fuel type (octane)

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Apr 29, 2001 | 01:12 PM

mark v

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From: Oklahoma

fuel type (octane)

I have new f150 supercrew with 5.4 liter v8. Had a 1997 4.6 v8. Always put 89 or higher unleaded. Ran the 1997 truck to 180,000 miles before trading.

Have I been wasting money? I've never had a fuel related problem, but don't want to throw money away either.

so whats the verdict?

Mark

May 1, 2001 | 10:08 AM

mbrim

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fuel type (octane)

The manual states not to use anything but 87. You can save some money.

May 1, 2001 | 11:42 AM

FTE Ken

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From: Enjoying the real world.

fuel type (octane)

If the engine does not ping on 87 you're wasting money. Engine timing needs to be advanced to take advantage of higher octane.

Ken Payne
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Jun 7, 2001 | 03:07 PM

Deebo

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From: Ohio

fuel type (octane)

87 is all you need. Remember, Alot of people think the higher the octane the better, and for combustion reasons it is true.
But..... A higher octane fuel has lower lubricants in it due to the burn off to capture the octane and bring the octane rating up. The 87 octane is just that. it has less octane, but has more of the natural lubricants in it to assist your rings and injectors.

Jun 9, 2001 | 05:33 PM

rkent

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fuel type (octane)

You are wasting your money. As long as the engine is not chattering there is no reason to run the higher octane. I am in the gasoline business and own a F150 and I use regular N?L gasoline.

Sep 6, 2001 | 03:25 PM

newby_supercrew

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fuel type (octane)

I recently just purchased my 1st Ford truck, a '01 F150 SuperCrew Lariat, Blk w/ Tan trim and leather, & 5.4L. this question isn't directly concerned w/ fuel grade. it's fuel consumption. i have 1000 miles on my truck, on my 2nd tank of gas i calc an astonishing 12.9 MPG (city), and i drove from Houston to Austin (a cpl pit stops) and directly back the same day filling up before i left and filling up immediately upon return and got a disappointing 15.6 MPG (Hwy) w/ tailgate down!!!.

i have been told this will improve w/ time (3000-5000 miles down the road.) is this true? or is this just "luck of the draw"?

Sep 7, 2001 | 07:44 AM

Deebo

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From: Ohio

fuel type (octane)

I'd say it will improve with the Break-in time. But just like any Big V-8 If you stand on it allot she will use the fuel.
Not saying that you do, But I've noticed if I'm easy on her she does do better.