogue

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 18, 2020
Messages
3,952
Reaction score
2,472
Points
113
Location
Burbank,CA
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ranger 4x4
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
OHV
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
skyjacker front leveling kit
Tire Size
31-10.50R15
My credo
Crossed threads are tight threads.
I’ve been running my equipment dry at the end of the season and I treat the fuel with fuel stabilizer. That seems to help a lot.

For the stuff I keep fuel in year round, like generators, making sure to run them for about 20 minutes every 3 months and shutting off the fuel valve to starve the carburetor of fuel has made them fairly easy to start. The fuel does need to be swapped out with fresh fuel from time to time. Other items, like my chain saw get used regularly enough that I don’t have to do the 3 month run.

I tried the non-ethanol fuel but what is available locally is outrageously priced or the place is unreliable as far as being open. So, I’m stuck using E-10.
That's pretty much my routine...add the sta bil, run em dry or drain em and keep fuel fresh.
Agreed the Stabil does helps alot. Ive also noticed 2 stroke mixed fuel seems to stay good a little longer.

I tend to use stuff a bunch and then not at all, like yard equipment during brush clearance season, generator etc...heck even my truck is either racking up miles or sitting on the trickle charger for awhile..Plus I don't drive or play much these days, the toys and vehicles sit more than usual.

So yea my fuel concerns are leaned more towards promoting longevity than avoiding detonation.

Non ethanol aint cheap here either. The little VP gallon can for yard tools is like $17 bucks!
 

CrabGuy

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Feb 24, 2021
Messages
333
Reaction score
470
Points
63
Location
Sacramento, CA/Seal Rock, OR
Vehicle Year
2004-Bone stock
Make / Model
Ranger XLT
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Why should I pay someone else to screw it up when I can screw it up myself for free?
Like Eddo, I use non-ethanol 94 oct. only in my chainsaws, lawnmower, and outboard motor. I can only buy it in Oregon though and pay dearly for it. All of those tools sit unused every Fall-Spring but I've never had an issue in bringing them out of storage like tools using ethanol fuel. I ruined the fuel hose on my outboard using ethanol gas that gummed up the hose lining requiring me to cut the line shorter after breaking down on the water.
 

Josh B

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 15, 2019
Messages
3,956
Reaction score
1,958
Points
113
Location
Oklahoma
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
I was going through Port Arthur TX in my old Econoline, it was about 5 AM and I'd been driving all night.
My tank was not looking good and there was 12 miles of nothing yet to go through to the landing.
I saw an all night gas N goods place and put the nozzle in and it wasn't on (This was early 80s)
Went inside and there was a young lady at the counter and two guys, they were having a party there I suppose. I asked her to turn on the gas and went back to the pump, no gas.
I went back in and the party was still going strong,
I was rather ticked and went and got in the van and took off.
There was an unusual sound but I didn't see anything in the mirror.
I was on the outskirts of town and nearing the turn to the road to Sabine Pass and there was a huge refinery there. The street was 4 lanes and well lit and I noticed something odd in my mirror. I stopped and walked to the back and found the gas nozzle hanging there and about 6 feet of hose. I tossed it in the ditch and took off

Never did get to ask what grade of gas they had :/
 

Eddo Rogue

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 18, 2020
Messages
3,952
Reaction score
2,472
Points
113
Location
Burbank,CA
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ranger 4x4
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
OHV
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
skyjacker front leveling kit
Tire Size
31-10.50R15
My credo
Crossed threads are tight threads.
Like Eddo, I use non-ethanol 94 oct. only in my chainsaws, lawnmower, and outboard motor. I can only buy it in Oregon though and pay dearly for it. All of those tools sit unused every Fall-Spring but I've never had an issue in bringing them out of storage like tools using ethanol fuel. I ruined the fuel hose on my outboard using ethanol gas that gummed up the hose lining requiring me to cut the line shorter after breaking down on the water.
It go to the point where I would clean/replace carbs every season. Got sick of cleaning carbs and the tupperware bin of carburetors was a temping box of useless, and stinky waste of shelf space. Now I am about minding my fuel.

Also I hate pull chord starting, 3 pulls is about all I got in me, patience wise.

