That's the thing about octane. The higher the rating, the slower it burns. Also hotter and requires a higher temp to ignite.
It's the 3rd point that (IMO) is the most valuable part of high octane fuels. Although any spark plug will generate enough heat to ignite any gasoline, it is less lkely to pre-ignite (knock/ping) due to pre-ignition caused by hot carbon buildup.
The hotter burn helps to burn off that carbon too but not as much as people think. Higher octane fuels were promoted for use in vehicles with knock/ping issues. One company used the slogan "Drive your engine clean!" and added detergents only to thier higher octane levels. All modern name-brand fuel has detergents so it isn't such a big difference.
Since it burns slower high octane gas may not be fully combusted by the completion of the power stroke of an engine not designed for it, and you are dumping unburned fuel into your exhaust system. I think one of the functions of a catalytic converter is to crack unburned fuel into non-polluting components. If used in a system that does not have one, the gas may re-ignite when it leaves the exhaust. That's what makes the spectacular display at the drag races!
(And that's all I think I know about that!)
I guess it's a judgement call if you want to use this fuel to keep your genny on long-term standby status. Maybe you should take the precaution of a large clear zone where your exhaust pipe is, or a fire proof shield if it's in any kind of shelter. I prefer treated fuel and run mine periodically. The bulk of my emergency fuel is treated and in sealed containers.
Good luck!
|