Super Unleaded??
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
From: mn
I have read in newspaper Q&A pages on Sundays this reason why higher octane will increase power in an engine rated for 87. The older the engine is the more it will help.
As the engine gets older there is more carbon built up on top of the pistons and in the combustion chamber. This effectively raises the compression ratio of the engine requiring higher octane to reduce pinging.
I had the head on my 1956 Jeep shaved .060 and this increased the compression readings in the cylinders by 12-15 lbs. It now runs better with 92 and octane boost than with 87. Times when I've had the heads off of different engines for different reasons I have wire wheeled at least .060 worth of carbon off of the tops of the pistons. Maybe that carbon is like taking that amount of material off of the head which in turn raises compression.
My 97 Expy has 103,000 miles on it and it definately runs crisper with 92 octane than with 87. Why exactly I don't know.
As the engine gets older there is more carbon built up on top of the pistons and in the combustion chamber. This effectively raises the compression ratio of the engine requiring higher octane to reduce pinging.
I had the head on my 1956 Jeep shaved .060 and this increased the compression readings in the cylinders by 12-15 lbs. It now runs better with 92 and octane boost than with 87. Times when I've had the heads off of different engines for different reasons I have wire wheeled at least .060 worth of carbon off of the tops of the pistons. Maybe that carbon is like taking that amount of material off of the head which in turn raises compression.
My 97 Expy has 103,000 miles on it and it definately runs crisper with 92 octane than with 87. Why exactly I don't know.
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 10,511
Likes: 10
From: Under the flightpath of old ORD 22R
Originally posted by davet
My 97 Expy has 103,000 miles on it and it definately runs crisper with 92 octane than with 87. Why exactly I don't know.
My 97 Expy has 103,000 miles on it and it definately runs crisper with 92 octane than with 87. Why exactly I don't know.
I ran premium for 2 weeks prior to installing my MicroTuner program ( kept meaning to do it, but never got the time ) and the truck did seem to run better then with low grade, but after installing the new program, what a difference !
Try spending the cash for a chip or MicroTuner if you are already burning premium, you won't be sorry for this !
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Kellyville, Oklahoma
Just to be sure we're clear here, it is NOT the higher octane fuel that produces more power, its the higher compression and advanced timing that the higher octane allows with out detonation/preignition that increases the engines power output. The energy (BTU) available in both fuels is the same. As already stated, higher octane just burns slower.
You only notice the difference because the computer allows the timing to advance more with higher octane because it doesn't detect pinging. High octane and low octane, given the same compression ratio and timing setting, are going to produce essentially the same performance. (low octane will just ping more)
As for sludge and deposits due to higher octane gas, that's a new one on me. I believe they put the same additives in all grades of fuel. The cost per mile just does't justify the extra expense.
25 gal of 87 octane @ $1.50/gal = $37.50
At 15mpg that takes you 375miles for 10cents/mile
25 gal of 91 octane @ $1.60/gal = $40.00
At 17mpg that takes you 425milles for 10.625 cents/mile
And that's using a conservative 10cent increase for 91 octane and a generous 2mpg increase.
That doesn't mean its not worth the extra cost to some folks because it feels better and has a little extra pep, that's an individual decision/perception.
Ford knows that the majority of people are going to use the cheapest fuel they can, so they appropriateley tune them for the lowest octane available
You only notice the difference because the computer allows the timing to advance more with higher octane because it doesn't detect pinging. High octane and low octane, given the same compression ratio and timing setting, are going to produce essentially the same performance. (low octane will just ping more)
As for sludge and deposits due to higher octane gas, that's a new one on me. I believe they put the same additives in all grades of fuel. The cost per mile just does't justify the extra expense.
25 gal of 87 octane @ $1.50/gal = $37.50
At 15mpg that takes you 375miles for 10cents/mile
25 gal of 91 octane @ $1.60/gal = $40.00
At 17mpg that takes you 425milles for 10.625 cents/mile
And that's using a conservative 10cent increase for 91 octane and a generous 2mpg increase.
