Testing premium fuel in the hybrid

[AVC]

Wait, you're looking for an "octane" sensor? Seriously?

So, does the EB version of the manual mention or detail the timing strategy for octane?

And, an omission neither confirms or invalidates, here.

As for other comments re: "wasting and tank of gas" to do the test, in NTX, it would cost ~ $4.50 additional for 91, to do the test.

The basic question remains as to whether the Ford 2.5L Atkinson has two or more "octane" tables or a similarly sophisticated timing control system based on knock sensor feedback (by individual cylinder). For example, my '17 Mazda 2.5L NA had a very sophisticated ignition control system, adjusting every cylinder on every cycle. It was quite obviously different from seat of pants and scan tool, for various octanes.

https://www.motorsport-developments.co.uk/Understanding-Ford-Ecoboost-OAR-Systems.html

Of course I am skeptical there is zero change from 87 to 91, with otherwise identical conditions.

When I find my BT scan tool (somewhere in a box after a house move), I'll get around to doing my own test, and publish here.

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[AVC]

Also, spot checking other forums using Ford 4 cyl Atkinson hybrids (Fusion, Escape, etc), and where EB confusion wouldn't have been issue for those models and model years, apparently those owners manuals also mention potential improvements in performance, and possibly fuel economy using 89 or 91 fuel. So it seems increasingly reasonable that the Mav hybrid would behave similarly.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

If knocking, derate.
If not knocking, do not derate.
I also said high octane may prevent knocking, and therefore prevent derating in demanding conditions.

If the Mav is rockin' don't be knockn'.

Simple to understand.

 

[dochawk]

Wait, you're looking for an "octane" sensor? Seriously?

no, a knock sensor, not an octane sensor. This could allow estimation of octane, or at least make a proxy for it, but it's all about knock.

 

[Mavster Mechanic]

Yes of course.
That's what I've been trying to say all along. The truck won't automatically know if you drop higher octane in it.
(And octane rating is a behavior, not a fuel "additive" but I digress....)

That's why this is a binary system.
Someone else coined "good enough or not good enough". I agree.

There's no poor - good - better - best as far as fuel octane raring goes.

If EcoBoost is built for 91 Octane, it may "derate" using 87. But it's not going to "boost" if 93 or 95 or 105 is in the tank.
But someone with programming tools can tweak the settings, because the human behind the wheel knows the octane in the tank; not the truck.

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