How to Identify Low Quality Gasoline Outside the Lab
- September 1, 2023
- 0
Under the motto of “don’t make business a nightmare,” the state has slashed inspections of small gas stations, with the result that the roads are once again filled
Under the motto of “don’t make business a nightmare,” the state has slashed inspections of small gas stations, with the result that the roads are once again filled with low-quality fuel. Even at franchised brand gas stations, you can run into a batch of counterfeits, which means it’s time for motorists to become expert chemists at judging fuel.
Where does counterfeit come from? Most often, scammers counterfeit the “ninety-fifth” by adding chemical additives from China to the cheap fuel base from Kazakhstan. To increase the octane number, aromatic hydrocarbons, ferrocene, N-methylaniline (MMA) or methyltritbutyl ether (MTBE), as well as naphthalene and acetone are used without regard to concentrations, standards, ratios and technologies. As a result, it is not always possible to bring the octane number to the AI-95 level. Counterfeiting does not comply with AI-91 at best. Therefore, it is dangerous to use such fuel in modern cars.
How is the octane number determined?
It is only possible to determine the octane number reliably in the laboratory on a special single-cylinder stand, which records the moment of detonation. There are no portable devices to work in the field. However, there are three rules that professional chemists use. With their help, you can at least suspect “scorched” fuel and refuse to refuel.
Rate the smell
Different chemical additives have their own smell and color, so high-quality fuel and counterfeit fuel do not smell the same. To judge the smell, you need a standard, which does not hurt to stock up beforehand. Take a sample of quality gasoline from a proven gas station, pour it into a small glass jar and carry it with you in a sturdy container. During the experiment, pour the test gasoline from the canister into a metal bowl and wave the fumes at your nose with the palm of your hand. Just do not get carried away so as not to get poisoned. Any deviation from the norm is considered suspicious.
Rate color
The color of the fuel also matters. In the late 80s, gasoline was tinted in the USSR. For example, leaded gasoline was turned pink because of the unhealthy tetraethyl lead, and now high-quality gasoline appears to be pale yellow. When adding third-party additives, the color changes. Counterfeit fuel is darker. Dangerous aniline gives it a brownish color, and aromatic hydrocarbons give it a deep yellow color. For research, you need to pour a little gasoline into a transparent glass bottle and compare it with the standard. If the color is different, it is worth considering.
Engine as a research bench
In the third case, the machine itself turns into a research stand. If after refueling the sound of the engine has changed, then expect trouble. It is especially dangerous if the engine rings under load and the car loses momentum. You press the pedal and the car seems to poke its nose into an invisible obstacle, vibrating and chirping loudly.
Experienced drivers say this is “finger tapping”. However, this is an even more dangerous phenomenon – explosion. Its essence is that low octane fuel explodes when compressed in the engine, even before the piston reaches top dead center. The flash prevents the piston from moving, causing the motor to slow itself down.
In addition, the epicenter of the explosion can be located anywhere, for example, on the hot surface of the cylinder. And this means that the blast wave hits the piston at an angle, causing it to vibrate and knock skirts against the walls. Abnormal explosions cause a rise in temperature, and there it is not far from wear and melting of the pistons.
In general, if the car “doesn’t drive well” after refueling, there can be no doubt that there is a left in the tank. At low revs, the knocking usually disappears and you can therefore crawl through to a normal refueling. When the engine explodes at idle, the fuel is complete rubbish. It is better to drain this fluid and then hitchhike to a can of good gasoline.
Photo portal “AvtoVzglyad”.
Photo portal “AvtoVzglyad”.
Where does counterfeit come from? Most often, scammers counterfeit the “ninety-fifth” by adding chemical additives from China to the cheap fuel base from Kazakhstan. To increase the octane number, aromatic hydrocarbons, ferrocene, N-methylaniline (MMA) or methyltritbutyl ether (MTBE), as well as naphthalene and acetone are used without regard to concentrations, standards, ratios and technologies. As a result, it is not always possible to bring the octane number to the AI-95 level. Counterfeiting does not comply with AI-91 at best. Therefore, it is dangerous to use such fuel in modern cars.
How is the octane number determined?
It is only possible to determine the octane number reliably in the laboratory on a special single-cylinder stand, which records the moment of detonation. There are no portable devices to work in the field. However, there are three rules that professional chemists use. With their help, you can at least suspect “scorched” fuel and refuse to refuel.
Rate the smell
Different chemical additives have their own smell and color, so high-quality fuel and counterfeit fuel do not smell the same. To judge the smell, you need a standard, which does not hurt to stock up beforehand. Take a sample of quality gasoline from a proven gas station, pour it into a small glass jar and carry it with you in a sturdy container. During the experiment, pour the test gasoline from the canister into a metal bowl and wave the fumes at your nose with the palm of your hand. Just do not get carried away so as not to get poisoned. Any deviation from the norm is considered suspicious.
Rate color
The color of the fuel also matters. In the late 80s, gasoline was tinted in the USSR. For example, leaded gasoline was turned pink because of the unhealthy tetraethyl lead, and now high-quality gasoline appears to be pale yellow. When adding third-party additives, the color changes. Counterfeit fuel is darker. Dangerous aniline gives it a brownish color, and aromatic hydrocarbons give it a deep yellow color. For research, you need to pour a little gasoline into a transparent glass bottle and compare it with the standard. If the color is different, it is worth considering.
Engine as a research bench
In the third case, the machine itself turns into a research stand. If after refueling the sound of the engine has changed, then expect trouble. It is especially dangerous if the engine rings under load and the car loses momentum. You press the pedal and the car seems to poke its nose into an invisible obstacle, vibrating and chirping loudly.
Experienced drivers say this is “finger tapping”. However, this is an even more dangerous phenomenon – explosion. Its essence is that low octane fuel explodes when compressed in the engine, even before the piston reaches top dead center. The flash prevents the piston from moving, causing the motor to slow itself down.
In addition, the epicenter of the explosion can be located anywhere, for example, on the hot surface of the cylinder. And this means that the blast wave hits the piston at an angle, causing it to vibrate and knock skirts against the walls. Abnormal explosions cause a rise in temperature, and there it is not far from wear and melting of the pistons.
In general, if the car “doesn’t drive well” after refueling, there can be no doubt that there is a left in the tank. At low revs, the knocking usually disappears and you can therefore crawl through to a normal refueling. When the engine explodes at idle, the fuel is complete rubbish. It is better to drain this fluid and then hitchhike to a can of good gasoline.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
Donald Salinas is an experienced automobile journalist and writer for Div Bracket. He brings his readers the latest news and developments from the world of automobiles, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.