I think its 93 here :rolleyes:
 

Eddo Rogue

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 18, 2020
Messages
3,952
Reaction score
2,472
Points
113
Location
Burbank,CA
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ranger 4x4
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
OHV
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
skyjacker front leveling kit
Tire Size
31-10.50R15
My credo
Crossed threads are tight threads.
This is a pretty informative thread....about passing gas.
 

19Walt93

Well-Known Member
Ford Technician
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Nov 13, 2018
Messages
4,475
Reaction score
4,412
Points
113
Location
Canaan,NH
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
I’ve been running my equipment dry at the end of the season and I treat the fuel with fuel stabilizer. That seems to help a lot.

For the stuff I keep fuel in year round, like generators, making sure to run them for about 20 minutes every 3 months and shutting off the fuel valve to starve the carburetor of fuel has made them fairly easy to start. The fuel does need to be swapped out with fresh fuel from time to time. Other items, like my chain saw get used regularly enough that I don’t have to do the 3 month run.

I tried the non-ethanol fuel but what is available locally is outrageously priced or the place is unreliable as far as being open. So, I’m stuck using E-10.
That's kind of the opposite of what I do. I fill everything, add a generous dose of Marine Stabil, run them for a minute to make sure there's treated gas in the carb and shut them down for the winter. Dried out gaskets and seals aren't good either.
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,695
Reaction score
12,388
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
That's kind of the opposite of what I do. I fill everything, add a generous dose of Marine Stabil, run them for a minute to make sure there's treated gas in the carb and shut them down for the winter. Dried out gaskets and seals aren't good either.
Supposedly, the Stabil coats everything and prevents that. So far, it hasn't be a problem over a good number of years. Maybe we're both right? Conversely, maybe we're both wrong? 🤷‍♂️
 

janagyjr

New Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2018
Messages
17
Reaction score
13
Points
3
Vehicle Year
2001
Make / Model
Ford Ranger XLT
Engine Type
2.5 (4 Cylinder)
Engine Size
2.5L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
15"
I fill up every other day or every third day driving back and forth to work. I only buy Shell gas and I try to buy it from the same station as often as possible.
 

Josh B

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Aug 15, 2019
Messages
3,956
Reaction score
1,958
Points
113
Location
Oklahoma
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
I fill up every other day or every third day driving back and forth to work. I only buy Shell gas and I try to buy it from the same station as often as possible.
I've been using the same LOVE'S travel plaza since they opened one near here, I might try something else depending what I find from trying the higher grade. One weekend I went to a cousin's memorial about 200 miles away and Iit wasn't recently filled but I was headed another way. After making almost the entire trip without seeing another love's I got the turn=off that take me to the service and right beside the turn was a Loves
 

sgtsandman

Aircraft Fuel Tank Diver
TRS Forum Moderator
U.S. Military - Active
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Ham Radio Operator
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Mar 11, 2017
Messages
12,695
Reaction score
12,388
Points
113
Location
Aliquippa, PA
Vehicle Year
2011/2019
Make / Model
Ranger XLT/FX4
Engine Size
4.0 SOHC/2.3 Ecoboost
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
Pre-2008 lift/Stock
Tire Size
31X10.5R15/265/65R17
If on a trip, I’ll take whatever major brand of gas there is available when the fuel light comes on or if it’s going to be a long stretch before the next available gas station and there is a doubt I’d make it to the next one (not a common occurrence where I normally drive).

At home, It’s Sunoco that is most prevalent near me with the odd Amoco and Marathon station thrown into the mix.
 

19Walt93

Well-Known Member
Ford Technician
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Nov 13, 2018
Messages
4,475
Reaction score
4,412
Points
113
Location
Canaan,NH
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
Supposedly, the Stabil coats everything and prevents that. So far, it hasn't be a problem over a good number of years. Maybe we're both right? Conversely, maybe we're both wrong? 🤷‍♂️
If I could buy gas that wasn't polluted with ethanol it wouldn't be an issue.
 

superj

Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Oct 1, 2021
Messages
3,029
Reaction score
2,501
Points
113
Location
corpus christi, texas
Vehicle Year
2004
Make / Model
ranger edge
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3 liters of tire smoking power
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
none
Total Drop
none
Tire Size
235s
My credo
Grew up in the 70s, 80s, and 90s
on road trips across texas or across states, sometimes i pass on places because they look like the kind of places you might not ever be seen again from.

and sometimes i get stuck buying from some really run-down looking places and i always worry about water or something in the gas but i have not had trouble yet.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top