That doesn't mean its not worth the extra cost to some folks because it feels better and has a little extra pep, that's an individual decision/perception.
Ford knows that the majority of people are going to use the cheapest fuel they can, so they appropriateley tune them for the lowest octane available
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 3
From: Eastern TN
Originally posted by dbarbee
<SNIP>... Just to be sure we're clear here, it is NOT the higher octane fuel that produces more power, its the higher compression and advanced timing that the higher octane allows with out detonation/preignition that increases the engines power output. The energy (BTU) available in both fuels is the same. As already stated, higher octane just burns slower... <SNIP>
<SNIP>... Just to be sure we're clear here, it is NOT the higher octane fuel that produces more power, its the higher compression and advanced timing that the higher octane allows with out detonation/preignition that increases the engines power output. The energy (BTU) available in both fuels is the same. As already stated, higher octane just burns slower... <SNIP>
The energy (BTUs) available may be the same for both fuels, but that doesn't mean that your engine is extracting the BTUs as efficiently as it can from both of those fuels.
An engine that is pinging (or detonating) is not making as much power as an engine that is burning properly. Pinging (or detonation) is the result of the fuel not burning when it is supposed to. If it is not burning at the proper time, the engine is not running at top performance.
I don't believe higher octane fuel burns any slower than the low octane fuel; it is simply more resistant to pre-ignition caused by the latent heat in the air being compressed.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,316
Likes: 1
the other thing to keep in mind is that premium fuels usually have more detergents and cleaners.
In some cases, that little bit of injector cleaning can make a difference.
This in addition to the points made by JMC
In some cases, that little bit of injector cleaning can make a difference.
This in addition to the points made by JMC
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 0
From: NH
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."
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm
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."
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/octane.htm
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 0
From: NH
Octane is a rating of a fuels resistance to ignite. The higher the octane, the harder it is to get to ignite. A higher octane may be necessary to prevent pre-ignition and detonation in a high performance engine. Higher octane fuel will generally burn slightly slower than a lower octane fuel which could require a change in ignition timing. Using more octane than you need will not help power, the slower burn rate will actually cause you to lose some power.
http://www.grapeaperacing.com/GrapeA...fueloctane.cfm
Posted octane numbers on gasoline pumps are a result of testing fuel performance under laboratory and actual operating conditions. The higher the octane rating on fuel the less volatile (evaporative qualities) and the slower the fuel burns. Higher octane fuel contains more POTENTIAL energy but requires the higher heat generated by higher compression ratio engines to properly condition the fuel to RELEASE that higher potential energy. In the refining process, fewer gallons of higher octane fuels are yielded from a barrel of raw crude.
Many vehicle owners believe that higher octane fuels are better for their vehicles since they are labeled "PREMIUM." The logic is that since it is a premium fuel it must be better. In reality, the premium label originates from the higher cost to refine and the resultant higher retail cost. Some refiners label their high octane fuels "SUPER." Some owners think that these fuels will make their vehicles more powerful. Only engines with high compression ratios can deliver all the potential energy from higher octane fuels! Always consult the manufacturer's octane recommendation to determine the proper octane requirements for any given vehicle. Generally, engines with compression ratios of 9.3 : 1 or less will safely operate with unleaded 87 octane fuel. Engines with higher compression ratios usually require higher octane fuels.
Question: Any gasoline engine will efficiently burn any octane fuel.
Answer: False. To efficiently burn any fuel of any octane, the compression ratio of the engine must be high enough to release all the potential fuel energy.
Question: Engine knock or ping is always a result of poor quality fuel.
