Quote:
|
Originally Posted by thstone
High octane reduces knocking at high compression ratios by making the fuel harder to ignite (otherwise the engine would be prone to detonation or "diesel"ing at high compression ratios). Higher compression ratios improves engine efficiency which increases power per liter of displacement.
Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_knocking |
Exactly what I said. Except the term dieseling is a misnomer. Even low octane gas won't ignite from compression as diesel engines do. The lower octane is just more likely to ignite from a hot piece of carbon or a hot spot on the piston or ring surface causing premature ignition, meaning that the flame begins before intended, causing more than intended pressure at TDC, leading to potential damage to engine components.