I have been searching and done a lot of reading about octane and I still have a question.
I have a ZZ383 that is supposed to use 92 octane gas but there are several places that I boat where 87is all that is available. 95% of the time getting 92 is no problem. I have read that running a cooler thermostat and retarding the timing will make running lower octane safe. I would guess that the engine was designed to run about 195 so would putting a 160 thermostat in be enough? I am timed at 10* at idle and 32* all in.
Protecting the engine is the first priority and losing a few hps is not a big concern as this is a lake/river boat.
Thanks, Matt
I have a ZZ383 that is supposed to use 92 octane gas but there are several places that I boat where 87is all that is available. 95% of the time getting 92 is no problem. I have read that running a cooler thermostat and retarding the timing will make running lower octane safe. I would guess that the engine was designed to run about 195 so would putting a 160 thermostat in be enough? I am timed at 10* at idle and 32* all in.
Protecting the engine is the first priority and losing a few hps is not a big concern as this is a lake/river boat.
Thanks, Matt