Answer: False. Engine knock or ping may be a result of too low an octane rating for that engine's compression ratio; most engine knocking and pinging is a result of an out-of-tune engine or emissions control servicing.
http://www.leeric.lsu.edu/bgbb/7/ecep/trans/b/b.htm
Just some more information from the web…
http://www.grapeaperacing.com/GrapeA...fueloctane.cfm
Posted octane numbers on gasoline pumps are a result of testing fuel performance under laboratory and actual operating conditions. The higher the octane rating on fuel the less volatile (evaporative qualities) and the slower the fuel burns. Higher octane fuel contains more POTENTIAL energy but requires the higher heat generated by higher compression ratio engines to properly condition the fuel to RELEASE that higher potential energy. In the refining process, fewer gallons of higher octane fuels are yielded from a barrel of raw crude.
Many vehicle owners believe that higher octane fuels are better for their vehicles since they are labeled "PREMIUM." The logic is that since it is a premium fuel it must be better. In reality, the premium label originates from the higher cost to refine and the resultant higher retail cost. Some refiners label their high octane fuels "SUPER." Some owners think that these fuels will make their vehicles more powerful. Only engines with high compression ratios can deliver all the potential energy from higher octane fuels! Always consult the manufacturer's octane recommendation to determine the proper octane requirements for any given vehicle. Generally, engines with compression ratios of 9.3 : 1 or less will safely operate with unleaded 87 octane fuel. Engines with higher compression ratios usually require higher octane fuels.
Question: Any gasoline engine will efficiently burn any octane fuel.
Answer: False. To efficiently burn any fuel of any octane, the compression ratio of the engine must be high enough to release all the potential fuel energy.
Question: Engine knock or ping is always a result of poor quality fuel.
Answer: False. Engine knock or ping may be a result of too low an octane rating for that engine's compression ratio; most engine knocking and pinging is a result of an out-of-tune engine or emissions control servicing.
http://www.leeric.lsu.edu/bgbb/7/ecep/trans/b/b.htm
Just some more information from the web…
Last edited by 01 XLT Sport; Sep 14, 2003 at 11:45 AM.
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Dec 1997
Posts: 9,417
Likes: 11
From: Windsor,Ontario,Canada
01,
Great links. I don't disagree with the first post. It was written to keep people from wasting their money on premium. For that matter I don't disagree with the second page.
Higher octane fuel will generally burn slightly slower than a lower octane fuel which could require a change in ignition timing. Using more octane than you need will not help power, the slower burn rate will actually cause you to lose some power.
Premium does in fact burn slower. If you don’t increase the timing, like a chip does, you will not get much. The PCM does increase the timing but it can not increase it enough to make enough power to justify the extra cost of Premium. Most all vehicles are like that and that is probably why the first page of your post was written.
Only engines with high compression ratios can deliver all the potential energy from higher octane fuels! With most vehicles today the CR is less that 9.5:1 so unless you help the PCM you are wasting $$$. You can still make power with lower CRs and a chip will prove that. You just don’t exploit the full potential of the premium fuel. And that was the whole point of my post. You will make more power because the PCM will try to advance the timing. But for the extra power you will gain you are wasting your $$$. BTW thanks for the link in the second post I was looking for one like that.
JMC
Great links. I don't disagree with the first post. It was written to keep people from wasting their money on premium. For that matter I don't disagree with the second page.
Higher octane fuel will generally burn slightly slower than a lower octane fuel which could require a change in ignition timing. Using more octane than you need will not help power, the slower burn rate will actually cause you to lose some power.
Premium does in fact burn slower. If you don’t increase the timing, like a chip does, you will not get much. The PCM does increase the timing but it can not increase it enough to make enough power to justify the extra cost of Premium. Most all vehicles are like that and that is probably why the first page of your post was written.
Only engines with high compression ratios can deliver all the potential energy from higher octane fuels! With most vehicles today the CR is less that 9.5:1 so unless you help the PCM you are wasting $$$. You can still make power with lower CRs and a chip will prove that. You just don’t exploit the full potential of the premium fuel. And that was the whole point of my post. You will make more power because the PCM will try to advance the timing. But for the extra power you will gain you are wasting your $$$. BTW thanks for the link in the second post I was looking for one like that.
