probably had less ethanol than advertised, resulting in lower octane than expected and uncontrolled detonation... etc... kind of the same concept as getting a tank of bad gas.

 

e85 has varying qualities state by state and season by season. sometimes it isnt always 85% ethanol. When it is less than 85% ethanol but your car is tuned for 85%, major issues can arise with dangerous lean conditions. CA is very consistent but other states have varying qualities. Some people suggest testing a batch before use, or getting an ethanol content sensor. Regardless, always have an AFR gauge and watch it closely.

 

this.

 

Winter blend is going to have a lower octane rate but it runs richer not leaner.


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I am glad the story have a happy ending!

I might be able to throw support to the "lower octane = bad" for the Ralliart especially if we are tuned for a specific gas.

My car is tuned for 93 and for some time the gas station I usually go to closed for renovation. I end up going to the gas station down the street. Since I am a car noob, I made the mistake of assuming "premium = 93" and simply asked for premium when I gassed up. After 2 fill up of this stuff it triggered the "Check Engine" light in my car.

When I went to the dealership, the diagnostic said my O2 sensor is faulty. Replacement is over $600 not including labor.

I backtracked what I've done to the car in the meantime and learned that the premium at the back up gas station I went to maxed out at 91. So I went to a Hess further down the road and gassed up on 93 again and the problem went away on its own.

It's not as dramatic as to what happened to EyeDreamt but I think it's relevant and want to share what happened.

Moral of the story: Octane count need to be taken seriously especially for tuned Ralliarts.