Shell Gasoline

2Hondas
12-11-2007, 05:37 AM
Has anyone else noticed that Shell gas reduces mileage by about 1 mpg? I noticed this when I had my Titan, and tested my theory at 4 different Shell stations in two different cities, and each time I was right at 1 mpg less than normal. 90 % of the time I stop at a Marathon station due to its convenience to work and they are usually a little less expensive than other gas stations around work. I go to an account every three weeks or so and the only station near is a Shell, so I get gas because it is a 300 mile one way trip. Every time I do this, I end up right at 18 mpg, not the 19 I get on a regular basis. I tried this theory again Friday in Louisville, and again 1 mpg less than normal. The drives I have tested are similar, and I have tried this with my normal work week commute, and each time I get the same result. Anyone else notice this, or is it just me?

boobai
12-11-2007, 08:50 AM
Did they change to a "winter blend" ?

RedLdr1
12-11-2007, 12:42 PM
I run nothing but Shell in the Ridgeline but in my wife's Tribeca I randomly alternate between Shell and Quick Trip (QT) a local Atlanta brew. Overall more QT than Shell is used in the Tribeca, probably about a 30 /70 split.

My mileage log on the Tribeca doesn't show any MPG difference between Shell and QT Premium in the Tribeca. We have had the Tribeca since April 2006 so any seasonal issues like the winter blend gas in metro Atlanta should have popped out in my log...

If you can duplicate it it's real enough though... Maybe the gas blend in your area is significantly different than mine..

Greyhounds
12-11-2007, 12:43 PM
I have tracked each tank by vendor---I actually have about 1 MPG higher with Shell over average, but Amoco is also higher than average, thus I usually use it.

I do know that there is one specific amoco station in South Carolina where I consitently get 3 MPG lower than other amoco stations (fool me once, twice, even 3 times)---but no more.

I hate 'winter gas"

xridgelinex
12-11-2007, 02:16 PM
Shell/Chevron, have high levels of their patented Techron additive that cleans out engine grim along with the fuel injectors. Most companies may add detergents like Techron to help with engine gunk buildup but they add the most Techron.... Twice a year I run a bottle of Techron concentrate through the system along with working the throttle fully...

If there was Shell/chevron where I lived I will use them exclusively.

Pizza Man
12-11-2007, 04:23 PM
If there was Shell/chevron where I lived I will use them exclusively. [/COLOR]
Texaco is also listed as a top tier gasiline and uses Techron. Texaco is affliated with Chevron. Ever since you suggested using Techron in my Caddy Xman, I have a noticed a significant improvement.

xridgelinex
12-11-2007, 05:22 PM
Texaco is also listed as a top tier gasoline and uses Techron. Texaco is affliated with Chevron. Ever since you suggested using Techron in my Caddy Xman, I have a noticed a significant improvement.
I also suggested flooring it....:D I think you should send me some of that sweet bread... :)

Since I just got off topic, this is my roll recipe that all the kids and adults beg me to make during the holiday's and even some are crazy to ask for them at their birthday parties...

1 3/4 warm water
2 pkgs yeast ( I buy yeast in bulk I use a tablespoon)
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 butter (really soft to melted)
1 egg
6 cups flour
1 Tablespoon melted butter

1) Combine warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast... mix well.
2) After the yeast proofs, add the whole egg (unbeaten) and butter then mix
3) Add 3 cups flour and mix well.
4) Work in the next 3 cups of flour
5) Round the dough off and place in a bowl. Baste the dough with the tablespoon of butter, cover with saran wrap and refrigerate.

Once the dough doubles in size, punch down and leave in the refrigerator overnight.

I like to roll the dough out and make croissants or knots. Let rise and cook in a preheated oven at 400 degree F for about 12-15 minutes.

Sometimes I will brush on some extra butter and add some sesame seeds or poppy seeds....

