Fuel - Buick 1993 LeSabre Owner's Manual

Fuel
Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher. It should meet specifications ASTM D48 14 in
the U.S. and CGSB 3.5-92 in Canada. These fuels
should have the proper additives, so you should not have
to add anything to the fuel.
In the U.S. and Canada, it's easy to be sure you get the
right kind of gasoline (unleaded). You'll see
"UNLEADED' right on the pump. And only unleaded
nozzles will fit into your vehicle's filler neck.
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If the octane is
less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when
you drive. If it's bad enough, it can damage your engine.
If you're using fuel rated at 87 octane or higher and you
still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
But don't worry if you hear a little pinging noise when
you're accelerating or driving up a hill. That's normal,
and you don't have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid
of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means
you have a problem.
What about gasoline with blending materials that
contain oxygen, such as MTBE or alcohol?
MTBE is "methyl tertiary-butyl ether." Fuel that is no
more than 15% MTBE is fine for your vehicle.
Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel
that is
no
more than
10%
ethanol is fine for your
vehicle.
Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol.
Fuel that i s more than 5% methanol is bad
for
your vehicle. Don't use it. It can corrode
I..,
parts in your fuel system and also damage
plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't
be covered under your warranty. And even at
5
or less, there must be "cosolvents" and
corrosion preventers in this fuel to help avoid
these problems.
Gasolines for Cleaner Air
Your use of gasoline with detergent additives will help
prevent deposits from forming in your engine and fuel
system. That helps keep your engine in tune and your
emission control system working properly. It's good for
your vehicle, and you'll be doing your part for cleaner
air.
Many gasolines are now blended with materials called
oxygenates. General Motors recommends that you use
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