Fuel Quality OKTIS-2

[Dnt]

Hi guys. Was wondering if anyone had a easy way to keep a check on fuel octane levels? I saw this Russian made device OKTIS-2

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PORTABLE-FUEL-OCTANE-NUMBER-ANALYZER-TESTER-METER-OKTIS-2-NEW-/161886552305

 

looked like it would be useful for keeping an eye on octane levels and it is cheap (under 100 bones). looks like you just stick it in the tank and then pump some fuel through it, seems rather ingenious but not sure how accurate the thing would be? The reason I am looking is that I recently installed a canned tune from a hand held programmer for premium fuel 91 plus octane in my 16 Denali 6.2 I buy Shell 93 octane and the truck has run great for the first week after that premium fuel tune install but after I filled back up with Shell 93 octane last Thursday the next morning on the way to work I got the "reduced engine power" warning on my dash anytime the engine was over 3000rpm. I suspect that the fuel was BAD from my local Shell station but have no way to prove that...... I went back to stock tune friday afternoon and the issue is gone but now I do not want to use the premium tune without verifying that I am actually getting 91 octane or better fuel. Note: Gas line was busted in AL a couple of weeks back and Middle TN has suffered from spotty shortages of fuel (most notably premium fuel) I suspect that my local Shell had regular fuel loaded into their premium tank. (could have been a mistake) my plan is to run this tank all the way down to just a few gallons and then hopefully have a tester in hand and fill back up with REAL premium 91 plus octane fuel. Anyone got one or have something else that they use?

[fbachman]

1) Restore stock calibration (NOW, and I mean NOW)...

 

2) Stay away from Shell, as a rule

 

3) run the shell out of your tank..

 

4) Refill with BP/CHEVRON/SUNOCO/EXXON/TEXACO (your choice, 93 Octane)

 

5) Re-Push aftermarket cal

 

6) Drive/push your engine. See if problem persists

 

6) Report back

 

I tuned my '07 (5.3l). What I can tell you: Shell gasolines, all things being equal, caused egregious knock retard with my tunes. Have had numerous others report the same, back in the day. I wouldn't run shell in a rented lawn mower. Had a buddy run Shell in a tuned 5.3 in another state, and his logs looked like the EKG of a monkey on crack as well. Terrible. A fuel switch fixed him as well.

 

Also, I wouldn't waste time and money on "Octane meters".

 

If this doesn't help, report back, and we can discuss other potential approaches/fixes.

 

You don't mention the tuner you have. Quite alright. I would always recommend staying with the "top tier" devices, i.e./OR those that have a long track record and full customer feedback library. Tunes are intricate and tricky things with LOADS of variables. Black Bear, for example, has a load of happy people around this forum. They may not be as well known nationally as, say, the Bully-Dog name. But, with loads of happy folks here, that speaks volumes. Disclosure: never tried/used a black bear tune.

 

Hope this helps.

[Dnt]

Thanks for getting back to me Aero guy. I never thought of Shell as bad fuel but that makes perfect sense. I had seen them on the TopTier fuel list so I thought that they were good but like a lot of other lists I am sure that a rating can be bought with enough oil money.

I am going to rid myself of this tank of Shell junk and try one of those you suggested, Truck has not been started today but planning a run to Lowes in a bit after Florida Gators finish embarrassing TN Vols at Neyland Stadium on the stadium's 95th anniversary with 102,000 rabid fans looking on.

 

BP/CHEVRON/SUNOCO/EXXON/TEXACO

 

I know there is probably one of each on my way to work if I just look haha

Thanks for the tips

[SouthernSilveradoGuy85]

Shell must only be bad for premium gas then cause I don't remember having any problem with regular 87 octane. Mine isn't tuned, but I've been filling up with 89 octane and I'm not too picky on where I go. I just stay away from mom and pop stores. So as long as it's a name brand or big brand station then I'm fine with filling up there. Lately I either fill up at Sheetz (which is a big company on the East coast and you get a 3¢ discount) in my town if I have to, but usually I'll travel to VA to a Pilot truck stop. It's only about 15 miles away and gas is usually a good 20¢ cheaper and as long as I have to put 1/2 tank or more it's worth that little drive. Even talking about the extra gas that's used it still ends up being cheaper. So far no problem at all with a brand. It just seems to run a little better with 89 instead of 87, but that could be placebo.

[fbachman]

The key statement there: you are not tuned. There is enough conservatism in Stock cals to deal withdrawal a lot. When you push it, the rubber meets the road, so to speak.

 

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[SouthernSilveradoGuy85]

The key statement there: you are not tuned. There is enough conservatism in Stock cals to deal withdrawal a lot. When you push it, the rubber meets the road, so to speak.

 

Sent from my STV100-1 using Tapatalk

 

That's why I said Shell must only be good for factory tune. So I wasn't disagreeing with you, just pointing out that Shell in general as a whole isn't bad gas.

[fbachman]

Didn't take it that way. Sorry if my response appeared so.

 

You are / remain correct. Cheers!

 

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[ColoRetiree]

. . . after Florida Gators finish embarrassing TN Vols at Neyland Stadium on the stadium's 95th anniversary with 102,000 rabid fans looking on.

 

 

Ah . . . . Hmmm . . . . you might be waiting awhile for that to happen . . .

[Dnt]

 

Ah . . . . Hmmm . . . . you might be waiting awhile for that to happen . . .

Well now I am VERY HAPPY to withdraw my comment on that ballgame LOL that was at halftime and i like about 99% of the fans (in the stadium) had given up.... GO VOLS