JMC
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Kellyville, Oklahoma
No flame intended, but it IS the higher octane that allows the engine to make more power. JMC posted the info that makes the octane rating so critical to these trucks. If the compression ratio remains unchanged and you can advance your timing further with higher octane fuel, you will make more power. That is a proven fact.
No disagreement here, if you'll re-read my post carefully, I think you'll see I'm saying the same thing only in different words.
Like you said, the higher octane ALLOWS the engine to produce more power, in your example, by increasing timing, it doesn't produce more power all by itself with no other changes to the engine.
It seems to be a common misconception that higer octane gas has more energy in it than lower octane and that's the point I was trying to make, not that you can't get more power by using high octane gas and increasing your timing.
BTW: I appreciate the respectful feedback, no offense taken or intended
Last edited by dbarbee; Sep 16, 2003 at 08:34 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 0
From: NH
JMC:
Your welcome. A while back some of us at work were discussing this very issue. It wasn’t an argument, but friendly discussion on the difference in octanes of fuels. We were each “kind of” right in our own ways but no real conclusion. So I came across these threads I posted and brought them in to work. I just kept them around since being on F150online because every now and then the question comes up so I figure why not offer some “unbiased” opinions from other sources…
Your welcome. A while back some of us at work were discussing this very issue. It wasn’t an argument, but friendly discussion on the difference in octanes of fuels. We were each “kind of” right in our own ways but no real conclusion. So I came across these threads I posted and brought them in to work. I just kept them around since being on F150online because every now and then the question comes up so I figure why not offer some “unbiased” opinions from other sources…
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 598
Likes: 0
From: southington ct usa
For all practical reasons, 87 and 93 will have similar flame front speeds. There is a silght difference, only due to the fact that the lower octane fuel will start to degrade under the conditions present in the cylinder when ignition begins.
As lower octane fuel breaks down, from heat of ignition and heat of compression, it starts to burn. While a higher octane fuel has a stronger molecular bond and more resistance to free up Hydrogen, and Hydrogen free radicals, which tend to ignite at lower temps.
Once the cycle is started, it's a rapid chemical chain reaction. It's intresting to note, that by adding spent exhaust gasses(EGR ,exhaust gas recirculate) to dilute the fresh air fuel mixture, in fact lowers the combustion tempatures. However this is not the reason (prevent detonation) it is done. By keeping combustion tempature below 2400 degrees, oxygen and nitrogen will enter and exit the cylinder as seperate elements. Over 2400 degrees they combine to make oxides of nitrogen, the leading cause of smog.
As lower octane fuel breaks down, from heat of ignition and heat of compression, it starts to burn. While a higher octane fuel has a stronger molecular bond and more resistance to free up Hydrogen, and Hydrogen free radicals, which tend to ignite at lower temps.
Once the cycle is started, it's a rapid chemical chain reaction. It's intresting to note, that by adding spent exhaust gasses(EGR ,exhaust gas recirculate) to dilute the fresh air fuel mixture, in fact lowers the combustion tempatures. However this is not the reason (prevent detonation) it is done. By keeping combustion tempature below 2400 degrees, oxygen and nitrogen will enter and exit the cylinder as seperate elements. Over 2400 degrees they combine to make oxides of nitrogen, the leading cause of smog.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Austin
Just gotta know...
I am dying to know how many of you guys are engineers, I am a chemical engineer and, no offense, but you guys sound like me and my buddies when we go to a bar. HAHA 
Not that that is a bad thing, but you are all talking about physical chemistry, which was my favorite subject. 
When it comes down to it, everyone is kinda right, the higher octane gasoline resists auto-detonation (combustion similar to diesel fuel at high pressures) (PV=nRT in ideal P-Chem, but involves some diferrential equation crap in real life). And the lower octane will have more tendancy to auto-detonate, which could cause the explosion to occur at the wrong time in the compression cycle, hence, the knock.
