Somehow I've been under the impression that I had to use the higher octane
gas.  In fact 3 different mechanics told me that I shouldn't use 87 octane.
Having just now learned that octane is rated by a different method in
Europe,  it's nice to know that I can get the "cheaper" (????) gas.   I'm
glad I asked.
Thanks!
Patti
*****************

On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 11:50 AM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:

> Well, all I can say, my '91 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile with 2.1
> waterboxer engine does not knock (or ping) on 87 (or even 85 out west)
> octane fuel.  It will not pull a grade in 4th gear, or sometimes even 3rd
> gear, but the fuel octane does not make a difference there.  It just doesn't
> have the oomph to maintain rpms under heavy load.  I downshift.  but it
> doesn't ping, it just slows down.
>
> The guys at GoWesty are knowledgeable, and sell some good stuff, but I call
> bogus on this recommendation.
>
> mcneely
>
> ---- Hector Zapata <hlzapata@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> > http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=1054
> >
> > Hector
> > 1990 Carat 'Ursula'
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 3:05 PM, The Bus Depot <vanagon@busdepot.com>
> wrote:
> > >> Is there anyone who is using 87 Octane gas in their
> > >>  Vanagon?  If so, has it caused any problems?
> > >
> > >
> > > U.S. and European octane rating methods are different.  Europe uses RON
> > > ratings; we use (R+M)/2 (otherwise known as AKI).  Our 87-octane
> Regular
> > > would be labeled as approximately 91 octane in Germany, so it meets VW
> > > recommendations.  I have never had any problems using it in any of my
> > > Vanagons.
> > >
> > > - Ron Salmon
> > >  The Bus Depot, Inc.
> > >  www.busdepot.com
> > >  (215)  234-VWVW
> > >
> > > _____________________________________________
> > > Toll-Free for Orders by PART # :  1-866-BUS-DEPOT
> > >
>
> --
> David McNeely
>