Is buying higher octane worth it? I think so.

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Old Dec 23, 2010 | 10:46 AM
  #46  
Steve83's Avatar
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Originally Posted by JMC
From the 97 PCED manual.
OK I phrased that wrong. I've read the section you posted, but this is what I meant:
Originally Posted by JMC
A Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be present if the shorting bar is removed... DO NOT remove the shorting bar unless directed by a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB).
If it sets a DTC any time you pull it, why is it there, and what use would it be to remove it? I've never read a TSB that said to pull it.
 
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Old Dec 23, 2010 | 06:18 PM
  #47  
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If you remove the Shorting bar it should set a P1390 DTC but not turn on the ses light. This code sets to tell the tech that it was removed. It was used on the 1997-98 F-150 and some of the 4.6 Mustangs and Rangers. I believe that it was discontinued on the 99 F-150s.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 07:12 AM
  #48  
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I was just wondering has anyone done a horsepower test after a motor vac service using a programmer? If so, what was the horsepower/torque before and after, and what was the mileage?
 
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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 02:02 PM
  #49  
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You will not see a huge difference after a cleaning service. It is still a worthwhile investment though.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 02:39 PM
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I just retuned my truck to run on 87. I personally haven't ever seen any benefits from higher octane except on my supercharged car. I also use those gas treatment things but never any noticeable gains.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 04:01 PM
  #51  
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Originally Posted by camopaint0707
I just retuned my truck to run on 87. I personally haven't ever seen any benefits from higher octane except on my supercharged car. I also use those gas treatment things but never any noticeable gains.
I'm not a fan of additives myself, but the Techron is highly praised on here..and since there is no Chevron or Texaco gas station in my area, I figure dumping in a bottle at oil changes is almost or just as good.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 04:08 PM
  #52  
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Originally Posted by Norm
You will not see a huge difference after a cleaning service. It is still a worthwhile investment though.
The local Pep Boys here has that service available, they offer different levels of cleaning..which level do you recommend? Is it a good idea to get the most expensive service?
 
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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 04:25 PM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by chiaronate
I'm not a fan of additives myself, but the Techron is highly praised on here..and since there is no Chevron or Texaco gas station in my area, I figure dumping in a bottle at oil changes is almost or just as good.
I see several posts on this thread about adding Techron at an oil change. I suggest that this is not the best idea. My understanding is that Techron doesn't completely burn and some slips past the rings into the oil. This is why you should only treat once every oil change. I recommend that you add this in the last tankful that you burn before the oil change. That way, you aren't running thinned oil the whole time.

Also, sucking in a bottle of Techron through one of your vacuum ports is a great way to clean the top end of the engine if needed. Starting with a cold engine, place a small hose in the bottle (don't want to liquid-lock your engine!) and connect it to a vacuum port that will hit all cylinders. Start the engine and let it chug and slurp in the Techron (30 seconds or so). Shut off for 30 minutes, then start and drive. It will smoke a lot, especially if the engine is dirty. (I mean A LOT - as in you cannot see cars behind you for the first mile or so.) Change oil after doing this.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 06:01 PM
  #54  
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Techron is a fuel additive and should ONLY be added to your fuel tank. It also burns very well and is not going to "slip by the rings" any more than your gas does.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 06:03 PM
  #55  
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Originally Posted by chiaronate
The local Pep Boys here has that service available, they offer different levels of cleaning..which level do you recommend? Is it a good idea to get the most expensive service?
Not sure. I have only seen it as a full system cleaning. Why bother cleaning if you are not going to clean it all?
 
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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 06:38 PM
  #56  
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Originally Posted by Norm
Not sure. I have only seen it as a full system cleaning. Why bother cleaning if you are not going to clean it all?
I'm having a difficult time justifying getting this done because I was getting a best average miles-per-gallon of 16, and 17 before I had my larger/more aggressive tires put on. Seems like with that kind of gas mileage the motor can't be very dirty.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2011 | 07:14 PM
  #57  
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You are correct. Just stick with good gas and Techron a couple times a year.
 
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