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1992 Volvo 240
pg. 71 Fuel requirements, Refueling
Unleaded Fuel
Each Volvo has a catalytic converter and must use only unleaded gasoline (as specified on the
instrument panel and by a label near the filler inlet). U.S. and Canadian regulations require that pumps
delivering unleaded gasoline be labelled "UNLEADED". Only these pumps have nozzles which fit your
car's filler inlet. It is unlawful to dispense leaded fuel into a vehicle labelled "unleaded gasoline only".
Leaded gasoline damages the catalytic converter and the oxygen sensor system. Repeated use of leaded
gasoline will lessen the effectiveness of the emission control system and could result in loss of emission
warranty coverage. State and local vehicle inspection programs will make detection of misfueling easier,
possibly resulting in emission test failure for misfueled vehicles.
Octane Rating
Volvo engines are designed for optimum performance on unleaded premium gasoline with an octane
rating, AKI, of 91, or above. AKI , (ANTI KNOCK INDEX), is an average of the Research Octane
Number, RON, the Motor Octane Number, MON, (RON + MON)/2. The minimum octane requirement
is AKI 87 (RON 91).
Gasoline Containing Alcohol and Ethers
"Oxygenated fuels"
Some fuel suppliers sell gasoline containing "oxygenates" which are usually alcohols or ethers. In some
areas, state or local laws require that the service pump be marked indicating use of alcohols or ethers.
However, there are areas in which the pumps are unmarked. If you are not sure whether there is alcohol
or ethers in the gasoline you buy, check with the service station operator.
To meet seasonal air quality restrictions, some states require the use of "oxygenated" fuel in certain
areas.
Volvo allows the use of the following "oxygenated fuels; however, the octane ratings listed on this page
must still be met.
Alcohol
Fuels containing up to 10% ethanol by volume may be used.
Ethanol may also be referred to as Ethyl alcohol or "Gasohol".
Methanol blends containing up to 3% methanol and 2% cosolvent can be used without damaging the
fuel system or the engine if the octane rating, AKI, is 91 or higher. However, performance and fuel
consumption might deteriorate on alcohol blends.
Ethers
Fuel containing up to 15% MTBE may be used.
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