Guys, I just wanted to see what brand of gasoline you guys put in the GS. I have been a longtime user of Shell gas and only pump 91. Today, as I pulling into work one of my coworker said they heard knocking sounds from the engine and asked if I pump anything else then 91. Then I got curious and a little concern after he said that Shell gas contains the highest level of ethanol in any gasoline brand.
Is he right? Does Shell put that much ethanol in their gas? Is the knocking sound a direct cause of pump gas with high ethanol content?

He suggested I try another brand like Chevron, what do you guys think? Anyone notice any kind of engine ping/knocking when using Shell gas? Thoughts?

 

I've only ever used Chevron for 20 odd years.


I've used Shell a few times in the past when I had no choice and experienced knocking like you describe, same with Arco.

 

The sound your co-worker friend heard is almost certainly the sound of the direct injection fuel system firing, which is typical of all GS 350s - especially heard at slow speeds and idle and very low RPM. Your engine is not going to knock (i.e. detonation) unless it is under moderately strong to full (100% throttle) load. And if anything else was knocking (e.g. piston rod), it is not caused by the brand of gasoline.

 

Thanks @bclexus your insight makes sense. But i still wonder if its the high ethanol used in Shell gas. Maybe I try out Chevron at the next fill up.

 

there are very few ethanol fuel stations in CA.




these are the only stations that sell ethanol fuel in CA, only 1 is a Shell.


Anaheim Propel Fuels 300 S Brookhurst S
Arcadia Chevron Propel 102 E. Huntington Dr
Atascadero 76 6305 Morro Road Atascadero, CA 93422
Atascadero Atascadero 76 6305 Morro Road
Beaumont Chevron (Pearson Fuels) 886 Oak Valley Parkway
Beaumont Oak Valley Chevron 866 Oak Valley Parkway
Berkeley Berkeley National Laboratory-Private.No Public Access One Cycle Berkeley
Berkeley Propel Fuels 849 University
Brentwood Conserv Fuel 11699 San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049
Calimesa G&M Chevron #80 - Pearson Fuels 499 Sandalwood Dr, Calimesa, CA 92320
Carlsbad Bressi Ranch Fuel Mart - Shell 2741 Gateway Rd
Carlsbad Bressi Ranch Fuel Mart 2741 Gateway Road
Carmichael 76 Station 5103 Fair Oaks Blvd
Carmichael Tooley Oil Co. - Shell/Circle K 5103 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Carmichael Tooley Shell - Pearson Fuels 5103 Fair Oaks Blvd
Chula Vista Propel Fuels 1495 East H St
Citrus Heights Propel Fuel 7741 Auburn Blvd
Citrus Heights Propel Fuel 7901 Madison Ave
Claremont Propel Fuels 701 E Foothill Blvd
Concord Chevron 1001 Willow Pass Court
Costa Mesa G&M Chevron #43 - Pearson Fuels 1740 Newport Blvd Costa Mesa CA 92627
Davis Chevron 1601 Research Park Drive
Desert Hot Sprin G&M Chevron #122 - Pearson Fuels 13900 Palm Dr Desert Hot Springs CA 92240
El Cajon G&M Chevron #12 - Pearson Fuels 696 N Mollison Ave El Cajon CA 92021
El Cajon G&M Chevron #59 - Pearson Fuels 1701 E Main St El Cajon CA 92021
El Dorado Hills Shell 1021 Saratoga Way
Elk Grove DMC Green Inc/Complete Performance 8999 Elk Grove Blvd
Elk Grove Propel Fuels 9190 E Stockton Blvd
Fairfield Valero 1009 Oliver Road
Farmington Pearson Fuels Intersection Hwy 4 and South Escalon Bellota Road

 

When I said ethanol, I meant to say ethanol blend gas. Do these stations sell full ethanol gas?

 

I look for the cheapest top tier in my area which usually is Costco.

 

I regularly put Shell cause I always get gift cards and I've had Chevron and Mobil and didn't notice any difference. All premium grade though.

 

I look for the cheapest gas.

 

Arco is also top tier now. Are they good?

 

Usually I fill up at Costco. You'd be surprised how similar the gas is at stations. Some tankers go from one brand's station to another one that is different. A lot of people think Costco is "bad" since it's so cheap but it's actually pretty good; they just don't brag about it. They change filters quite often so gas flows more smoothly and faster. Of course the drawback is the long lines and the need for membership. If I don't have time, I go to whatever is cheapest around me which is usually 76 or Shell, and no experience of knocking or issues.

 

Top Tier Gasoline Retailers

 

+1 Costco Gas

The $7 car wash ain't so bad either.

 

I go with Chevron 91 here in SoCal.
I feel like I get better mpg.
I also think the gas station owners are a bit shady and they mix other stuff in the gasoline.
My opinion not sure.

 

Stay away from Arco bro! I borrowed uncles 2014 LS once and filled up arco (was cheap lol)
car lacked performance