1994 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual - Page 231

Fuel 3800 (L27) Engine The 8th digitof your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) shows the code letter for your engine. You will find the VIN at the top left of your instrument panel. (See "Vehicle Identification Number'' in the Index.) Use regularunleaded gasoline rated at 87octane or higher. It should meet specifications ASTM 14 in D48 the U.S. and CGSB3.5-92 in Canada. These fuels so should have the proper additives, you should not have to add anythingto the fuel. In the U.S. and Canada, it's easy to be sure get the you right kind of gasoline (unleaded).You'll see "UNLEADED" right on the pump. And only unleaded nozzles will fit intoyour vehicle's filler neck. Be sure the posted octane is atleast 87. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it's bad enough, it can damage your engine. If you're using fuel rated at 87octane or higher and you still hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service. But don't worry if you hear a littlepinging noise when you're accelerating or driving up a hill. That's normal, and you don't have to buy a higher octane fuel to get rid of pinging. It's the heavy, constant knock that means you have a problem. What about gasolinewith blending materials that contain oxygen (oxygenates),such as MTBE or alcohol? MTBE is "methyl tertiary-butyl ether." Fuel that is no more than 15% MTBE is fine foryour vehicle. Ethanol is ethyl or grain alcohol. Properly-blended fuel that is no more than 10% ethanol is fine for your vehicle. Methanol is methyl or wood alcohol. NOTICE: Fuel that is more than 5% methanol is bad for your vehicle. Don't use it. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage plastic and rubber parts. That damage wouldn't be covered under your warranty. And even 5% at or less, there must be "cosolvents" and corrosion preventersin this fuel to help avoid these problems. 229