ChrisM
12-11-2007, 05:33 PM
I have tracked each tank by vendor---I actually have about 1 MPG higher with Shell over average, but Amoco is also higher than average, thus I usually use it.

I do know that there is one specific amoco station in South Carolina where I consitently get 3 MPG lower than other amoco stations (fool me once, twice, even 3 times)---but no more.

I hate 'winter gas"

Ditto on the Shell thing here as well. I get my best mileage on Shell and Marathon.

I get my worst on Speedway/Superamerica gas. It's contains about 10% water along with the 10% ethanol they put in it. :rolleyes:

PS. Thanks XridgelineX, now I'm hungry. :)

Pizza Man
12-11-2007, 05:35 PM
I also suggested flooring it....:D I think you should send me some of that sweet bread... :)
After about 6 tank fulls I did just that. I intentionally drove it to a local bypass on a Sunday morning. No one was around so I slowed down to 20, then punched it. I did that three times going from 20 to 80 and coming damn close to 6K rpm.

Your recipe is not too far from my sweet bread recipe. It sounds good. I'll give it a shot after the holidays. If you'd like to try my recipe, let me know. I'll PM or e-mail it to you. Or, anyone else that may be willing to give it a try.

xridgelinex
12-11-2007, 05:47 PM
After about 6 tank fulls I did just that. I intentionally drove it to a local bypass on a Sunday morning. No one was around so I slowed down to 20, then punched it. I did that three times going from 20 to 80 and coming damn close to 6K rpm.

Your recipe is not too far from my sweet bread recipe. It sounds good. I'll give it a shot after the holidays. If you'd like to try my recipe, let me know. I'll PM or e-mail it to you. Or, anyone else that may be willing to give it a try.

I would love to try out your recipe… I use the roll recipe starting at T-day (double batch for 30 people), makes another appearance during x-mas, appears on a few mornings as cinnamon rolls (rolled up/cut with some added honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts), super bowl, and then takes a break until Easter morning and Easter dinner.

The dough can be kept up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just punch it down once per day.

alexander
12-11-2007, 07:19 PM
I would love to try out your recipe… I use the roll recipe starting at T-day (double batch for 30 people), makes another appearance during x-mas, appears on a few mornings as cinnamon rolls (rolled up/cut with some added honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts), super bowl, and then takes a break until Easter morning and Easter dinner.

The dough can be kept up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just punch it down once per day.

I dont care shell spends all there money making Ferrari F1 cars haul chee chees so I buy shell

plus some local dyno testing has shown it to be the most potent

91 octane shell or bust

oarnold
12-14-2007, 05:47 PM
Hey all:
I joined the Ridgeline club with a new RT on November 20 and love it, love it, love it.

I've used Shell almost exclusively in my 25+ years of driving and feel it is a good product. And I'm in the Louisville area. (Glad to know there are other RLs out there - haven't seen too many lately).

So far, my fill-ups have produced these MPGs:
17.05
19.32
20.83
20.49 (bummer - was hoping to break the magical 21 level!)

Oa

jj's ridge
12-15-2007, 07:13 AM
I seem to get my best milage from BP/Amaco gasoloine. Tank full lasts longer. I even notice the increase in my around town driving.

deepdrop
12-20-2007, 09:12 AM
I go out of my way to use shell because it is listed as a top tier gasoline. I noticed that they put 10% ethanol in their gas.

Is this an issue? Is it better to use a station that doesn't use ethanol and just add a bottle of Techron additive a couple of times/year?

Rodek
12-20-2007, 06:45 PM
I get the best results from the stations that get alot of traffic. It seems the fresher the gas, the better the MPG regardless of the brand.

shovelhd
12-20-2007, 07:09 PM
My tank is almost empty so I am going to try the Shell theory. It's a high traffic site on a major state road. It will cost about 8 cents more per gallon than the cheap stuff, but I'd burn two gallons getting there and back. The Shell is a mile away.

jimmychoi
12-20-2007, 07:36 PM
The problem is in Albany I have not been able to find a top tier fuel station. It's mostly mobil, gulf, and Hess around here. I don't think there's a BP or Shell anywhere near

xridgelinex
12-21-2007, 11:02 PM
Shell/Chevron, have high levels of their patented Techron additive that cleans out engine grim along with the fuel injectors. Most companies may add detergents like Techron to help with engine gunk buildup but they add the most Techron.... Twice a year I run a bottle of Techron concentrate through the system along with working the throttle fully...

