Does premium gas keep internals cleaner?

[nachop]

Note, that this is not about octane. The question is, has anybody noticed if premium gasoline prevents the build up of carbon on internals such as valves, and pistons better than regular gas? First, I KNOW that gasoline should NOT be used as a solvent/parts cleaner, but I have used it for this purpose. By accident, I noticed that premium will dissolve certain substances better than regular gas. I was rebuilding a carb and had it in a bucket of with some regular gas in order to clean the grime off of the exterior before disassembling it. Anyway, I decided to flush the tank while I was at it. The tank had a little bit of premium gasoline left in it which I drained into the same bucket that the carb was in. I noticed that some tarnish/varnish/or something was coming off the carb body as if I had sprayed it with carb cleaner. And no, there were NO additive in the gas, it was straight premium gas. The carb looked cleaner after it sat in the premium gas than it had when I cleaned it with regular gas. To make sure it was not a freak thing, I started cleaning other things using both types of gasoline, and each time the premium removed build up that the regular gas left behind. I have done this several times after refilling my gas cans with fresh gas to eliminate the possibility of it being from a particular batch. The results were the same. I have heard on more than one occasion that it is good to run premium in small engines for this very reason. But now I actually have evidence that MAY support this claim. Any thoughts?

[El Camexican]

One reason you might see a high octane fuel dissolve paint and varnish is because it likely has Toluene in it. If you want a clean engine jet it properly.

[DohcBikes]

El, the first thing he said is that this is not about octane.

Premium is an improper term for what you are asking nachop. When you say premium, people are automatically going to start thinking octane. What you are referring to is called Top Tier gasoline. Yes, it has more detergents, yes, it keeps your engine cleaner. Certain high performance car manufacturers recommend to use ONLY fuels from a Top Tier supplier.

The reason I know this is because my BMW was recommended to run on ONLY top tier gasoline, which has added detergents. I will assume it is because it had variable valve timing and they wanted the cleanest fuel possible in there to keep it performing properly. My manual even listed a few of the suppliers. I'm sure a quick google search on Top Tier gas will explain that it isn't a myth.

Oh, and by the way, you already answered your own question. It cleans things better, right?....

[nachop]

Interesting. Thanks for your thoughts, info, and clarification. It is good to know that the extra cost is actually for a reason.

[fordnut79@hotma]

I thought I read somewhere on here that some people run a little 2 stroke oil in their tank to keep deposits down and rings from sticking.

[tri again]

Premium here is defined as non-ethanol gas.
I can say it runs cooler for sure.
I get 8 inch heat waves off my tractor muffler with regular etoh gas
and by desparation, I had to use trike fuel, premium non-etoh gas
and the heat waves were less than 2".
Not an answer to your question but a repeatable
observation.