I don't know what fuel is right for everyone, it is kinda like saying which oil everyone should use, everyone has their own opinion. As far as chemicals are concerned they PROBABLY don't make a difference unless you are having knocking with lower octane. I have tried this though, roll down the windows in a parking garage and listen to how smoothly your engine runs on one versus the other and then make up your mind... I personally prefer mid- or high- grade since it sounds quiter (smoother with the flowmasters) in my truck. Because of less auto-detonation I guess... But I can't tell the difference in the seat-o-pants meter and since I can't afford "Premium" I buy regular.
Now here is a question for you guys/girls, my truck just started smelling (very slightly) on very hard acceleration like smoke incomplete combustion... Any ideas what causes that? I think it happens in most cars, did in my last car, but I am not sure... Thanks!! This site is great.
Anthony
2002 FX4 S-Crew Lariat
Not that that is a bad thing, but you are all talking about physical chemistry, which was my favorite subject. When it comes down to it, everyone is kinda right, the higher octane gasoline resists auto-detonation (combustion similar to diesel fuel at high pressures) (PV=nRT in ideal P-Chem, but involves some diferrential equation crap in real life). And the lower octane will have more tendancy to auto-detonate, which could cause the explosion to occur at the wrong time in the compression cycle, hence, the knock.
I don't know what fuel is right for everyone, it is kinda like saying which oil everyone should use, everyone has their own opinion. As far as chemicals are concerned they PROBABLY don't make a difference unless you are having knocking with lower octane. I have tried this though, roll down the windows in a parking garage and listen to how smoothly your engine runs on one versus the other and then make up your mind... I personally prefer mid- or high- grade since it sounds quiter (smoother with the flowmasters) in my truck. Because of less auto-detonation I guess... But I can't tell the difference in the seat-o-pants meter and since I can't afford "Premium" I buy regular.
Now here is a question for you guys/girls, my truck just started smelling (very slightly) on very hard acceleration like smoke incomplete combustion... Any ideas what causes that? I think it happens in most cars, did in my last car, but I am not sure... Thanks!! This site is great.
Anthony
2002 FX4 S-Crew Lariat
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Dec 1997
Posts: 9,417
Likes: 11
From: Windsor,Ontario,Canada
Incomplete combustion is a sign of lack of oxygen for the amount of fuel present. Your truck is starting to run rich. First thing to check is your air filter. If it is restricted it will not allow enough air to flow to completely burn the fuel at higher RPMs. it is is OK something else is causing the rich problem. Too much fuel for the amount of air.
Sticking fuel injector, excessive fuel caused by PCM errorenously increasing pulse width of injectors. Dirty injectors can be cleaned with a can of clean-em-up purchased at a parts store.
You choose brand. The PCM uses information gathered from a number of sensors. The easiest cure is to replace all the sensors. Not practical becasue of cost. Cleaning the MAF is the easiest fix and is inexpensive. Windex and a Q-tip.
Before I ramble on just how bad is the smell?
JMC
Sticking fuel injector, excessive fuel caused by PCM errorenously increasing pulse width of injectors. Dirty injectors can be cleaned with a can of clean-em-up purchased at a parts store.
You choose brand. The PCM uses information gathered from a number of sensors. The easiest cure is to replace all the sensors. Not practical becasue of cost. Cleaning the MAF is the easiest fix and is inexpensive. Windex and a Q-tip.
Before I ramble on just how bad is the smell?
JMC
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
From: Austin
Thanks for the idea!!
Smell isn't to bad, and I only noticed it in the last week... I had to get around some dude who wouldn't let me in front of him to exit, floored it. I have never run a fuel injector cleaner through the truck, I think I will try that. It is much easier than the other options, but if it comes to that I will try it too... Thanks!! Oh yeah, how hard is it to clean a MAF sensor, I hear you can really mess them up?