It's very obvious when the PCM pulls timing on these engines to avoid detonation, especially when accelerating from a stop. The intake sound changes and it bogs down until it gets over 2,500 rpm in 2nd or 3rd based on my experience driving on very hot days, especially sitting in traffic when the intake air gets heat soaked running 87 octane. This is at sea level also.

If I run 89 or 93, it doesn't do this.

I've owned a 2011 and 2013 and they both did/do the same thing.

 

I've run 85 octane in my 2013 6.2 every time I go up in the mountians without any problems or loss of power or mileage but if I know I'm going back down to lower elevations I change back to 87.

Denny

 

It is always alright to go with a higher octane level than is recommended as the minimum octane rating for fuel. Octane rating measures how much the fuel resists preignition. Higher the octane, the higher the flash point. Be aware though, that going much higher (like super 93 octane fuel) during the winter could result in harder starting. Had a 1987 Chevy Corvette for a while that required a lot of cranking to fire in the mornings. Changed to regular fuel, and it started like a champ.

 

I normally run 87, but I will also go against what most here are saying in that I actually have seen improved performance (held higher gear at speed longer) and mileage (a solid 1 mpg) with 89 or 93, especially while towing.

YMMV.

 

This should help...

 

Thank you for that explanation. My 2016 6.2 does exactly this and I could never figure out what it was or why it is. It only happens in warmer weather when the intake is heat soaked after sitting at idle a few minutes and for me only does it in 1st and 2nd gear. She feels like she is bogging and I have to lay into the pedal to get her to snap out of it. Makes perfect sense now. I’m going on a road trip next week so I’m not going to spend the money on higher octane now but once I get home I’m going to fill up with 89 to see if there is a difference for me. I’m about 1,200 feet above sea level.

 

From page 391 - F350 2012 6.2 V8 owners manual ......

Octane recommendations

“Regular” unleaded gasoline with a pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 is recommended. Some stations offer fuels posted as “Regular” with an octane rating below 87, particularly in high altitude areas. Fuels with octane levels below 87 are not recommended.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

 

my 2014 gets best mileage with 87. if i try running higher octane mileage drops.

 

Ford’s guidance changed when they introduced the improved 6.2 for MY2017:




HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

An update on my 2016- I just got done running a tank of 89 in 90+ degree weather in NC and unfortunately it made no difference on my truck. The pcm still pulled the timing when it got heat soaked.

 

Anyone running 94 octane in there 6.2?

Was thinking about putting in a full tank before I go on a road trip next weekend

Everywhere I read there is mixed reviews on higher octane than 87

 

on a stock or slightly modified 6.2 there isnt enough benefit to run higher octane unless towing/ hauling heavy. some people may claim improved power or mpg but i would doubt it. the stock timing is setup for the rated power on 87 octane.

 

I have Chevron 94 octane where I live

I was reading about it and came upon this article :

Certain fuels such as Chevron’s 94 Octane do contain extra cleaning additives, which can help prevent the buildup of contaminants in the combustion chamber, injector tips, intake manifolds, and intake valves, particularly in direct-injected engines.

I was going to full up just 1 tank for the benefits of cleaning , nothing else

Or is it a bunch of BS?

 

What I've found over the last 10 years with my 6.2 is it runs just fine on 87 Oct but if I want more performance and mileage out of it I run Top Tier gas when pulling it hard. When pulling our 16K trailer I can tell the difference after just one file up with Top Tier when it comes to the seat pants feeling in power and increased gas mileage. I prefer Shell, Chevron just to name a couple.

Denny

 

Good to know i really appreciate thw reaply !

Thank you