Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2001 08:24:21 -0800
Reply-To: mike miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: mike miller <mwmiller@CWNET.COM>
Subject: Re: higher octane higher burn temperature
In-Reply-To: <3C2D7239.550E1F03@eoni.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
That was the information from my [former] brother in law as well.
Mike
> From: Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
> Organization: DreamCatcher
> Reply-To: Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
> Date: Fri, 28 Dec 2001 23:35:26 -0800
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: higher octane higher burn temperature
>
> As a former gasoline retailer let me say a few words about fuel formulation...
>
> The difference between "regular" and "premium" unleaded fuels is only in
> the additive package. In the typical 20k gallon tank truck load the
> additive package is typically less than 6 fluid ounces.
>
> Arco fuel is it's own breed. Usually less expensive for two reasons.
> 1.) Cash only. Arco chooses not to deal with credit cards. That saves
> the retailer 3% off the top. 2.) Arco fuel (at least in the PNW (and CA
> IIRC)) is about 10% ethanol. This allows a lesser grade of gasoline to
> meet the octane requirements of a higher grade. At the cost of less
> specific energy.
>
> As a former pipeline land surveyor:
> Fuel is piped from the refineries to the distribution centers. It all
> goes in one (typically) 26" pipe. The system on the west coast is AFAIK
> almost entirely owned by Chevron. It all comes out of one system. The
> difference between Shell, BP, Mobil, Texaco, Chevron etc. is only the
> few ounces of modifiers added. Gasoline is gasoline.
>
> An aside: My wholesaler delivers to all major brand stations in this
> area (Texaco, Chevron, BP, Conoco). Same truck, same fuel from the same
> tank farm. The difference between them is the teacup full of exotic brew
> that he adds to his tanker before leaving the tank farm. Different
> brands = different majik chemicals. (BTW, he says respirator and
> neoprene glove and apron are a must if one doesn't want to die young.
> Strong stuff.)
>
> Another aside: Last time I purchased Arco fuel, my fuel mileage dropped
> to 15.5 from the usual 18.5 mpg. And Bleu ('77 2.0) did not like it at
> all. Ran hot and rough. Fuel was purchased from what is probably the
> highest volume retailer in the state so 'freshness' was not an issue.
> Filled again with the usual brand and everything returned to normal.
>
> Jim
>
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