Which fuel?

prydey · 08-05-2010, 04:38 PM

hi guys, just a quick question. i'm getting a 05 LS focus for my inlaws so have been doing a bit of research on it and apparently its meant to use 95RON petrol! is this critical? will it be ok to run on 91RON? i wasn't aware of this and i know the inlaws won't be too pleased to have to use the premium fuel (extra cost).

FGX335 · 08-05-2010, 05:13 PM

I would recommend 98 RON fuel. It is just a far superior fuel, and at the end of the day, it doesn't affect the hip pocket that much.

But, the oldies are probably tight, so I'd just say it uses less fuel and it works out about even in cost. It probably doesn't affect the consumption as much as that, but they won't know that.

And to be honest, they state 95 for a reason, so I wouldn't recommend cheaping out on the juice, and it's worth the outlay IMHO.

prydey · 08-05-2010, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordbaghia

I would recommend 98 RON fuel. It is just a far superior fuel, and at the end of the day, it doesn't affect the hip pocket that much.

But, the oldies are probably tight, so I'd just say it uses less fuel and it works out about even in cost. It probably doesn't affect the consumption as much as that, but they won't know that.

And to be honest, they state 95 for a reason, so I wouldn't recommend cheaping out on the juice, and it's worth the outlay IMHO.

do you own a focus?? are you familiar with how old people think??

i'm assuming these cars have knock sensors, so running with 4RON less would hardly kill the engine. it may not develop the full 107kw on 91, but believe it or not, there are a lot of people out there that care very little for the power of a car.

are there any focus owners out there that run the car on 91?

DBourne · 08-05-2010, 05:22 PM

Mum runs her 04 on 91 and hasn't had any issues

prydey · 08-05-2010, 05:58 PM

not sure on the difference in engines but the 04 focus is only rated as 91RON.

DragonMesh · 08-05-2010, 06:51 PM

it can be done but you will get more outta the car if its on 95 including more km's per tank works out better value. but hey im not old...

fiestaz · 08-05-2010, 07:05 PM

if it is the LS, or LT model (im thinking ls from the year) then it should be perfectly fine running on 91, our focus sometimes runs on it, mum doesnt really notice a difference.

FGX335 · 08-05-2010, 07:09 PM

Fine, just trying to help, only managed a servo for 8 years. Suit yourself, but I'm sure they don't state 95 for kicks.

fiestaz · 08-05-2010, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordbaghia

Fine, just trying to help, only managed a servo for 8 years. Suit yourself, but I'm sure they don't state 95 for kicks.

generally its just a recomendation, but they say the car will still run on 91 anyway, just not as well... this is the case for my fiesta ran it out 95-98 fuels, and recently put it on 91, it still works ok, but doesnt run as nice. it will be going back to 98, purely coz i want power back lol

DragonMesh · 08-05-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordbaghia

Fine, just trying to help, only managed a servo for 8 years. Suit yourself, but I'm sure they don't state 95 for kicks.

yea i guess some people cant understand basic maths/physics

leakey · 08-05-2010, 10:18 PM

Chill guys!

I've been driving an '08 update now for a year, and I do mostly run it on 91.

But - when I do use 95 or "spoil" myself and use 98, the car definately runs better.
Very noticably better.

Agree completely that not everyone wants or needs to use full power potential of their car's engine.

Really comes down to the hip pocket on the day for me. I have had no warnings or ill effects from using 91 ron fuel, even the higher ethanol mixes. I do make a point of trying to use "the good stuff" every 4 or so tanks.

Still lovin' my Focus BTW, and its still strong and smooth.

Cheers, Leakey

[cant find POT STIRER SMILEY] Most "OLD" people I know tend to really look after their cars, and follow the running, service and maintenance to the letter. Thats why you find some 1970's cars in pristine condition still.

melbzetec · 08-05-2010, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

do you own a focus?? are you familiar with how old people think??

i'm assuming these cars have knock sensors, so running with 4RON less would hardly kill the engine. it may not develop the full 107kw on 91, but believe it or not, there are a lot of people out there that care very little for the power of a car.

are there any focus owners out there that run the car on 91?

If you only want one answer, then why ask the bloody question?
It's designed to run on 95. If Ford could promote it as running on 91, they would.
But it's obvious you'll tell your folks whatever you want to.
(Just love people who ask a question, then abuse people when they don't like the answer)

fordmondeoman · 08-05-2010, 11:25 PM

melbzetec ur right on there.
If you understand how a engine opperates and what octaine rating is used for then any modern car with knock control you would have to be silly running anything under 95 and most new cars today 98 it works out cheaper doing so, yes cheaper

rand0mn00b · 08-05-2010, 11:55 PM

the manual for my LT states 95 is recommended, but you can go as low as 91 but expect lower performance/efficiency

can also use fuel with up to 10% ethanol

20focus05 · 09-05-2010, 12:24 AM

well if you put 91 in it and it makes a funny crackling noise when you put the foot down thats pinging, which is bad. Basically the fuel is going bang before it should and is trying to push the piston back down while its still coming up. If you let this go on for to long damage to your engine may well occur.
And if this damage happens during warranty and the manufacturer states 95 should be used then say good by to warranty.

But best to use 95 on. Our car (LS) will still ping sometimes on 98
These engines have a high compression ration so a high ron is best.

prydey · 09-05-2010, 01:38 AM

some of you guys distance yourselves from reality. so many people focused on 'performance' and how the car 'goes'!! there are a lot of cars out there where the acceletater pedal only sees a fraction of its full movement. this will likely be one of those cars.

the manual also specifies a lot of other numbers - oil weight, coolant etc. hope no one decides to put different weight oil in their car.

i understand what pinging is. if it pings, then obviously 95 it is, but if the only detriment is a little less power, then that will never be noticed.

i guess i'll just have to figure it out for myself.

