2006-06-08 11:08:39 · 7 answers · asked by Anthony M 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
the engine is equipped with a KNOCK SENSOR which will retard ignition timing (spark happens later) to PREVENT detonation due to lower octane fuel. the lower the octane the faster it burns. detonation is when complete combustion occurs as the piston travels upwards on compression stroke. if you use lower octane fuel, the knock sends a signal to the computer to make the spark plug fire later in the combustion cycle and this prevents detonation. the side effect is loss of performance. NO LONG TERM EFFECTS are generally noted.
2006-06-08 13:10:59 · answer #1 · answered by stand420 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to Mercedes Benz, the result is pretty clear. By using a lower octane, you do not allow the engine to operate at peak efficiency. This causes a loss in power, carbon buildup in the valves and cylinders, premature clogging of the catalytic converter and possible overheating in severe conditions because the engine management system is retarding the timing in order to not ping on the lower grade gas. Do it occasionally if you have to but never make a long term practice of it.
2006-06-08 18:16:18 · answer #2 · answered by yes_its_me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford a car that is specifically designed to burn 91 octane fuel... why would you consider putting anything less than the spec'd fuel in it? Did you buy it for showing off when you really couldn't afford it?
Like everyone else has said... it will knock, and build up carbon.
2006-06-08 18:20:56 · answer #3 · answered by robertonduty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it can cause a serious knonk int he engine. You will net get the prformance the car was designed to have. Other than that not much. but keep in mind it will run optimally on high octane...mileage, performance. You are actually decreasing the gas mileage of the car.
2006-06-08 18:13:27 · answer #4 · answered by Who dat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you use an engine cleaner then almost nothing, otherwise you end up with a high carbon buildup on your engine because your engine doens't get hot enough to burn it off!
2006-06-08 18:11:56 · answer #5 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totall agree with stand420, the other answers are basically misleading and incorrect. Jules, automotive lecturer. Australia.
2006-06-08 22:31:28 · answer #6 · answered by Jules G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pre-ignition/detonation. Normally this will break piston rings, loosen flywheels,and or harmonic balancers
2006-06-08 21:28:26 · answer #7 · answered by bobmorris1055 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