Am I being scammed on premium gas?

[Flatland2D]

Before I found out my car (with B18C1) required premium gas, I tried a tank of regular. Some time through the tank I got a code 43, fuel supply system. I looked up the specs and sure enough it needed premium (I started the car on it at first just to be safe). So my car can definitely taste bad gas. Switched back to 93 and never seen the problem again. Until now.

After moving out into the country, I decided to make the local Shell station my usual fill up spot (what I've always used). But, after some highway driving I got a code 43 again, and I could hear detonation. So, is there anything else that could cause a code 43 other than bad gas? I'm tempted to go to the gas station and "investigate" this, but I don't want to accuse them of anything if it's just my car running crappy (which btw, it isn't running quite right, see other thread). But, it's been running crappy for a few months with no problems. It's the first tank at this new station that I got a CEL. It's popped up a few more times since then.

Anything think they might be scamming me on premium gas by putting regular in the premium tanks, yet charging $0.20 more for it? I don't know what else it could be. I just know that last time I got this problem, it was definitely because of low grade gas. Being that it's out in the country, I would think they might be a little more likely to fudge the gas a little. I don't know what's up. So, anyone know what else can cause a fuel supply system error code?

Thanks for any help.

[MorningGaser]

Perhaps your car is out of tune....this could cause the problem you describe.

[omgwtfbyobbq]

If you don't already have one, get a repair manual, usually ~$15-20 new and a few bucks used. It should detail how to check your Oxygen sensor (which for a OBD1 Honda is code 43 too according to Google) with a cheap multimeter. If it's not working correctly, replace it, if it is, then try some 93 at another gas station. If the problem persists and you know the gas and Oxygen sensor are likely good, then it's probably a problem with your FI system somewhere causing it to run rich or lean. Google, some of the Honda peoplez on the board, or the Temple of VTEC should be able to help you in more detail.

[n0rt0npr0]

Flatland2D,

You moved out to the country eh? Well thats probably it!

Country folk arn't delivered "oxygenated" fuel! Your car is used to the oxy fuel and yur not giving it any! Shame on you! :p

No problem, disconnect your battery for 10 minutes and it will reset the PCM and as a result re-learn how to utilize the new fuel!

P.S.~Your current o2 sensor SHOULD be able to give the cars computer the data fast enough to help it adjust its fuel trim/timing, but you got the code, which could mean your o2 is in need of replacement aka "lazy". Maybe. But so long as u do mostly hwy or mostly city driving and not a solid mix, you should be able to get away with your current o2

[Flatland2D]

Yep, I'm a country boy now! Been loving every minute of it. In addition to the many other reasons, I can stop worrying about my car being stolen again. I can finally learn to relax.

I'll try resetting the ECU first before getting too involved. I know it does sound like it could be the car, but it's been running crappy for a while now with no problems. First tank out here and CEL pops up.

So in unoxygenated fuel better for your car (FE wise)? According to Chevron, it sounds like it. I guess another perk to living out in the country.

Source: http://www.chevron.com/products/prodserv/fuels/bulletin/oxy-fuel/

[n0rt0npr0]

Your country fuel is for sure better for FE!

[Flatland2D]

WOOHOO! Finally those hour long drives are going to start paying off. Sort of...

[Hockey4mnhs]

what is this oxygenated fuel you speak of. i live in the country also so how do i know im getting it?

[jcp123]

Yep, I'm a country boy now! Been loving every minute of it. In addition to the many other reasons, I can stop worrying about my car being stolen again. I can finally learn to relax.[/url]

Same here. Moved from the SF Bay Area in California to a nice rural place in E. Texas. Damn, I don't know why we didn't do this sooner! (although I'm having trouble adjusting to a place that's not as cosmopolitan!)

[Bill in Houston]

(although I'm having trouble adjusting to a place that's not as cosmopolitan!)Is it hard to find good Thai food? :-)

[n0rt0npr0]

Hockey4mnhs,

Yeah everyone should check out all the very different formulations of fuel we are recieving depending on where we live!

Heres the new 2007 report: http://www.exxon.com/USA-English/Files/US%20Gasoline%20Map%20100102.pdf

And here is the 2006 discussion I started on here about that map: http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=596

Oxygenated fuel AND reformulated fuel, or fuel that contains ethanol so that it burns cleaner = less emissions

Warning, You could spend two days learning about this stuff....

EDIT: GPA = Phase-in-area (I think)

what is this oxygenated fuel you speak of. i live in the country also so how do i know im getting it?

[Telco]

Is it hard to find good Thai food? :-)

Heck no! Yew cin git a whole bucket of nuthin but thais and drumsticks at the Colonels now! Heh heh heh yee-haw!!! Kin ye tell Ah be an Okie frum jes no'th uf Muskogee? Heh heh heh...

On a more serious note, there are little Chinese takeout joints all over, and the Mexican food is outstanding so long as you stay away from the chains, out here in the Midwest. The food in the Midwest is comparable to the stuff found in the DC area. In fact it's better, since it tastes the same as if not better, and costs far, far less in the Midwest. It's almost like there's a Coast Tax when eating in a restaurant on the Eastern Seaboard, or out in Cali.

Man I don't see how you people can live in the huge cities. The little bedroom community I live just north of has a 4 lane inside the town, and it's too big a town for me. Tulsa is way, way too big, just don't like it. I'd never go there at all if it wasn't for Carrabas Italian grill. Best... Italian... Ever. If they ever move one into the town I do live next to, I'll have no need for Tulsa at all...

[Bill in Houston]

Yeh, it's pretty crazy. We almost moved to Owasso a few months ago, and it seemed like it might be a really nice change.

[bobski]

Well, on topic, the B18C1 is equipped with a knock sensor. That means the ECU will advance the ignition timing as far as it can before the engine starts pinging... It's sort of similar to what the ECU does with the oxygen sensor and fuel trim, but with timing. Anyway, if the ECU is expecting premium gas, using regular may force it to retard the timing beyond an internal threshold it has, tripping an error code.
Ah well... Here are the troubleshooting pages for Code 43. Let me know if you need a preticular set of fuel system pages.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/bobski3333/94IntegraFSMp11-50.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/bobski3333/94IntegraFSMp11-51.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y208/bobski3333/94IntegraFSMp11-97.jpg

[ffvben]

if it rained real hard, the fuel holding tanks (in the ground)at the gas station might have water in them. seen that a few times on different cars/trucks

[Telco]

Yeh, it's pretty crazy. We almost moved to Owasso a few months ago, and it seemed like it might be a really nice change.

You should have. It's a nice area to live in. I've lived in several states and a couple of other countries and this is about the best place I've ever lived. Well, not counting one other place, but I won't mention it seeing as my feelings towards it are purely sentimental. Looking at that place with a logical eye reveals it to be the putrid dumping ground of humanity that it is, but I had some of the best times of my life there. ;)

[Flatland2D]

Thanks for posting the info bobski. I'll have to follow that procedure sometime. I just reset my ECU today so we'll see if it relearns on oxygenated gas.