Al... · 09-05-2010, 05:14 AM

I own a '07 (auto), I have tried 91 before and especially on hot days, even under light throttle it will ping quite badly.

I personally just use 98 and rarely have a issue and yes the fuel consumption does improve

As you say, it will be trial and error i guess.

DragonMesh · 09-05-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

some of you guys distance yourselves from reality. so many people focused on 'performance' and how the car 'goes'!! there are a lot of cars out there where the acceletater pedal only sees a fraction of its full movement. this will likely be one of those cars.

the manual also specifies a lot of other numbers - oil weight, coolant etc. hope no one decides to put different weight oil in their car.

i understand what pinging is. if it pings, then obviously 95 it is, but if the only detriment is a little less power, then that will never be noticed.

i guess i'll just have to figure it out for myself.

If the engine is running how its supposed to and getting good performance you will get good economy too, if you run it on crappy fuel and it pings all the time higher maintenance costs and lower economy.

Like melbzetec said, if you only want one answer why ask the question. The fact is we are all in reality, who knows where you are

prydey · 09-05-2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DragonMesh

If the engine is running how its supposed to and getting good performance you will get good economy too, if you run it on crappy fuel and it pings all the time higher maintenance costs and lower economy.

Like melbzetec said, if you only want one answer why ask the question. The fact is we are all in reality, who knows where you are

modern ignition systems and vehicle ecu's are capable of running on a range of octanes!!

i have also noticed that most reviews say the car runs on ulp, no mention of premium.

if the car is pinging it obviously needs the higher octane, i'm not that stupid.

the question was directed at owners of these vehicles asking if they could be run on the slightly lower octane. experience can often be a much better judge.

FGX335 · 09-05-2010, 11:44 AM

You've got all the answers then, why bother us to give you some reality if you aren't interested? Just put the 95 in!

DragonMesh · 09-05-2010, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

modern ignition systems and vehicle ecu's are capable of running on a range of octanes!!

i have also noticed that most reviews say the car runs on ulp, no mention of premium.

if the car is pinging it obviously needs the higher octane, i'm not that stupid.

the question was directed at owners of these vehicles asking if they could be run on the slightly lower octane. experience can often be a much better judge.

read what you have previously posted.. Im a focus owner, you said they want to put 91 in because its cheaper. Us as focus owners are saying(from experience) it will work with 91 but if you put 95 in it will work out better in the long run, cost wise anyway. Im done trying to argue logic with your stupidity

marg99 · 09-05-2010, 01:25 PM

Lucky the TDCI don't have this problem which seems to bring out a nasty streak in forum members.

prydey · 09-05-2010, 03:15 PM

dragonmesh - what model focus do you own and have you tried running it on 91?

Quote:

Originally Posted by marg99

Lucky the TDCI don't have this problem which seems to bring out a nasty streak in forum members.

you can really feel the love can't you!

fordbaghia - operating a servo for 8 years doesn't make you an expert on how a focus may go running a fuel 4 octane less than recommended. this is why i didn't take much notice of what you had to say. i was after peoples personal experience.

of the focus owners who have replied, most seem to just run the 95 stuff but a couple do run the 91 it would seem. it wasn't a question of which is best because thats pretty obvious, but rather will it run.

DZFord · 09-05-2010, 03:57 PM

I wonder if the Focus can run E10?

Apparently E10 is 91 octane, with 10% ethanol blend, which bumps up the RON an extra 4 points to 95. Could this be an option for your inlaws?

casabonka · 09-05-2010, 04:03 PM

I had pinging with 91, so have used 95 since. occasionally spoil her with some 98, but wouldn't reccomend using 91.

kevino · 09-05-2010, 04:05 PM

Our 2006 CL runs on E10 , pings somethimes in hotter weather and when going out of tune. Hasnt pinged since last tune 12000kms ago and when I purchased car Ford said E10 was ok.
Its a manual so any loss of power is manageable, a 4 speed auto would be a different story.

prydey · 09-05-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casabonka

I had pinging with 91, so have used 95 since. occasionally spoil her with some 98, but wouldn't reccomend using 91.

thankyou!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DZFord

I wonder if the Focus can run E10? Apparently E10 is 91 octane, with 10% ethanol blend, which bumps up the RON an extra 4 points to 95. Could this be an option for your inlaws?

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevino

Our 2006 CL runs on E10 , pings somethimes in hotter weather and when going out of tune. Hasnt pinged since last tune 12000kms ago and when I purchased car Ford said E10 was ok. Its a manual so any loss of power is manageable, a 4 speed auto would be a different story.

thankyou, i will look into that. not sure on the availability of e10 around the area as i never look for it but pretty sure its fairly common now.

fiestaz · 09-05-2010, 04:25 PM

i confirmed today that my mum uses 91 in her focus (purely coz its cheaper) and i drove it today and didnt notice anything wrong with the fuel. it worked fine (even with putting my foot down). however she does sometimes put 95 in if petrol is cheap (which may not be a horrible idea every now and then) but overall 91 works just fine and will do the job. (its an auto i should add)

FGX335 · 09-05-2010, 04:27 PM

Fine, I'm walking away from it, have fun.

prydey · 09-05-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiestaz

i confirmed today that my mum uses 91 in her focus (purely coz its cheaper) and i drove it today and didnt notice anything wrong with the fuel. it worked fine (even with putting my foot down). however she does sometimes put 95 in if petrol is cheap (which may not be a horrible idea every now and then) but overall 91 works just fine and will do the job.

i was thinking along these lines as well. if it turns out it does run ok on 91, i'll recommend the premium every 3rd tank or something.