If there was Shell/chevron where I lived I will use them exclusively.

I am going to quote genius... Wait I’m quoting myself... :rolleyes:

The trick if you do not have a top tier brand, is stick to one brand... The RL learns what’s coming through the lines.... I stick to the same brand for a month to two... If I switch I make sure the tank is almost empty and that I am about to run on a very long trip... It helps the sensors figure out the new taste in the tank....

BigFoote
12-22-2007, 08:10 AM
Thanks X, that is good information to know about the sensors. Merry Christmas.I am going to quote genius... Wait I’m quoting myself... :rolleyes:

The trick if you do not have a top tier brand, is stick to one brand... The RL learns what’s coming through the lines.... I stick to the same brand for a month to two... If I switch I make sure the tank is almost empty and that I am about to run on a very long trip... It helps the sensors figure out the new taste in the tank....

Greywolfy
12-22-2007, 06:15 PM
I had an Infiniti before the RL. Every few months or so I had to clean the butterfly valve in the intake.

That is, until I started using Shell. Then it became something like once a year.

MPH never suffered.

MDVE39
12-22-2007, 08:51 PM
I never get the same mileage with Shell that I do with Exxon or BP. It is always less with Shell. Doesn't matter if it's winter blend or not.

mareb
01-05-2008, 11:15 AM
why is everyone getting such low mpg? Bought my Ridgeline with 15000 and I have been averaging 22-24 mpg. Have gotten as high as 26 with the bed loaded on vacation last summer. I alternate between BP and Sheetz, whichever is lower at the time.

jimmychoi
01-05-2008, 07:23 PM
why is everyone getting such low mpg? Bought my Ridgeline with 15000 and I have been averaging 22-24 mpg. Have gotten as high as 26 with the bed loaded on vacation last summer. I alternate between BP and Sheetz, whichever is lower at the time.

I'm pretty sure the only way I'm getting 26mpg is if I'm rolling downhill in neutral:p

Chingching
01-05-2008, 07:33 PM
Maybe his RL came with a Hybrid engine.;)

ocb_dave_ocb
01-05-2008, 07:43 PM
Maybe his RL came with a Hybrid engine.;)

That is what im thinking too...LOL I get about 15/16 in town and about 17/18 Highway I bought my Ridgeline BRAND new last year.. I have 14,500 miles on it now.. And it has ONLY had Shell Gasoline 91+ octane and Mobil 1 synthetic 5w20 oil

ChrisM
01-05-2008, 09:59 PM
Maybe his RL came with a Hybrid engine.;)

Maybe he is calculating his mileage in kilometers per gallon. :)

mareb
01-06-2008, 08:44 AM
most of my driving is highway. Live about 1 mile off the interstate and work location is only 2 miles from interstate. Quit pounding the gas pedal a long time ago. Problem is I can't seem to come close to the same mileage on our CR-V. Only gets about 19-20 mpg.

Cajun Country Ridgeline
01-06-2008, 01:09 PM
Just got back from a one week trip in the heart of the Ozarks in AR.
I wanted to see the impact if any using only premium gas.

Total Miles was 1,407 Total Gallons was 66.1 Total average MPG was 21.285
I had a high of 22.45mpg I had a low of 18.93mpg

The highest temperature we saw was 38*F and the lowest was below 0*F
some intown driving maybe 15% the rest was highway.
We used Shell Super Premium for 6 tanks full and one with Exxon Super Premium.
The total cost over regular gas at an average of $.30/gallon was $19.83

I have no idea what the elevation is in the upper Ozarks but it has too be over
1500 feet above sea level. I live at 15 feet above sea level.

