I just purchased a 2002 FX4 what octane fuel is everyone running in these. Also I have another question, in the morning when I first start the truck it idles up to about 1100 rpm's and then slowly comes down to about 800. When I put it in gear it makes a squeeking noise which I believe is the brakes. It only does it when I dont let it idle down. After I run the truck for a while and start it, it will idle around 700-800 which is where its supposed to be I believe. Is this normal for these trucks to do this or is something wrong. Last question, my truck has 33,000 on it and Im looking to extend the warranty. Is this worth it or could I go without it. Is there any were else other than the dealer you can pick these warrantys up for a decent price? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Everyone is running 87 Octane, except those with an aftermarket chip.
What you describe on startup is normal for idling.
I would suspect 'dew on brakes' noise.
I didn't get an extended warranty and made to 70k without incident but, I bought new. Do you know the trucks history?

 

The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline

Are you tempted to buy a high octane gasoline for your car because you want to improve its performance? If so, take note: the recommended gasoline for most cars is regular octane. In fact, in most cases, using a higher octane gasoline than your owner’s manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won’t make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage or run cleaner. Your best bet: listen to your owner’s manual.

The only time you might need to switch to a higher octane level is if your car engine knocks when you use the recommended fuel. This happens to a small percentage of cars.

Unless your engine is knocking, buying higher octane gasoline is a waste of money, too. Premium gas costs 15 to 20 cents per gallon more than regular. That can add up to $100 or more a year in extra costs. Studies indicate that altogether, drivers may be spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year for higher octane gas than they need.

What are octane ratings?
Octane ratings measure a gasoline’s ability to resist engine knock, a rattling or pinging sound that results from premature ignition of the compressed fuel-air mixture in one or more cylinders. Most gas stations offer three octane grades: regular (usually 87 octane), mid-grade (usually 89 octane) and premium (usually 92 or 93). The ratings must be posted on bright yellow stickers on each gasoline pump.

What’s the right octane level for your car?
Check your owner’s manual to determine the right octane level for your car. Regular octane is recommended for most cars. However, some cars with high compression engines, like sports cars and certain luxury cars, need mid-grade or premium gasoline to prevent knock.

How can you tell if you’re using the right octane level?
Listen to your car’s engine. If it doesn’t knock when you use the recommended octane, you’re using the right grade of gasoline.

Will higher octane gasoline clean your engine better?
As a rule, high octane gasoline does not outperform regular octane in preventing engine deposits from forming, in removing them, or in cleaning your car’s engine. In fact, the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency requires that all octane grades of all brands of gasoline contain engine cleaning detergent additives to protect against the build-up of harmful levels of engine deposits during the expected life of your car.

Should you ever switch to a higher octane gasoline?
A few car engines may knock or ping — even if you use the recommended octane. If this happens, try switching to the next highest octane grade. In many cases, switching to the mid-grade or premium-grade gasoline will eliminate the knock. If the knocking or pinging continues after one or two fill-ups, you may need a tune-up or some other repair. After that work is done, go back to the lowest octane grade at which your engine runs without knocking.

Is knocking harmful?
Occasional light knocking or pinging won’t harm your engine, and doesn’t indicate a need for higher octane. But don’t ignore severe knocking. A heavy or persistent knock can lead to engine damage.

Is all "premium" or "regular" gasoline the same?
The octane rating of gasoline marked "premium" or "regular" is not consistent across the country. One state may require a minimum octane rating of 92 for all premium gasoline, while another may allow 90 octane to be called premium. To make sure you know what you’re buying, check the octane rating on the yellow sticker on the gas pump instead of relying on the name "premium" or "regular."

 

Thats very informative and well put 01.
Would there be any harm in switching an engine from plus to reg. if its been running on plus since new?

 

First, I can't take credit for that write-up I got it off the net. Second there should be no harm from swithing from plus ot reg.

 

Well, one question first, do you have a chip? If you have a superschip then you need to run the higher octane, if not then you don't need high octane...

 

Nope, no chip.

 

Should be no problem going with the 87 octane then. The article I posted above was NOT written by me it is from this web site:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm

 

Thanks 01

 

Anytime, I am here to help...

 

I am going to mod mine, sometime around Aug 17th, my silver Sport will be modded to a silver Lightning...

Were do you leave your keys Gator?