Costco gas - I don't like it.
11-01-2013, 12:25 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Costco gas - I don't like it.
Every single time I start using Costco gas - by the 3rd full fill up from empty, I hear ticking engine noise from inside the car.
It's always dead quiet otherwise (inside the car).
I can always replicate it by going back to Costco gas.
Once I go back to Chevron it goes away.
All in my head? If not, why can I always duplicate the noise by reverting to Costco?
It's always dead quiet otherwise (inside the car).
I can always replicate it by going back to Costco gas.
Once I go back to Chevron it goes away.
All in my head? If not, why can I always duplicate the noise by reverting to Costco?
11-01-2013, 12:42 AM
#4
Even I don't use Costco gas.
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11-01-2013, 12:43 AM
#5
Instructor
Thread Starter
Saw other threads saying it's good, but I just wanted to ask the 3g community specifically if I'm crazy or if they noticed the same thing/ I do love saving 20-30 cents per gallon at costco
11-01-2013, 01:44 AM
#6
Registered but harmless
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I use Costco premium about half the time, along with United Oil premium and Chevron premium-- haven't noticed any difference in performance or noise as between them. 
11-01-2013, 01:50 AM
#7
Since 1995, all gasoline sold in the U.S. must include an EPA-approved detergent additive. All Costco gas has always contained these additives. Costco gas stations are well maintained and our fuel has always been 100% guaranteed.
Increasing Federal emissions and mileage requirements, plus the competitive pressures of the automotive marketplace, have led to improved and more complicated engine designs. These improvements make many engines more sensitive to carbon deposits on intake valves and clogged fuel injectors. Dirty engines can sometimes trigger a"check engine" dashboard warning light. Many of the latest model vehicles perform better using fuel that contains more than the minimum EPA detergent requirement.
As our valued member, you expect Costco to always offer the finest quality products at the best possible price. Gasoline is no exception. Costco has closely studied fuel additives and engine deposits, and conducted extensive fuel tests at nationally-recognized laboratories. As a result, we decided to increase the detergent additives in our fuel to provide a better value to our members. Cleaner engines run better, run longer, and they pollute less.
Costco gas with Kirkland Signature Clean Power detergent additives contains five times the EPA detergent requirement. Clean Power doesn't just keep your engine clean - it also helps remove any existing deposits. Costco Gasoline - Something good just got better!
Increasing Federal emissions and mileage requirements, plus the competitive pressures of the automotive marketplace, have led to improved and more complicated engine designs. These improvements make many engines more sensitive to carbon deposits on intake valves and clogged fuel injectors. Dirty engines can sometimes trigger a"check engine" dashboard warning light. Many of the latest model vehicles perform better using fuel that contains more than the minimum EPA detergent requirement.
As our valued member, you expect Costco to always offer the finest quality products at the best possible price. Gasoline is no exception. Costco has closely studied fuel additives and engine deposits, and conducted extensive fuel tests at nationally-recognized laboratories. As a result, we decided to increase the detergent additives in our fuel to provide a better value to our members. Cleaner engines run better, run longer, and they pollute less.
Costco gas with Kirkland Signature Clean Power detergent additives contains five times the EPA detergent requirement. Clean Power doesn't just keep your engine clean - it also helps remove any existing deposits. Costco Gasoline - Something good just got better!
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11-01-2013, 07:15 AM
#8
Safety Car
iTrader: (4)
I have not used Costco gas in my TLS, but my wife does sometimes in her 04 Accord V6. Her engine never makes any noise, but then again it doesn't require premium and is just the Accord 3.0 V6 and not the higher compression 3.5 in the S.
As for me, I have noticed that when I use the convenient Phillips 66 (ConocoPhillips) station that's on my commute to work, that on the occasion I get on the throttle the car makes that sulfur egg smell. Infact every Type S I have had did this using that station. It always ran fine no noises or anything, but just that smell. The next convenient station is Shell so that's typically what's run in my Type S now. 93 octane obviously. I have used BP as well with no issues.
As for me, I have noticed that when I use the convenient Phillips 66 (ConocoPhillips) station that's on my commute to work, that on the occasion I get on the throttle the car makes that sulfur egg smell. Infact every Type S I have had did this using that station. It always ran fine no noises or anything, but just that smell. The next convenient station is Shell so that's typically what's run in my Type S now. 93 octane obviously. I have used BP as well with no issues.
