2008 FORD ECONOLINE octane

Pure ethanol is the alcohol which is the intoxicating agent in liquor, beer
and wine. It is distilled from the fermentation of plants such as field corn
and sugar cane. When ethanol is produced for use in motor fuels, a small
amount of gasoline is added to make it unfit for beverage use. The
resulting ethanol blend is called denatured fuel ethanol meaning that it is
denatured with 2% to 5% gasoline and is suitable for automotive use.
During the summer season, fuel ethanol may contain a maximum of 85%
denatured ethanol (Ed85) and 15% unleaded gasoline. The fuel ethanol
has a higher octane rating than unleaded regular or premium gasoline
and this allows the design of engines with greater efficiency and power.
Winter blends may contain up to 75% denatured ethanol (Ed75) and up
to 25% unleaded gasoline to enhance cold engine starts. Severely cold
weather may require additional measures for reliable starting. Refer to
Startingin theDrivingchapter.
Ethanol is more chemically active than gasoline. It corrodes some metals
and causes some plastic and rubber components to swell, break down or
become brittle and crack, especially when mixed with gasoline. Special
materials and procedures have been developed for flexible fuel vehicles
and the dispensers used by ethanol fuel providers.
WARNING:Flexible fuel components and standard unleaded
gasoline fuel components are not interchangeable. If your vehicle
is not serviced in accordance with flexible fuel vehicles procedures,
damage may occur and your warranty may be invalidated.
WARNING:When refueling always shut the engine off and
never allow sparks or open flames near the filler neck. Never
smoke while refueling. Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain
conditions. Care should be taken to avoid inhaling excess fumes.
WARNING:The flow of fuel through a fuel pump nozzle can
produce static electricity, which can cause a fire if fuel is
pumped into an ungrounded fuel container.
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Choosing the right fuel
If your vehicle is a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), use only UNLEADED
FUEL and FUEL ETHANOL (Ed75–Ed85).
If your vehicle is not a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV), then only use
UNLEADED fuel or UNLEADED fuel blended with a maximum of 10%
ethanol. Your vehicle was not designed to run on E85 fuels that are
blended with a maximum of 85% ethanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can damage critical fuel system components.
The use of leaded fuel is prohibited by law and could damage your
vehicle.
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel or fuel additives with metallic
compounds, including manganese-based additives. Studies indicate that
these additives can cause your vehicle’s emission control system to
deteriorate more rapidly.
Repairs to correct the effects of using a fuel for which your vehicle was
not designed may not be covered by your warranty.
Cleaner air
Ford endorses the use of reformulated “cleaner-burning” gasolines to
improve air quality, per the recommendations in theChoosing the right
fuelsection.
Octane recommendations
Do not be concerned if your engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However,
if it knocks heavily under most
driving conditions while you are
using fuel with the recommended
octane rating, see your authorized dealer to prevent any engine damage.
Unleaded Gasoline Engines
Your vehicle is designed to use “Regular” unleaded gasoline with a pump
(R+M)/2 octane rating of 87. We do not recommend the use of gasolines
labeled as “Regular” in high altitude areas that are sold with octane
ratings less than 87.
FFV engine (if equipped)
Your vehicle is designed to use Fuel Ethanol (Ed75–Ed85),“Regular”
unleaded gasoline or any mixture of the two fuels.
U.S. government regulations require fuel ethanol dispensing
pumps to have a small, square, orange and black label with the
87(R+M)/2 METHOD
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common abbreviation or the appropriate percentage for that
region. Use of other fuels such as Fuel Methanol may cause
powertrain damage, a loss of vehicle performance, and your
warranty may be invalidated.
Fuel quality
Do not add aftermarket fuel additive products to your fuel tank. It
should not be necessary to add any aftermarket products to your fuel
tank if you continue to use high quality fuel of the recommended octane
rating. These products have not been approved for your engine and
could cause damage to the fuel system. Repairs to correct the effects of
using an aftermarket product in your fuel may not be covered by your
warranty.
Many of the world’s automakers approved the World-Wide Fuel Charter
that recommends gasoline specifications to provide improved
performance and emission control system protection for your vehicle.
Gasolines that meet the World-Wide Fuel Charter should be used when
available. Ask your fuel supplier about gasolines that meet the
World-Wide Fuel Charter.
Unleaded gasoline engines
If you are experiencing starting, rough idle or hesitation driveability
problems during a cold start, try a different brand of “Regular” unleaded
gasoline. “Premium” unleaded gasoline is not recommended because it
may cause these problems to become more pronounced. If the problems
persist, see your authorized dealer.
FFV engine (if equipped)
To identify if your vehicle is an FFV, it may be equipped with a yellow
fuel cap with the text “E85/Gasoline”, or check if there is a label on the
fuel filler door.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly between gasoline and E85. If you do
switch fuels, it is recommended that you add as much fuel as
possible—at least half a tank. Do not add less than five gallons (18.9 L)
when refueling. You should drive the vehicle immediately after refueling
for at least 5 miles (8 km) to allow the vehicle to adapt to the change in
ethanol concentration.
If you operate your vehicle 50% or more of the time on ethanol, you
should follow a different maintenance schedule. In addition to this, it is
also recommended to fill the fuel tank with regular unleaded gasoline
once every 3,000 miles (4,800 km). Seescheduled maintenance
informationfor more information.
