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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!ittatc!dcdwest!sdcsvax!bmcg!pugh
From: pugh@bmcg.UUCP (Mike Pugh)
Newsgroups: net.auto.tech
Subject: Re: gas and octane rating
Message-ID: <1954@bmcg.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 18-Oct-85 12:40:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: bmcg.1954
Posted: Fri Oct 18 12:40:05 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 20-Oct-85 09:07:12 EDT
References: <1740@akgua.UUCP>
Organization: Burroughs Corp. ASG, San Diego, CA.
Lines: 30

> 
> 
> WARNING:  There will be a quiz at the end of this article!
> 
> 
>     Lets talk about gasoline and additives to increase octane ratings.
> MYTH:  HI-Test (high octane) gasoline burns faster and is more powerful
> than regular.
> 
> 
> THIS IS THE QUIZ:
> 
>      TRUE or FALSE :  Adding a few gallons of high octane rated gas to
> a tank full of  regular unleaded will increase the octane to a level higher
> than with either one alone.
> 
>      T ____     F ____
> 
The quiz is correct, but the premise was wrong.  The statement was
that adding some regular LEADED gas to premium UNLEADED will boost
the octane.  This is true as the introduction of lead has a
non-linear effect on the octane of gas.  A small amount of lead will
cause a quick increase in octane after which the return becomes less.
As the premium UNLEADED had no lead a small amount from the regular
LEADED gas increases the octane by several points, while the octane
of the regular goes down only slightly resulting in a net increase.
Of course this is only good for non-catalytic cars, and won't be
of any help when the EPA stops all leaded gas from being sold.

MWP alias PUG