11-01-2013, 08:22 AM
#9
I used to have a link to a professional analysis of various gasoline qualities by brand but I can't find it at the moment. Have to go look.
From what I remember, places like Costco, Sam's and such didn't employ the use of many detergents up until a few years ago with the strong influence of the presence and policy of the CAFE standards. That changed but I'm not sure what the actual difference is. Keep in mind, many of your brands share the same source, refinery and transport companies, so don't expect huge differences.
From what I remember, places like Costco, Sam's and such didn't employ the use of many detergents up until a few years ago with the strong influence of the presence and policy of the CAFE standards. That changed but I'm not sure what the actual difference is. Keep in mind, many of your brands share the same source, refinery and transport companies, so don't expect huge differences.
11-01-2013, 09:00 AM
#10
What could it be in the Costco gas that would cause a ticking noise after 3 tanks? I have never noticed any difference between using Costco Premium, Shell Premium or BP with no ethanol (when I was near a station that had it).
11-01-2013, 09:25 AM
#11
Mostly every retailer sales same gas from same wholesaler. Any additives are added during local deliveries. Costco gas is the same but it is without V-Pover, Techron, and whatever else that is been added during local distribution.
11-01-2013, 10:22 AM
#13
Suzuka Master
I run Costco gas 99.9% in 2 of 3 vehicles. Absolutely no issues whatsoever. Previously ran Chevron.
11-01-2013, 11:42 AM
#15
Drifting
I run 99% Costco premium and no issues whatsoever for 7 years. I'll assume the OP is actually pumping premium and not skimping with regular during these fillups. I could see how if you fillup with premium at Costco and then use regular else where how ticking could happen every 3rd tank possibly.
If the car is not ticking with Costco gas in the tank, the OP needs to develop a different theory for his troubles.
I talked to the gas guy at Costo a couple years ago and back then the gas was sourced from Chevron at least in Carlsbad. I doubt that Costco gas is crap like some people are indicating. I bet it's either Chevron, Shell, or Conico when it's all said and done.
If the car is not ticking with Costco gas in the tank, the OP needs to develop a different theory for his troubles.
I talked to the gas guy at Costo a couple years ago and back then the gas was sourced from Chevron at least in Carlsbad. I doubt that Costco gas is crap like some people are indicating. I bet it's either Chevron, Shell, or Conico when it's all said and done.
11-01-2013, 04:16 PM
#18
TLicious Type S
The different brands have different formulations, additives, and refining quality. It's your choice where you spend you money. I prefer to use only "Top Tier" stations: http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html There are plenty to choose from.
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11-01-2013, 07:11 PM
#21
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thank you to the constructive replies.
I'm definitely using 91 octane always.
It definitely is strange. But the tick is there in the car, windows closed.
I'm definitely using 91 octane always.
It definitely is strange. But the tick is there in the car, windows closed.
11-01-2013, 08:06 PM
#22
Something else to consider:
Costco monitors the flow rates of their gas nozzles. Their standard is higher than the industry standard. The flow rate is noticeably higher at Costco than other gas stations.
Also, they change their filters much more frequently than other gas stations, which ensures you get cleaner fuel.
Costco monitors the flow rates of their gas nozzles. Their standard is higher than the industry standard. The flow rate is noticeably higher at Costco than other gas stations.
Also, they change their filters much more frequently than other gas stations, which ensures you get cleaner fuel.
Station Maintenance
Good station operation and maintenance assures the fuel is filtered, and that no contaminants, such as sediment and water, find their way into our members' vehicles. Costco gas stations are well-maintained by our capable attendants so that only clean gasoline goes into your car.
Costco uses fuel filters to catch any particles or debris larger than 10 microns in diameter. For comparison, the average human hair is seventy microns thick.
Our attendants check the nozzle flow rate frequently to assure that our filters are fresh. When the flow rate falls below 8 gallons per minute, we change the filter.
Costco uses ethanol-compatible filters designed to catch sediment, water, or phase-separated ethanol and water mixtures.
Costco's electronic sensors continuously monitor our underground storage tanks for water.
We physically sample our tanks at least weekly to confirm there is no contamination by both visual inspection and chemical detection.
Good station operation and maintenance assures the fuel is filtered, and that no contaminants, such as sediment and water, find their way into our members' vehicles. Costco gas stations are well-maintained by our capable attendants so that only clean gasoline goes into your car.
