WWW.MANUALS.WS
WWW.MANUALS.WS
1993 Volvo 240
pg. 71 Fuel Requirements, Refueling
Unleaded Fuel
Each Volvo has a three-way catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline (as specified on the
instrument panel and inside the fuel filler door). U.S. and Canadian regulations require that pumps
delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit your
car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the three-way catalytic converter and the heated oxygen sensor system.
Repeated use of leaded gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could
result in loss of emission warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make
detection of misfueling easier, possibly resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
Octane Rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating, AKI, of 91, or above. AKI , (ANTI KNOCK INDEX), is an average of the Research Octane
Number, RON, the Motor Octane Number, MON, (RON + MON)/2. The minimum octane requirement
is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Gasoline Containing Alcohol and Ethers
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some
areas, state or local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers.
However, there are areas in which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol
or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check with the service station operator. To meet seasonal air quality
restrictions, some states require the use of "oxygenated" fuel in certain areas.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated" fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page
must still be met.
Alcohol
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used.
Ethanol may also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol or "Gasohol".
Methanol blends containing up to 3% methanol and 2% cosolvent can be used without damaging the
fuel system or the engine if the octane rating, AKI, is 91 or higher. However, performance and fuel
consumption might deteriorate on alcohol blends.
Ethers
Fuel containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
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