Some people believe eucalyptus oil raises pertalite octane, this is the scientific explanation
Expert explanation about mixing eucalyptus oil with pertalite
Some people believe that mixing eucalyptus oil into a fuel tank can increase the octane value of pertalite. This opinion is scientifically not completely rejected by experts. Lecturer of Mechanical Engineering at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Tri Yuswidjajanto Zaenuri explained that it is true that eucalyptus oil mixed with pertalite can slightly increase the octane value.
However, according to Tri, the increase was not significant. “Maybe only two points, from Pertalite RON 90 to RON 92,” he said some time ago.
Although eucalyptus oil has the potential to increase the octane value, Tri still does not recommend its use as a mixture because it can have a negative impact on the vehicle engine. He explained that the mixture of pertalite and eucalyptus oil is at risk of causing deposits in the combustion chamber which can damage engine components.
“The deposit is brittle so that it flows out with the exhaust gas. As a result, it contaminates or clogs the catalytic converter,” said Tri. In addition, there are other risks such as damage to the catalytic converter or exhaust that must be replaced.
“If the deposit in the combustion chamber is fragile and loose and then tucked between the valve and the seat, the engine will die due to loss of compression,” explained Tri. In addition, the nature of essential oils that are rough or not slippery can also reduce the ability of fuel to lubricate engine components, thereby increasing the risk of wear and tear.
“As a result, engine components that are lubricated with fuel will wear out faster,” said Tri.
UGM Lecturer’s View on the Use of Eucalyptus Oil
Meanwhile, Mechanical Engineering Lecturer at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Yogyakarta, Jayan Sentanuhady explained that the use of eucalyptus oil as a mixture of pertalite is related to the working principle of surfactant. Surfactant is a liquid that can improve the physical character of the injection process, such as lowering surface tension and viscosity.
“I don’t think there is anything wrong in this research. This research is okay because he researched. Only people should not be too rash to respond to this research,” he said.
Even so, Jayan emphasized that the mixing of eucalyptus oil with Pertalite still requires further research to determine its effect on the machine. “I don’t know if it’s safe or not. But we’ll just go back to the manufacturer’s recommendation. If my advice is, the community should not take actions that are not recommended by the manufacturer,” said Jayan.
He also explained that the manufacturer has conducted research for a long time. The effects are not only felt at this time, such as improving performance, but also in the long term that are not necessarily known. Therefore, he suggested that the public be more vigilant and comply with the recommendations of vehicle manufacturers.
