2007 Fuel octane recommendation

[007Runner]

On page 330 of the 2007 owners manual Toyota recommends regular fuel octane rating 87. It does not mention or say any thing about using a higher grade for increased performance.

If I am not mistaken, didn't the 2006 owners manual recommend a octane rating of 93 or premium for increased performance?

I am pretty happy to be able to use regular fuel, and to have regular fuel as the recommended grade. I did not get my new 4Runner yet, but Toyota sent me the manual to give me a head start so I can enjoy the new vehicle the day I get it without having to spend time reading about it.

How long can you safely idle? The manual says not to exceed 20 min. I remember seeing a big thread about this in the past. So this is the answer.

 

[toto]

From the 2006 Manual (page 447):

Fuel type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher.
For improved vehicle performance, use premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher.

Fuel tank capacity, L (gal., Imp. gal.): 87 (23.0, 19.1)

That statement "for improved vehicle performance..." is pretty vague, and the improvements are questionable. There are lots of threads debating the merits of higher octane; you may want to do a search for that.

 

[jpalaska]

The first two tanks of gas for my new 4RNR were 87 octane. The engine runs fine. I plan to fill it up with premium every 3rd or 4th tankfull to see if it performs any better that I can notice.

The issue with running the engine at idle is the warmup period, the first 5-10 minutes. It's best to put it in gear and run it under load to get it up to operating temperature.
It's not "unsafe" to idle for long periods, but the engine is likely to experience (over the long run) greater engine wear if it's always warming up at long idle.

JP

 

[007Runner]

The first two tanks of gas for my new 4RNR were 87 octane. The engine runs fine. I plan to fill it up with premium every 3rd or 4th tankfull to see if it performs any better that I can notice.

The issue with running the engine at idle is the warmup period, the first 5-10 minutes. It's best to put it in gear and run it under load to get it up to operating temperature.
It's not "unsafe" to idle for long periods, but the engine is likely to experience (over the long run) greater engine wear if it's always warming up at long idle.

JP

The 2007 manual clearly states that idling longer then 20 min can cause part of the exhaust system to overheat and cause damage. It clearly states that 87 octane is the recommended fuel. It does not state any place that the use of higher octane improves performance.
The use of premium fuel to increase performance was in the 2006 manual, however it was removed from the 2007 manual. So to waste money go ahead and run your test on premium fuel.

Koz has pulled a heavy trailer with regular fuel, experienced no pinging and reported excellent gas mileage.

 

[jpalaska]

Why are you so belligerent, 007?
Geeze, I hope you get your truck soon and mellow out a little.
JP

 

[007Runner]

Belligerent no, clearly and accuratly stating the facts yes. I don't want to see any body ruin their exhaust system because you reported incorrect information that long idling causes no harm. The manual did not say anything about engine damage, only exhaust damage from idling over 20 min. This was in response to people that were wondering if long idling harmed any thing, in case they got stuck in a blizzard or similar emergency.

 

[kimboy]

I've been using Shell regular gas lately. Its one of those top tier fuels so I'm sure its good for my '04 4runner. I'll be using that stuff from now because of their extra detergents. (i.e. instead of using Hess and techron after oil changes) I also get 5% off with the Shell Gas Card...

Whats interesting is that the FJ Cruiser requires premium gas. Like WTH, how different is their engines from ours? Last I checked it was the same.

They also only sport a 19 gallon tank

I would use regular for an '07, but would fill up at a top tier gas station.

 

[Casper]

The 2uz takes regular fuel in T4R guise....unlike the Lexus GX variant.

 

[greasefingers]

Since there is a Knock sensor, one will probably never hear the engine ping as the sensor will detect a faint ping before you can hear it. Then it will retard the timing so that no pre-combustion happens. One would assume that this retarding could decrease hp is small amount?[