Well, a few days ago I accidentally filled up my '01 Maxima (5 spd with 77k miles) with 87 gas. Usually I use at least 89 gas.

Now after about 80 miles (1/4 tank) the engine has a weired noise, like fast da da da da.... is this what people call pinging?

I thought Maxima's have an onboard computer that adjusts timing to prevent pinging and I have never heard this kind of noise on my Maxima before.

If it is pinging, can I add a bottle of octane booster to cure it? I cannot add 91 gas now since it still has 3/4 tank gas left.

Thanks!

 

Sooner,
Please let me.

Sir,
Please drive her until she needs refilled. Fill her with a 93 octane. That will hopefully solve your problem. And next time, pay closer attention to the grade. If you continue to experience DA DA DA, post a video of the DA DA DA....

 

So octane booster does not work?

 

Depends on whom you ask. I am sure people here will have mixed opinions. If the pinging was caused by the lower grade octane, it should go away after you use 93.

 

fill up with 93 a.s.a.p. it's better running 88 89 90 91 than hole tank of 87, also use octane booster at same time.

 

it is pinging. it wont hurt the car since the noise is a result of the ECU retarding the timing to protect the engine due to poor gas.
octane booster pointless and is a waste of money.

run the current gas until its close to empty.
fill up with the proper gas
profit

 

Got it. Thanks!

 

91+ your engine best friend

 

93 octane only here, and best of all, a few places now have it under $3 a gallon.

 

fuel door and owners manual say "premium fuel". in DC thats 91. in OK its 93.
just use the highest available.

 

I always use bp 93

 

I mostly use Quik Trip since it is usually the lowest price in the area while still being a Top Tier rated gas.

 

Actually 93 is virtually nonexistent in OKC these days. There are only a couple of stations in the metro that I know of that have it. They have it in southern OK where they get it distributed from TX though.

 

ECU retards the timing to protect the engine from pinging, which by itself can cause serious engine damage if continuously persists during a long period of time

 

87 all the way....

 

Your not serious are you?

Using 87 will save you about $150 bucks a year, as opposed to using 91.

No reason not to use 91 in any car (unless manual specifies otherwise).

DO THE MATH!

Let say you fill up 15 gallons a week at 3 bucks a gallon for 87.
15*$3.00= $45

A year of 87
52*$45= $2340

Now 91 is typically 20 cents more than 87
15*$3.20= $48

A year of 91
52*48= $2496

Savings using 87 to 91
$156

There is no reason to use cheap or mid-grade gas if the owners manual says to use premium. Stop being dumb and cheap people!

 

You didn't count MPG, which usually is better with a Premium, so the total $$ difference should be even smaller.

 

Harsh.....

 

93 octane isn't available in california. The best we get is **** poor 91. I try to use Shell V power as much as possible. Seems to get better mpg and car runs smoother.

 

I am in Southern California and the highest grade gas here is 91. Today first thing was to fill up with 91 gas at about 5.5 gal.

The da da da da noise immediately quieted down. Guess it works.

 

fill as soon as possible

 

URBAN MYTH...same "MPG" nomatter what grade....yea a better running engine...etc..but not any better MPG....
and 87...is ...IMO fine... for now

 

Better MPG - I experienced it myself.

 

qt does a triple additive to their gas. always go with QT..


most name brand places do 2x additive (marathon, shell, mobile)

and cheapos do single dose (racetrack)



i know all this cause i work at a marathon terminal