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Date:         Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:03:55 -0400
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: waterboxer pinging
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed; delsp=no

On Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 11:34 PM , Dennis Haynes wrote:

> Remember that with the water boxer pinging occurs long before you'll > hear it > in the front seat. > > Dennis

So, GoWesty has an article about this phenomenon, and in it recommends premium gasoline for all waterboxers, whether the bigger bore ones they sell, or original. When in the west, where regular octane gasoline is 85 rather than the 87 minimum that VW recommends, I use a higher grade, which often turns out to be 88 or even 89. I know the reason for the lower octane at higher altitudes (lower oxygen partial pressure, so lower combustion rates, so less likelihood of pre-ignition), but being ignorant about all the effects, just go with the higher octane. With other cars, I just go with the regular gasoline, and have never had a problem. VW also recommends using regular gasoline without alcohol (with the caveat, "if available"). When that was written, it WAS generally available. Nowadays, in some areas, ONLY gasoline with 10% alcohol is sold, though here in Oklahoma it is available in some parts of the state at a higher price than the gasoline with alcohol. In much of Texas, NO companies sell the "straight stuff."

I do try to pay attention to rpms, and not let them fall too much (avoid lugging).

So, how does the addition of alcohol interact with the octane recommendation and pinging or knocking? And, am I just wasting my money, as most auto manufacturers state, when I pay extra for the higher octane stuff when out west?

Thanks, Dave McNeely


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