86 octane ok?

SilverV said:

Long story short, I filled up with 86 octane about 7 gallons, was not paying attention lengthy road trip.

I know we are suppose to run 87, will 86 harm anything? It was BP gas.

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Shouldn't hurt anything unless you are going up a long grade at wide open throttle. Your knock sensor system should adjust as well. As long as you do not hear constant spark knock, you should be ok. If you are worried, just baby it for a while, then top it off with premium.

Thanks that's good to know, I'll just take it easy and burn it off until my next fill up then get 87. I'll keep a eye out for knocking/pinging.

I use to run regular in my old Max that recommended premium and it would knock but the car had no serious issues just slower pick up, still being driven to the person I sold it to probably has 300k on it now. I was not sure about the V being a newer car 4 cylinder.

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2014 Note recommends 91, so I usually alternate between 93 and 89, filling at half-tank. (since you CAN'T buy 91)

Vern in IL said:

2014 Note recommends 91, so I usually alternate between 93 and 89, filling at half-tank. (since you CAN'T buy 91)

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Vern, I beg to disagree. The VNote owner manual recommends NOT LESS THAN 87 AKI (or in the USA R+M/2) which is what is shown on the gas pumps. 87 AKI is roughly equivalent to 91 RON (Research Octane Number - the R on the formula R+M/2). MON (Motor Octane Number, the M on the formula) is another way of measuring fuel octane but is typically around 10 lower (give or take) than RON.

Bottom line: 87 ((R+M)/2 as shown on the gas pumps) or better is recommended for the VNote/VSedan. You can fill it with a higher octane fuel but you're just wasting your money.

jas32 said:

Vern, I beg to disagree. The VNote owner manual recommends NOT LESS THAN 87 AKI (or in the USA R+M/2) which is what is shown on the gas pumps. 87 AKI is roughly equivalent to 91 RON (Research Octane Number - the R on the formula R+M/2). MON (Motor Octane Number, the M on the formula) is another way of measuring fuel octane but is typically around 10 lower (give or take) than RON.

Bottom line: 87 ((R+M)/2 as shown on the gas pumps) or better is recommended for the VNote/VSedan. You can fill it with a higher octane fuel but you're just wasting your money.

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You are correct, just checked my manual, but here is my findings after doing some testing;
I agree that I may be wasting money, but I am not wasting fuel. Notice the manual says "or better" meaning you can run higher octane, the question is if you run higher octane, will the engine adjust? From my findings, yes the engine will adjust. You will get slightly better performance from my findings.

I have ran different grades of fuel, and I consistently get 2 mpg better with a combo of 89/93. I usually buy gas at Shell or Phillip's 66.(top tier)

The higher octane will allow the timing to advance to the max(whatever the timing map is programed into the ECU), and the higher concentration of cleaners, will help keep my dual injection clean, since it has a smaller nozzle than a traditional injector.

I am very happy with this car.

Vern in IL said:

.....I have ran different grades of fuel, and I consistently get 2 mpg better with a combo of 89/93. I usually buy gas at Shell or Phillip's 66.(top tier).....

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Were probably deviating from the original topic of this tread, as the regular vs. premium fuel debate, similar to 3000 mile oil changes can be argued forever.

It's good you are getting something for your money as most people won't. I myself normally stick to manufacturer's recommendations as much as possible. Although gasoline is a commodity, I agree, sticking to a reputable brand is a good way to assure quality.