Different Fuel Brands And Engine Feedback

Mar 9, 2015 | 11:38 PM

gaazmon

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From: Los Angeles

2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black

Different Fuel Brands And Engine Feedback

So I've noticed something interesting. I usually fill up with Shell, 76, or Chevron out here (91 octane) as they are the closest 3 to my place. I've noticed varied results with all three. With Shell, I have some vibrations from the engine when at idle in neutral/park. The vibrations settle down a bit when in reverse/drive since it drops RPMs. With 76, it smooths out a little and faintly better exhaust note. With Chevron, it smooths out a little more even and even better exhaust note.

I threw in a bottle of 12 oz techron the other night along with Chevron 91 and it completely smoothed out and again better exhaust note than with just chevron alone.

I have also noticed that with Shell and others I get less gas mileage, a little better with 76, and a little more better with Chevron.

Have you all noticed similar things with different top-tier brands? Is my engine just really picky or is she trying to tell me something's up

Last edited by gaazmon; Mar 10, 2015 at 01:48 PM.

Mar 10, 2015 | 02:33 AM

Fatz

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From: Atlanta Metro

2008 clk550 - Navigator - Frontier

I don't recall the process I used, but I did a similar thing a few years ago. I settled on Racetrac (I don't know if they, or someone else blend their fuel) and Exxon. Shell, Chevron, and BP did not make my cut.

I use Racetrac almost exclusively when home. When on road trips between May and October, I use Exxon most of the time and when forced to get gas elsewhere, I don't fill up.

Mar 10, 2015 | 08:02 AM

SIGagain

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From: ChicagoLand, Illinois USA

2007 CLK350 Cabriolet

of the as additives, the best I've found is Chevron's Techron product...cures a lot of gas related ills in my experience...Chevron would have it in their Super Unleaded so that may be why it works better in yours if you had some minor issues...

I've been using Costco Super Unleaded here in Illinois...it is a Top Tier gasoline and I've experienced no issues...

I included a bottle of Techron when I purchased my cabriolet in late August...

Bill

Mar 10, 2015 | 10:14 AM

megacrazy

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CLK55 W209, CL63 W216

I would have to agree. I just filled up at Shell this morning and noticed the same weird vibrations. The last tank of gas I got was from a no-name gas station and I have to say it ran considerably smoother.

Mar 10, 2015 | 10:06 PM

Rudeney

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NO LONGER ACTIVE

Techron I the only MBZ-approved fuel additive. Note that at lower elevations, you really need 93 octane. Higher elevations can get away with 91, and really high altitudes (Denver) only need 89. I am surprised that LA only has 91 octane. Birmingham is at about 500ft and we get 93 octane.

Mar 11, 2015 | 01:26 AM

gaazmon

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From: Los Angeles

2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudeney

That explains a lot Rudeney. Thanks

Yup no 93 here. Used to be 92 I remember as a kid then all of sudden 91. From what I've read online Unocal had a bunch of patents and they were for 92 octane, so since no 93 and it was 92 here, the others dropped it to 91 to avoid paying up. So CA, AZ, and NV got it bad

also the gas here has up to 10% ethanol too.

I'm gonna use my buddy's OBDII reader next time I'm over his house if I can pull some stored codes or something. Maybe that will tell me something.

Last edited by gaazmon; Mar 11, 2015 at 01:29 AM.

Mar 13, 2015 | 01:43 PM

gaazmon

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From: Los Angeles

2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black

So my buddies code reader pulled the following:
P0012: Camshaft position timing over retarded
P0022: Camshaft position timing over retarded
P0276: cylinder 6 injector circuit low

So the first two I know it means the little magnets that the part have to be updated. I checked and the two outside ones (exhaust sides) have the updated 01 part #. The two middle ones (intake sides) have the 00 part #. So I ordered two updated ones and gonna have those swapped.

My only question is what does the second one mean? Is it tied to the first codes?

Last edited by gaazmon; Mar 13, 2015 at 01:56 PM.