fuel for the 3.4L v6

[redfox435cat]

OK I've looked and looked for info on this, asked dealer service as well as friends and co-workers of this engine: at least 15 people: and thought I'd also throw the question in here

My response to putting in premium fuel 92 octane as apposed to regular 87 octane which is what I've been putting in it, is split right down the middle. Book says 87 is fine and the service reps at Toyota say only to use 87 and after the third service interval and chemicals every fourth tank. Also not to use 92 since it burns to slow and hot. Others say never use 87

[HandsomeRobb]

i dont know but i thought the higher octane burned faster because of the more of equivelent of octane molecules?

[pasopaul]

I've got the 3.4 in my 98 4Runner and I have used regular since new, no problems. The manual calls for regular and I've heard its a waste of money to use higher octane. I say when in doubt go by the owners manual. I do use a cleaner about twice a year (techron) and only use Chevron gas.

[SScooter429]

I always used the plus in my truck, then slipped up and used the regular unleaded one day, I got better mileage with the regular.

[redfox435cat]

cool deal, my brother acually confirmed the better gas milage with his 2000 4 runner. been putting premium in it for the 6 months he's had his and tried reglar a couple days ago. about 3-4 more miles to the gallon.
nice to know I'm not just cheaping out on fuel but acually doing it a favor

[David_T (MO)]

Originally posted by HandsomeRobb
i dont know but i thought the higher octane burned faster because of the more of equivelent of octane molecules?

Half right. It is more eqivulent to octane molecule but that means it burns slightly slower than regular (which has more lower molecular weight compounds like benzene, etc). This allows higher compression ratios in the cylinder with less risk of preignition (knocks or pings). Higher compression means more power. Higher octane means smoother running engines.

If your engine isn't knocking or running rough, you don't need the high octane fuel. (If it is knocking or running rough, you need a tune-up, not higher octane.) I never use anything but regular since my cynical view is that all the gas pumps suck out of the same underground tank anyway.




Why pay more for the same stuff?