Best fuel for the V10

[Rodneykrantz]

I use mid grade 89 remember the generator burns the same gas

[jcthorne]

The Onan also only requires 87 octane.

As for the 85 octane at higher elevations, yes its fine for naturally aspirated engines like the v-10 but NOT for forced induction engines as they need the same octane at the higher elevations as they do at sea level.

Lastly, I only use tier one gasoline. No off brands. Chevron/Texaco, Shell, Conocco/Phillips, BP/Amoco, Valero. Notice Exxon is not in that list and neither is Arco.

[goldwingerx2]

On our last 3 V10s I have used whatever fuel is the cheapest whether ethanol or not. We run in the mid 7s for mpg. Stock setup from factory. Have gotten over 9 mpg on 1000+trip with tailwind. Lowest was just under 7 with a headwind. It is a breadbox not a speak Corvette shape. I also do not use cruise except on flat ground so I do override or cancel on small hills such as TX overpasses to stay in higher gears. The older V10s will not do as good as the newer 3 valves.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by Nick-B

Octane is simply the rating of how rapidly the fuel burns. The higher the number, the slower the fuel burns. There is nothing special or better about Premium fuel, it simply burns slower for those engines that require it.

However, when you buy from the major brands, Shell, BP, Exxon, etc. they put much greater amounts of their additive package into the "premium" fuel than they do the "regular". The additive package is what keeps your fuel injectors, valves, intake manifolds, etc clean.

[D in Davie]

Interesting Thread. I am a flatlander from FL but driving out west in Colorado I met a guy who drove MH's to dealers for Manufactureres and he advised me of the different Octane ratings. He recommended using a middle grade to compensate for the drop in Octane. I did so and noticed the only difference was the increase on what I spent for fuel. I try to shop for price when possible because again I can feel no difference. I hope the steady highway speeds do enough to keep the exaust system clean.

[jamesrxx951]

Originally Posted by D in Davie

Interesting Thread. I am a flatlander from FL but driving out west in Colorado I met a guy who drove MH's to dealers for Manufactureres and he advised me of the different Octane ratings. He recommended using a middle grade to compensate for the drop in Octane. I did so and noticed the only difference was the increase on what I spent for fuel. I try to shop for price when possible because again I can feel no difference. I hope the steady highway speeds do enough to keep the exaust system clean.

Gas vehicles pretty much always have clean exhaust. The myth of carboned up valves and plugged up injectors from fuel is pretty much a myth to try and get people to buy extra fuel additives.

[Nuclear]

I switched to 87/85 and get 7.5 mpg...got the PenFed rewards card that saves me 5% on my statement. Plus I use the good Sam discount

[hdossett]

My V-10 will cough and sputter on anything less than 87. Last time I tried 85, I refilled @ 1/2 tank with 89 for balance and it ran much better. I now have 90 thousand miles and keep pretty good records and get just over 7 MPG. Did AK in 2010, got 7 mpg over 10,000 miles, after a plug/COP change @ 60,000.

H

[Nick-B]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

However, when you buy from the major brands, Shell, BP, Exxon, etc. they put much greater amounts of their additive package into the "premium" fuel than they do the "regular". The additive package is what keeps your fuel injectors, valves, intake manifolds, etc clean.

Hmmm. While I've heard that before, I've never found any documentation to support it. Do you have a manufacturer, or better, an independent laboratory link that can verify that? I would really like to put it to rest in my own mind. Thanks!

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by Nick-B

Hmmm. While I've heard that before, I've never found any documentation to support it. Do you have a manufacturer, or better, an independent laboratory link that can verify that? I would really like to put it to rest in my own mind. Thanks!

Here is some documentation from Shell

http://www.shell.us/products-service...power/faq.html

[Nick-B]

Thank you. I stand corrected - at least as far as Shell premium goes.

Something else important for everyone to understand is that not all engines should run Premium grade fuel. I own one car that specifically states in the Owner's Manual that premium grade fuel is not recommended as it provides no benefit and can give reduced performance. I can scan the page if you like.

While the gasoline producers would love to convince everyone to run their premium fuel at a premium price and profit (after all, that is why they are in business) the engine designer & maker always has the best advice.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by Nick-B

Thank you. I stand corrected - at least as far as Shell premium goes.

Here is documentation for BP gasoline stating the same thing.

http://mybpstation.com/fuels/invigorate-faq/

[George Lewis]

I always use 87 octane and get 7.5 mpg @ 62 mph on an average. My previous V10 Ford was Class C and got a little better with it....figure 7-8 and enjoy the ride.

[aauummm]

Originally Posted by George Lewis

I always use 87 octane and get 7.5 mpg @ 62 mph on an average. My previous V10 Ford was Class C and got a little better with it....figure 7-8 and enjoy the ride.

I agree, my Ford owner's manual says to use 10% ethanol 87 octane fuel.