Date:         Sun, 15 Dec 2013 13:31:23 -0500
Reply-To:     James <jk_eaton@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         James <jk_eaton@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Gas question, seriously folks
Comments: To: Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CA857224-8244-45D6-8B6C-A6ED411FECCE@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

My owner's manual, 1991 2.1 automatic, says the engine requires 87 octane, but recommends 89 or better octane for heavy loads and hot weather.  So in the summer, I run 89 octane or better, generally.  With no knock sensor, things can go wrong very fast on aluminum engine parts in hot weather - why take the risk?  I have at times noticed a slight improvement in fuel economy on the higher octane, but that may relate as much to lower alcohol content in higher octane gas here in Ontario as to the octane itself.  

James
Ottawa, ON


> Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2013 12:33:04 -0700
> From: mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: Re: Gas question, seriously folks
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> On Dec 14, 2013, at 11:36 AM, Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
> 
> Your thoughts on gas are greatly appreciated.
> 
> When you ask a question like this, that directly relates to the exact type of engine in your van,
> which was produced in a model year that went from aircooled to water cooled, you may want to provide
> info that helps the respondents focus on your issue.
> 
> I don't see an engine listed below, that would benefit from high octane fuel, which normally means the
> engine is a high compression (9:1 or greater), performance motor. Sounds like a complete waste of $$$, but then
> what do I know. Doesn't your fuel filler have a decal posted that states recommended octane for your vehicle?
> No owners manual?
> http://www.westfaliat3.info/html/westfalia_t3_downloads.html
> 
> Water-cooled (1983 onwards)
>         • 1.9 litre engines:
>                 • 1.9 L (1,913 cc) (83 bhp) (Serial # DH) water-cooled (or "Wasserboxer") engine used for the 1983½ to 1985 models, which used a fuel injection system known as "Digijet" (Digital Jet-tronic)
>                 • 1.9 L (1,913 cc) (59 bhp) (Serial # DF) 8.6:1 compression ratio, 34-PICT carburetor
>                 • 1.9 L (1,913 cc) (76 bhp) (Serial # DG) 8.6:1 compression ratio, 2E3 or 2E4 carburetor
>                 • 1.9 L (1,913 cc) (55 bhp) (Serial # EY) 7.5:1 compression ratio, 34-PICT carburetor
>                 • 1.9 L (1,913 cc) (89 bhp) (Serial # GW) 8.6:1 compression ratio, Bosch Digijet electronic fuel injection
> 
> Bob