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Regular, E-10, or Premium?

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Old May 18, 2006 | 05:37 PM
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awu_gigabyte's Avatar
awu_gigabyte
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Regular, E-10, or Premium?

I know this has probably been covered, but i'm interested since gas prices can vary 10 to 30 cents per gallon based on your choice.

What do you run?
Do you always run it?
Would you switch if the price was significantly lower for another type?
Why do you run what you run?

Thanks!
Rob.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 06:10 PM
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What do you run? I use a tuner so I run middle grade 89 octane. When the prices were a little lower I would occasionally run 91-92 octane, adjust my tuner program, and enjoy better performance for about the same MPG.
Do you always run it? Almost always 89.
Would you switch if the price was significantly lower for another type? Nope, but I would pay a little more for higher grade - but not with today's prices.
Why do you run what you run? I run it cuz with the tuner I can take advantage of the higher octane. When I didn't have the tuner I just ran the cheapest 87 octane I could find. Higher octane is just a waste without a tuner.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 06:17 PM
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thanks for your reply.

my other question is, is it ok to go from regular to e-10? I hear some say that you can screw up your fuel filter doing this, is it true? Or can you live by the "get whats cheapest"?

Thanks!
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 06:42 PM
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From: Iowa
Here's the answers, in order:

89 octane mid-grade (E10)
Yes
Yes, as long as it's compatible with my vehicle. Example: No E85 in a '92 Explorer.
Because it's cheaper in Iowa. I kept detailed records of milege, and I have found there to be no difference in mileage between 87 octane regular and 89 octane E10. So I buy what's cheapest.

When you switch to E10 in a vehicle with some miles on it, like over 100,000, you'll probably want to change out the fuel filter. Start running your E10, then change the fuel filter at 3 months, then again at 6 months. This should provide plenty of time for the crud to work it's way out of the tank and be caught by the filter. Changing it before it gets plugged up saves a lot of headaches, trust me. I started running E10 in a 1970 F100 that had non-ethanol gasoline all it's life; you wouldn't believe the crud that came out of that gas tank! Replace it a few times when it clogs up, and now all is fine.

Edit: Now that I realize this is in the new F150 forum, you shouldn't have to worry about the fuel filter. Just run the E10 and be happy. It'll be fine.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 06:44 PM
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Im not sure what e10 is. Maybe that's similar to our 'winter gas' where they start putting ethenol in the mix. If it's the same then we dont have a choice between regular or the ethenol mix - regular already has ethenol in it. I think the stickers on the pumps say the gas may contain up to 10% ethenol (e10?). After the summer months when they start putting the eth back in i have noticed in the past that my vehicle (not this truck) will run rough for a while.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 06:45 PM
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i guess i should have been more clear, i have an 06 f150, and i'm more talking about going 89 one week , 87 for a few, then 89, switching back and fourth. Still bad?
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 06:47 PM
  #7  
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Originally Posted by InboundFX4
Im not sure what e10 is. Maybe that's similar to our 'winter gas' where they start putting ethenol in the mix. If it's the same then we dont have a choice between regular or the ethenol mix - regular already has ethenol in it. I think the stickers on the pumps say the gas may contain up to 10% ethenol (e10?). After the summer months when they start putting the eth back in i have noticed in the past that my vehicle (not this truck) will run rough for a while.
I live in nebraska, and all year long we have 3 choices. 87 which has "no" ethanol, apparently. 89 has 10% and then 91-93 has no ethanol.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 06:48 PM
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From: Tigard, OR
Originally Posted by rusty70f100
Edit: Now that I realize this is in the new F150 forum, you shouldn't have to worry about the fuel filter. Just run the E10 and be happy. It'll be fine.
Rusty, you saying I shouldn't need to replace my fuel filter on my '04 truck? I use 89 octane most of the time. Reason I ask is cuz whenever I take my truck in for oil changes they always tell me it's time to replace my fuel filter. 32k miles and I have not replaced it yet.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 08:24 PM
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I Run 93 Octane....i Have The Edge On Level 3. No, If Gas Was Considerably Cheaper I Probably Would Not Switch. I Charge Gas To My Company, Tax Write Off!!!
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 08:44 PM
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From: Iowa
Originally Posted by InboundFX4
Rusty, you saying I shouldn't need to replace my fuel filter on my '04 truck? I use 89 octane most of the time. Reason I ask is cuz whenever I take my truck in for oil changes they always tell me it's time to replace my fuel filter. 32k miles and I have not replaced it yet.
I wouldn't worry about the fuel filter on that truck in regards to ethanol. Do, however, replace it if / when the manual says to replace it.

Next time they say you need a new fuel filter, ask them if it's free. If it is, then let 'em go for it!
 
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