Costco uses fuel filters to catch any particles or debris larger than 10 microns in diameter. For comparison, the average human hair is seventy microns thick.
Our attendants check the nozzle flow rate frequently to assure that our filters are fresh. When the flow rate falls below 8 gallons per minute, we change the filter.
Costco uses ethanol-compatible filters designed to catch sediment, water, or phase-separated ethanol and water mixtures.
Costco's electronic sensors continuously monitor our underground storage tanks for water.
We physically sample our tanks at least weekly to confirm there is no contamination by both visual inspection and chemical detection.
11-01-2013, 11:17 PM
#23
^^ Nope, this is not true.
The different brands have different formulations, additives, and refining quality. It's your choice where you spend you money. I prefer to use only "Top Tier" stations: http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html There are plenty to choose from.
The different brands have different formulations, additives, and refining quality. It's your choice where you spend you money. I prefer to use only "Top Tier" stations: http://www.toptiergas.com/retailers.html There are plenty to choose from.
A: Costco buys fuel from major refineries and distributors in each area. All Costco gasoline is fully guaranteed, just like the merchandise we sell inside the warehouse.
http://www.costco.com/gasoline-q-and-a.html
11-01-2013, 11:40 PM
#24
Safety Car
iTrader: (4)
Premium where I live is 93 octane. I see some people say their premium is only 91. Is the fuel actually really the same, and it's just called 91 in different areas for whatever reason, or is it truly a lower octane? Maybe find a station that has 93 and see if you still get the ticking.
11-02-2013, 12:01 AM
#26
Burning Brakes
I used Costco for the first 2 years I owned my TL, I'm on the third year and use Shell V-power now.
Only thing I noticed with Costco gas is the amount of miles I get per tank was less than what I got from Shell V-power. I needed more miles, valves are clean, injectors too, very clean motor so I feel the additives somehow decreased my total amount of miles.
(I am basing this by the total amount of miles to a tank via the MID; I realize too many variables are part of that but I drive nearly the same route/amount of miles each day.
Other than that, I have never had ticking noise as a result, maybe he's hearing out of spec valves? I know before I got a valve adjustment they were noisy that they could be heard from inside. After valve job, they were hugely reduced in noise levels nearly non-existent from inside the car.
Only thing I noticed with Costco gas is the amount of miles I get per tank was less than what I got from Shell V-power. I needed more miles, valves are clean, injectors too, very clean motor so I feel the additives somehow decreased my total amount of miles.
(I am basing this by the total amount of miles to a tank via the MID; I realize too many variables are part of that but I drive nearly the same route/amount of miles each day.
Other than that, I have never had ticking noise as a result, maybe he's hearing out of spec valves? I know before I got a valve adjustment they were noisy that they could be heard from inside. After valve job, they were hugely reduced in noise levels nearly non-existent from inside the car.
Last edited by MandoTL; 11-02-2013 at 12:03 AM.
11-02-2013, 01:39 AM
#27
Found some info on http://energyalmanac.ca.gov
Terminal Facilities
California's nearly 100 terminals receive petroleum and petroleum products by tanker, barge, pipeline, rail or truck. Most of California's terminals are marine terminals. At these facilities petroleum or product is transferred from or to tankers or barges.
Terminals also serve as refiner's wholesale distribution points for products. Product, such as gasoline, is sold to distributors (jobbers) who then sell to consumers through the distributors' own retail stations. The distributor may also resell the gasoline to other station dealers. Gasoline can also be sold directly to station dealers from the terminal. The marketing structure differs depending on the type of product being sold.
Terminal Facilities
California's nearly 100 terminals receive petroleum and petroleum products by tanker, barge, pipeline, rail or truck. Most of California's terminals are marine terminals. At these facilities petroleum or product is transferred from or to tankers or barges.
Terminals also serve as refiner's wholesale distribution points for products. Product, such as gasoline, is sold to distributors (jobbers) who then sell to consumers through the distributors' own retail stations. The distributor may also resell the gasoline to other station dealers. Gasoline can also be sold directly to station dealers from the terminal. The marketing structure differs depending on the type of product being sold.
