[Yardman]

I recently picked up my mower from the dealer and the mechanic there asked me if I used gas with ethanol. He said he could smell it. He told me that engines with carbruators really shouldn't be run with ethanol gas. I've just been buying whatever is cheapest, but I'm going to start paying more attention. I haven't had any problems, but for 50 cents (10 cents X 5 gallons) is it really woth taking a chance?

Anybody had any other experiences?

 

[grnspot110]

Around here 10% ethanol is all you can get! I've been told that 10% is usually OK, but the Government is wanting to go to 15% (& then higher), disaster for older small engines. ~~ grnspot110

 

[mrbeal]

I don't know of anywhere here where you can get anything other than 10% Ethanol either.

 

[BillTheTractorMan]

my and my grandfather that I live with found a gas station on the way up to my grandmothers seasonal site that has non-ethanol gas and we fill our containers there (4gallons). When we run out of it we run the 91 octane stuff that we find here in the cities and so far my engines are still running, even the 40+ yr old Tecumseh.


ethanol= no more gaskets. ethanol eats gaskets like the fat man eats pie.

 

[Yardman]

Around here, the higher octane (89) gas is ethanol and cheaper. The more expensive gas (87) doesn't have ethanol. At least it's not labeled on the pumps. My dealer said the ethanol eats at the rubber hoses and seals in the carburator and gas lines. He told me a common problem (at least with the older Ariens/Gravley products) is that the gas line pickup line inside the gas tank swells and falls off the nipple. He said if it ever just won't start, check those gas pickups. Apparently, they have a replacement pickup set that won't be effected. Maybe the newer models aren't effected?

Like I said, so far, I haven't noticed any adverse effects.

 

[badbart]

87 octane. Don't know if it's ethanol or not, never gave it much thought, but it seems to do just fine in everything I have, and it has for years.

 

[junebug1701]

On the Husqvarna web site, their videos recommend using 89 or better octane for their 2-cycle products. I use 91 octane for all my 2 and 4-cycle stuff. Also I recommend using Sta-Bil Marine formula which will counteract the effects of the ethanol. Not the regular red Sta-Bil, but the blue Marine formula which is now available at Wal-mart. The red Sta-Bil is around 6 bucks and treats 20 gallons, the blue Sta-Bil Marine is about 9 bucks but treats 80 gallons, so it's a better value as well.

 

[cokerta]

Here in Charleston the Exxon stations carry ethanol free gasoline and that is what I started using on my small equip. it is about .50 more a gallon than regular gas, which yesterday was $2.43 a gallon

 

[grapeknutz]

Sorry guys all octanes have ethanol in it's fuel.

 

[texasnascarfan200]

I just run the super unleaded in all my small engines the seen to run better and have more power its a little higher but the way i look at it you dont use as much as an automobile

 

[daytime dave]

I use the same 87 octane as I do for my SUV. I cannot find one that does not contain ethanol.

 

[dcgrazier]

Gasoline containing ethanol is death to small engines, especially 2 cycle. I use premium non ethanol gas when mixing for 2 cycle fuel. I use regular non ethanol gas in my 4 cycle engines. There is a web site, Ethanol-free gas, that identifies gas stations that sell non ethanol gasoline. If that is not available for you, there are additives that you can mix with ethanol gasoline to counteract the ethanol. You will usually find it at small engine stores or most auto parts stores. I highly recommend using it if you do not have ethanol free gasoline. If you ever have to repair a 2 cycle engine that has been damaged by ethanol, you will gladly pay the price for the additive.

 

[grapeknutz]

Gasoline containing ethanol is death to small engines, especially 2 cycle. I use premium non ethanol gas when mixing for 2 cycle fuel. I use regular non ethanol gas in my 4 cycle engines. There is a web site, Ethanol-free gas, that identifies gas stations that sell non ethanol gasoline. If that is not available for you, there are additives that you can mix with ethanol gasoline to counteract the ethanol. You will usually find it at small engine stores or most auto parts stores. I highly recommend using it if you do not have ethanol free gasoline. If you ever have to repair a 2 cycle engine that has been damaged by ethanol, you will gladly pay the price for the additive.

This is why we sell 40:1 two stroke fuel at sears for this very problem. Our file does not contain any alcohol in the mix.

 

[ME2]

i use high test in all my mowers

 

[Yardman]

Sorry guys all octanes have ethanol in it's fuel.

I thought they are supposed to put a label on the pump is it contains ethanol. Maybe some regions / states have different rules.

 

[grnspot110]

In Missouri, dealers are required to use ethanol (there is an exception, due to additive cost)!

 

[Mike Casper]

Stabil now makes a fuel Stabilizer that counteracts the ethanol in modern gas. It is a marine product, Stabil Blue. Goes a lot farther than Stabil red. I use it in my boats and all my small engines. So far so Good. No ethanol free gas here in the summer, Exxon sells it in regular during the winter months.

 

[gregg]

Here in Ontario, we use Shell V Power in all the small engine stuff , 2 and 4 cycle. It doesn't have ethanol in it. Stihl recommends non ethanol fuel in their manuals.

 

[waffler]

Put gas in my car today and all grades have 10% Ethanol

 

[grapeknutz]

I thought they are supposed to put a label on the pump is it contains ethanol. Maybe some regions / states have different rules.

Not all regions have to have ethanol on their fuels. It's mainly in the bigger citys and areas that have a air quality problems.