Scubadog86

So I was told by the previous owner he has been running his car on the vpower 99 octane from tesco but I have found receipts in the car for normal unleaded. Is this going to cause a problem or has it? Can I just sat using full octane fuel or is it ok to use normal unleaded . Was always told the imports are geard up for the higher fuel am I righ

brendy76

iTrader: (6)

what car is it for starters?

Scubadog86

My bad its an wrx sti classic

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

97 is minimum for your car.

richie001

iTrader: (3)

Unless mapped for 95 Ron all STi's,classic or Newage should be run on 99 Ron.

Scubadog86

Can I just start filling up o 99 Ron or will it cause a problem

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

Fill up with 99 RON,reset the ecu then go for a drive.

Scubadog86

Hang on a minute reset the ecu? Ha this is my first subaru wouldn't even know where to start

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

He could have used ocatne booster.

Any way, if its a pre 1996 model year (240ps) it will run on 95ron if in standard tune, just its not wise to do so.

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Easiest and quickest way is to disconnect battery for about half an hour (albeit, not a 'proper' reset). Good thing to do is to fill up with VP or Mom99 at night and disconnect the battery overnight.

That way the IAM is reset to 'the middle' (as all historic learnt ign. adv. will have been deleted).


But even if you don't reset, it doesn't take long for the ECU to adapt to the new RON (through everyday varied loads placed on the engine)...

Scubadog86

So I can let the tank run right down and start using the higher octane stuff from tesco then without causing any issues?

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

Will be okay.

IIRC, I've read on here that to get the old stuff completely out of the tank, it requires circa =>3 fillups of 99 to purge it.

If it was me, I'd be quite happy running the tank down till the light came on; then brim with 99.

...Then hoon lol.

Scubadog86

Just disconnected the battery will leave it for half hour, and the petrol light is on because the guy was tight and didn't leave me a dribble of fuel,but I guess that's a good think if the plonka has been using the wrong type.

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

I hope you haven't been flying around corners when it was so low?!

Scubadog86

Believe it or not I won't be thrashing it at all, the od bit of fun on the straight but I don't thrash my cars,I just hope the previous owner didn't red line it everywhere.

Btw what can I do to give my car the once over, can I take it to subaru and ask them to check the turbo, belts ( even though they were changed on 52k and now on 82k ) and engine so I know its not a ticking timb bomb .

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

If you have documentation/invoice from the garage that did them (and ring them to confirm) I would be happy with that knowledge.

Otherwise, in lieu of no invoice, and/or just based on someone saying that, I wouldn't take the risk; I'd defo get the cambelt (and tensioner if needed) + any worn drive belts replaced.

I always do that when buying used cars (if I don't feel confident that it hasn't been done).


Re. the turbo. When you have chance, go for a 20 minute drive using boost and the occasional foray to the redline. Then come back home, let car idle for 5 minutes, then boot it whilst stationary/in neutral. Does a plume of blue-white smoke emit from the tailpipe? If no, turbo's probably all good -- well, the oil seals probably are, at any rate.

Another test you can do... When turbo's cool enough, pop off the inlet hose and grasp the common shaft's nut's nose (which keeps the impeller in place) and try to push/pull it in and out. Any in/out movement of the shaft whatsoever, and it's likely to be a failing thrust bearing...

Scubadog86

Ye its had good service history up to 60k and subaru done the timing belts on 52k ( now on 82 ) . Also had both head gaskets replaced on 65k Is their a way I can get the turbo and engine checked for peace of mind?

Scubadog86

My bad not head gaskets,ROCKER gaskets ,I ment to ask can i get them checked as well ( head gasket )

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

You've filled with vpower before disconnecting the battery right ??

dazdavies

iTrader: (22)

You're worrying too much.

Brim it with 99 and an ecu reset and then forget about it. If it hasnt broken already it will be fine.

Scubadog86

I haven't filled up yet but I replaced the battery for a new one just now as on the mot cert ( last week ) it was recommended. I will fill up tonight and if I have to disconnect over night.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

Also,
Your car is a V4. Running it on 95 ron fuel is madness and will in time destroy the engine. Hopefully the previous owner hasn't done any damage.

Go and fill to the brim with vpower and then disconnect the battery for an hour or so.

joz8968

iTrader: (13)

+1

If your car boosts to OEM target okay, and pulls cleanly with no hesitation etc, then everything probably is okay. You could take it to a rolling road to make sure that the all-important air/fuel ratios are okay (certainly to check that they're not dangerously lean).


If not totally abused, then, all said and done, the cars are quite hardy beasts, TBH.

MattyB1983

iTrader: (51)

The car (being a 98 V4) is mapped for fuel far more potent than 95 ron. No doubt its being detting like **** on boost without you or the previous owner even realising.
Get it filled with vpower asap.