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For consistent results when filling the fuel tank:
•Turn the engine/ignition switch to the off position prior to refueling,
an error in the reading will result if the engine is left running.
•Use the same filling rate setting (low — medium — high) each time
the tank is filled.
•Allow no more than two automatic click-offs when filling.
•Always use fuel with the recommended octane rating.
•Use a known quality gasoline, preferably a national brand.
•Use the same side of the same pump and have the vehicle facing the
same direction each time you fill up.
•Have the vehicle loading and distribution the same every time.
Your results will be most accurate if your filling method is consistent.
Calculating fuel economy
1. Fill the fuel tank completely and record the initial odometer reading
(in miles or kilometers).
2. Each time you fill the tank, record the amount of fuel added (in
gallons or liters).
3. After at least three to five tank fill-ups, fill the fuel tank and record
the current odometer reading.
4. Subtract your initial odometer reading from the current odometer
reading.
5. Follow one of the simple calculations in order to determine fuel
economy:
Calculation 1:Divide total miles traveled by total gallons used.
Calculation 2:Multiply liters used by 100, then divide by total
kilometers traveled.
Keep a record for at least one month and record the type of driving (city
or highway). This will provide an accurate estimate of the vehicle’s fuel
economy under current driving conditions. Additionally, keeping records
during summer and winter will show how temperature impacts fuel
economy. In general, lower temperatures give lower fuel economy.
Driving style — good driving and fuel economy habits
Give consideration to the lists that follow and you may be able to change
a number of variables and improve your fuel economy.
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ENGINE DATA
Engine14.6L V8 engine 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Cubic inches 281 330 415
Required fuel87 octane or
(E-85)
287 octane 87 octane
Firing order 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8 1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Ignition
systemCoil on plug Coil on plug Coil on plug
Spark plug gap0.052–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)0.052–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)0.052–0.056 inch
(1.32–1.42mm)
Compression
ratio9.4:1 9.0:1 9.0:1
1Refer to the6.0 and 6.4 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo
Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplementfor diesel engine information.
24.6L V8 FFV engines only.
Engine drivebelt routing
•4.6L V8 and 5.4L V8 Engines without A/C
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Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) ....249
Fluid capacities .........................271
Four-Wheel Drive vehicles
preparing to drive your
vehicle .....................................174
Fuel ............................................249
calculating fuel economy .......256
cap ...........................................252
capacity ...................................271
choosing the right fuel ...........254
comparisons with EPA fuel
economy estimates .................259
detergent in fuel .....................254
filling your vehicle with
fuel ...........................249, 252, 256
filter, specifications ........249, 270
fuel pump shut-off switch .....191
improving fuel economy ........256
octane rating ...................254, 274
quality ......................................255
running out of fuel .................256
safety information relating to
automotive fuels .....................249
Fuel - flex fuel vehicle
(FFV) .................................249, 254
Fuses ..................................192–193
G
Garage door opener ....................49
Gas cap (see Fuel cap) ............252
Gas mileage
(see Fuel economy) .................256
Gauges .........................................17
H
Hazard flashers .........................190
Headlamps ...................................35aiming ........................................38
bulb specifications ....................41
daytime running lights .............36
flash to pass ..............................36
high beam .................................36
replacing bulbs .........................42
turning on and off ....................35
Heating
heater only system .............32, 34
heating and air conditioning
system .......................................33
Hood ..........................................234
I
Ignition ...............................162, 274
Illuminated visor mirror .............48
Infant seats
(see Safety seats) .....................101
Inspection/maintenance (I/M)
testing ........................................261
Instrument panel
cleaning ...................................230
cluster ........................................12
lighting up panel and
interior .......................................37
J
Jack ............................................200
positioning ...............................200
storage .....................................200
Jump-starting your vehicle ......210
K
Keyless entry system
autolock .....................................58
Keys .............................................68
positions of the ignition .........162
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L
Lamps
bulb replacement
specifications chart ..................41
daytime running light ...............36
headlamps .................................35
headlamps, flash to pass ..........36
instrument panel, dimming .....37
interior lamps ...........................40
replacing bulbs .........................42
Lights, warning and indicator ....12
anti-lock brakes (ABS) ..........168
Load limits .................................145
Loading instructions .................151
Locks ............................................58
autolock .....................................58
doors ..........................................58
Lubricant specifications ...........271
Lug nuts ....................................209
Lumbar support, seats ...............71
M
Mirrors .........................................53
fold away ...................................54
side view mirrors (power) .......53
Motorcraft parts ........232, 249, 270
O
Octane rating ............................254
Oil (see Engine oil) ..................237
P
Parking brake ............................168
Parts (see Motorcraft parts) ....270Power distribution box
(see Fuses) ...............................196
Power door locks ........................58
Power mirrors .............................53
Power point .................................51
Power steering ..........................173
fluid, checking and adding ....262
fluid, refill capacity ................271
fluid, specifications .................271
Power Windows ...........................52
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................174
R
Radio ................................20, 22, 26
Relays ................................192, 199
Remote entry system .................62
illuminated entry ......................66
locking/unlocking doors ..........58,
63–64
panic alarm ...............................64
replacement/additional
transmitters ...............................65
replacing the batteries .............64
Reverse sensing system ...........185
Roadside assistance ..................189
Roll stability control .................170
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ............86
Safety belts (see Safety
restraints) ..............................77–81
Safety defects, reporting ..224–225
Safety restraints ....................77–81
Belt-Minder
.............................82
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