Is Higher Octane Better
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 793
Likes: 255
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.
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.
Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,517
Likes: 917
From: Home Base Nebraska
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
Denny
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
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.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 541
From: Florida
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.
YMMV.
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 739
Likes: 110
From: South Florida
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.
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.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 521
Likes: 1
From: Dunnellon, Fl
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
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
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,507
Likes: 5,563
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 4,334
Likes: 306
From: Mills River
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
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
Ford’s guidance changed when they introduced the improved 6.2 for MY2017:
HTH,
Jim / crewzer
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 739
Likes: 110
From: South Florida
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.
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.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 313
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.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 377
Likes: 33
From: KELOWNA
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?
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?
Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,517
Likes: 917
From: Home Base Nebraska
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
Denny
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 377
Likes: 33
From: KELOWNA
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
Denny
Thank you