This was 2.205mpg more than I made on the last trip in 1st week of Oct.2007 which was 19.08mpg
You do notice the difference in acceleration, louder also.

All I have to do now is figure if the 2.205mpg increase was worth $19.83.

jimmychoi
01-06-2008, 03:01 PM
most of my driving is highway. Live about 1 mile off the interstate and work location is only 2 miles from interstate. Quit pounding the gas pedal a long time ago. Problem is I can't seem to come close to the same mileage on our CR-V. Only gets about 19-20 mpg.

I can honestly say I've never driven a vehicle as gingerly as I drive this RL....I guess I can't comment too much because the truck is so new....but 26mpg sounds like a stretch no matter how you dish it....good for you though:)

djeaux
01-06-2008, 07:15 PM
Ditto on the Shell thing here as well. I get my best mileage on Shell and Marathon.

I get my worst on Speedway/Superamerica gas. It's contains about 10% water along with the 10% ethanol they put in it. :rolleyes:

PS. Thanks XridgelineX, now I'm hungry. :)

They still sell Marathon? There used to be a Marathon refinery about 15 miles up the road from here, a very small scale thing. No kidding: They got their crude from the "Devil's Backbone" & "Pistol Ridge" fields. Both of those oil patches are pretty much pumped out now & what comes out of them is largely used to make asphalt now...

I didn't know Marathon still existed.

But then, I guess they don't sell Dixie Gas in Ohio, either, do they? :D

LutzD79
01-06-2008, 07:30 PM
They still sell Marathon? There used to be a Marathon refinery about 15 miles up the road from here, a very small scale thing. No kidding: They got their crude from the "Devil's Backbone" & "Pistol Ridge" fields. Both of those oil patches are pretty much pumped out now & what comes out of them is largely used to make asphalt now...

I didn't know Marathon still existed.

But then, I guess they don't sell Dixie Gas in Ohio, either, do they? :D

Djeux, Marathon is all over the place up here in Ohio. I have at least three within a 10 mile radius from my house. I don't know if you have heard of Citgo gas??? but all the Citgo gas stations turned into Marathon in my area, don't know if this was a nationwide thing or maybe one owner owned them all in the area and switched to Marathon. I have actually had really good luck with Marathon. They even add STP additives to thier gas, don't know if it helps with gas mileage but they put it in there anyways.

oarnold
01-06-2008, 07:55 PM
Concerning Marathon: we have a few Marathon stations around Louisville. Back in 2004, a number of cars (I think it was around 250 or so, I may be wrong) ran out of gas unexpectedly, even though their fuel guages indicated gas in their tanks. Turns out they all were using Marathon gas, and the refinery allowed a higher-than-normal concentration of elemental sulfur in the Marathon gas. If I further remember correctly, Marathon had to pay for each affected car to have the gas tank drained and a new guage system installed.

You can read more info by Googleing the following words: marathon, fuel, guage, malfunction. Or similar.

Back to Shell: Update - after nine fill-ups my mpg's have been: 17.05; 19.32; 20.83; 20.49; 18.98; 21.27; 22.08; 22.40; 20.23. I need to fill up tomorrow and am not looking forward to it. Around $3.16/gal.

djeaux
01-06-2008, 08:34 PM
Djeux, Marathon is all over the place up here in Ohio. I have at least three within a 10 mile radius from my house. I don't know if you have heard of Citgo gas??? but all the Citgo gas stations turned into Marathon in my area, don't know if this was a nationwide thing or maybe one owner owned them all in the area and switched to Marathon. I have actually had really good luck with Marathon. They even add STP additives to thier gas, don't know if it helps with gas mileage but they put it in there anyways.

There aren't many right around here, but Citgo is still Citgo in these parts. Of course, everybody knows these parts are 10 years behind the times (except for gas prices :()