Will low octane gas stop a 350z engine from running. I have only put high octane in...but I think some a low octane ended up in my tank...my car is sputter to a stop. If I give it gas it runs, but if it idols, it stops...will low octane actually keep the car from running. Maybe I wasnt paying attention when I put gas in, b'c I was so used to putting in low grade for a 4 cylinder...

 

It shouldn't, but it might Lower octane gas ignites at a lower pressure than a higher octane gas. Therefore, higher octane gas is used in higer compression engines, such as the Z. Normally when lower octane gas is used the computer can sense it and retard the timing of the engine so that it runs, but it loses some poewr and responsivness.

If yours is dieing, I would use as much gas as possible and fill back up with the 91 octane (or whatever your high is). Or get some octane booster from AutoZone, etc... If that doesn't work, then do you have a check engine light on or not? If so, someone needs to run the codes to see what is wrong.

Hope this helps.

 

No the engine light isn't on? Only after its stall do the lights go on

 

OK, sounds like you either got low octane gas by accident, or a bad tank of gas (like right after the tanker filled the storage bins up underneath the gas station), or both. I would try the octane booster, or waste some gas and fill back up.

The lights coming on after the engine dies is just all the test being run like they do when you turn the key to on, but do not start the ignition.

 

I wish i could waste gas...but if i give it gas its rough, then when I stop or it gets to a low idol...it stalls. Too risky to try and drive it in town. After your last post I went to try and turn it over. It turns over fine...but then wants to stall unless I stay on the gas. Take my foot off and it putters to a stop. It sucks! It was running fine until this morning. I think you might be right about bad gas. Because after I burned the first quarter tank (seems to be the old gas) and seem to tap the new stuff (full tank), it started. (Only guessing). I'm cover under the basic warranty...so I call the dealer tomorrow. All your continued output is definatley appreciated.

 

I had 89 Octane in my car for about 2 tanks, it was fine. but when i put in 93.. i really felt the difference

 

Yes...you engine will suffer from spontaneous combustion and you will have a big pile of poo.

If you can't spend an extra $3 for for gas, then don't bother gettin' a sports car.

 

Rockinboy....I mentioned that it was by mistake...and I not even sure I "accidentally" put it in, I was only thinking I might have made the mistake. But thanks for you positive feedback...always nice to get someone's opinion on whether or not I should have gotten a sports car.

 

Thats why on the gas filler cap it says "premium fuel only"....

 

Sounds like an idle control solenoid issue. Maybe?

 

Or it could be a simple vacuum hose leak.

 

I speak from experience, not theory. Lower octane gas will NOT cause the symptoms you describe. When I bought my Z the dealer filled it up with 87 octane. In fact, I put in a couple more tanks of 87 octane after that. It ran fine. It does run better with 93 in the tank, but what you have is either mechanical/electrical problems, or some really bad gas.

 

Sounds like a tank of bad gas. Unfortunately, dealer warranty won't cover it. If it IS bad gas, you might have an argument with the place that you bought it, if you have a reciept. Otherwise you'll have to pay to get the tank/lines drained, new filter, etc.
Hope it's just a solenoid or vaccuum leak!!
Good luck!

 

Sounds like some bad gas fouled your spark plugs, I had tyhe same problem with a car when I was 16, it ended up dying on me in the middle of making a left hand turn in one of the busiest intersections in my town. Mechanic said my spark plugs looked like they hadn't been changed in 10 years but it was a 3 month old car and it was the day after I made a dumb choice of buying gas from an old farm store who had very ****ty gas.

 

Thanks guys....good feedback. Sucks it happen'd...its been driving beautifly. I hope its an easy fix. I just have to go to the dealer and have them look at it.

Nismo 350z your a real smart one...

 

YOur car will survive....but don't do it again

 

running lower octane won't kill a modern motor... Thats why there are knock sensors and manufactures tune the computer at a safe levels. In most cases a premium only car, the manufacturer tunes based at 89 octane (this is one thing that helps after market chips make more power), and with air intake temp sensors and knock sensors you have nothing to worry about except for decreased performance...

 

why is american petrol so low octane? 89? thats rubbish, lowest in UK is 95.

 

I think the US uses a different octane rating scale.

 

+1. You bet. That's what that little thing called the Knock Sensor is for. Results in "ungrenaded" engines from preventing detonation during combustion while on low-octane gas.