11-02-2013, 01:59 AM
#28
Moderator
iTrader: (7)
Premium where I live is 93 octane. I see some people say their premium is only 91. Is the fuel actually really the same, and it's just called 91 in different areas for whatever reason, or is it truly a lower octane? Maybe find a station that has 93 and see if you still get the ticking.
Last edited by paperboy42190; 11-02-2013 at 02:01 AM.
11-02-2013, 10:25 AM
#30
Team Owner
If costco gas makes the car audibly ping I would be questioning the octane, not the additives or the quality. Several stations were busted around here for selling 87 octane from the 91 pumps.
Back when I first started data logging on my turbo car in the 90s there were differences between gas stations. I used to tune the car to the ragged edge of detonation where I would get just a little on the shifts. Texaco always has the lowest amount of knock. Others consistently had more knock to the point I had to cut the boost back a lb or two. This was all verified by the laptop, not my ears.
I use Shell and Chevron because they offer two great add packs that work in very different ways so between the two I cover the whole range. When I pulled the plugs the last time I've never seen pistons that clean. Mostly shiny with just a trace of deposits. My intake valves looks brand new. Absolutely no carbon whatsoever. If I were not the first owner I would swear the valves had been replaced recently. Running the oil I do with a very high HTHS and very low NOACK value also helps reduce piston deposits since less oil gets last the rings and less vapors go through the PCV system.
Make no mistake, intake valve deposits come from crappy motor oil and EGR. The gasoline sprayed on the backside of the valves is a cleaner. Look up direct injection horror stories if you want to see what happens when fuel is not sprayed in he intake tract.
Last, more is not always better. Detergents leave deposits in the combustion chamber. You want enough detergents to keep the fuel system clean which is their primary purpose but adding a can of injector cleaner every tank is just going to lead to more combustion chamber deposits. One more thing, most filters filter better as they get dirtier. The flow rate might go down but the quality will not suffer.
Back when I first started data logging on my turbo car in the 90s there were differences between gas stations. I used to tune the car to the ragged edge of detonation where I would get just a little on the shifts. Texaco always has the lowest amount of knock. Others consistently had more knock to the point I had to cut the boost back a lb or two. This was all verified by the laptop, not my ears.
I use Shell and Chevron because they offer two great add packs that work in very different ways so between the two I cover the whole range. When I pulled the plugs the last time I've never seen pistons that clean. Mostly shiny with just a trace of deposits. My intake valves looks brand new. Absolutely no carbon whatsoever. If I were not the first owner I would swear the valves had been replaced recently. Running the oil I do with a very high HTHS and very low NOACK value also helps reduce piston deposits since less oil gets last the rings and less vapors go through the PCV system.
Make no mistake, intake valve deposits come from crappy motor oil and EGR. The gasoline sprayed on the backside of the valves is a cleaner. Look up direct injection horror stories if you want to see what happens when fuel is not sprayed in he intake tract.
Last, more is not always better. Detergents leave deposits in the combustion chamber. You want enough detergents to keep the fuel system clean which is their primary purpose but adding a can of injector cleaner every tank is just going to lead to more combustion chamber deposits. One more thing, most filters filter better as they get dirtier. The flow rate might go down but the quality will not suffer.
Last edited by I hate cars; 11-02-2013 at 10:28 AM.
11-02-2013, 10:40 AM
#31
Head a da Family
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BTW, can someone explain why premium on the east coast is 93 and is 91 on the west coast?
.
.
11-02-2013, 10:56 AM
#32
Team Owner
The West Coast sucks. I don't know but if I had to bet it would be on some California environmental crap.
11-02-2013, 12:29 PM
#34
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I have not used Costco fuel, but the only reason I consider it is because Costco only charges 20 cents more for Premium fuel. All other stations charge 24 cents.
11-02-2013, 01:36 PM
#36
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91 octane is a California thing along with certain other ingredients. In Oregon and Washington I've seen 91, 92 and 93.
Hopefully a petrochemist can explain more and why.
Hopefully a petrochemist can explain more and why.
11-02-2013, 04:41 PM
#38
Have used costco for quite a bit now, and I love it. I don't think they would skimp out on gasoline quality since they have so many loyal customers. Plus you can always assume your gas was delivered the day you pump it because they get quite a few truckloads a day to refill their tanks.
11-02-2013, 09:03 PM
#39
I have had no issues with Costco either. except the stupid long lines. But this week, $3.01/gallon for regular in NJ - not bad at all.
