Fuel

[Hammermechanicman]

My gas is better than your gas

LOL

 

[Old Gweilo]

From a Web search:
Based on the search results, here's a comprehensive answer regarding ethanol-free gasoline versus regular gasoline for lawnmower engines:

Benefits of Ethanol-Free Gasoline​

Ethanol-free gasoline is generally considered better for lawnmower engines and other small engine equipment for several reasons:

1. Reduced corrosion: Ethanol can be corrosive to metal parts, including carburetors, which can lead to engine damage over time[1][2].
2. Better stability: Ethanol-free gas has a longer shelf life and is less likely to degrade when stored for extended periods[1].
3. Improved performance: Many users report easier starting, more consistent running, and fewer carburetor issues when using ethanol-free gas[3].
4. Less moisture absorption: Ethanol attracts water, which can lead to engine problems. Ethanol-free gas is less likely to absorb moisture from the air[2].

Drawbacks of Ethanol-Blended Gasoline (E10)​

Regular gasoline, which typically contains 10% ethanol (E10), can cause several issues in small engines:

1. Component degradation: Ethanol can degrade plastic and rubber components in the engine[2].
2. Higher operating temperatures: E10 can cause engines to run hotter, potentially leading to increased wear[2].
3. Carburetor problems: Ethanol can lead to gumming and clogging of carburetors, especially when equipment is stored for long periods[3].

Conflicting Information​

It's worth noting that there is some conflicting information regarding the use of ethanol-blended fuels in small engines:

1. Manufacturer recommendations: Many small engine manufacturers have designed their products to run on E10 fuel[5].
2. Water absorption: While some sources claim ethanol increases water-related issues, others argue that E10 can actually help prevent free water formation in the fuel system[5].
3. Fuel shelf life: Some sources suggest that E10 has a minimum shelf life of six months, which may be sufficient for many users[5].

Conclusion​

While there are arguments on both sides, the majority of evidence suggests that ethanol-free gasoline is preferable for lawnmower engines and other small engine equipment. However, if ethanol-free gas is not readily available or is significantly more expensive, using E10 with proper maintenance and storage practices can still be acceptable[3][4].

Recommendations​

1. If available and affordable, use ethanol-free gasoline in your lawnmower.
2. If using E10, consider adding a fuel stabilizer, especially if the equipment will be stored for extended periods[3].
3. Regardless of fuel type, follow proper storage and maintenance procedures, such as running the engine dry or filling the tank completely before long-term storage[5].
4. Consult your lawnmower's manual for specific fuel recommendations from the manufacturer.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the longevity and performance of your lawnmower engine, regardless of the fuel type you choose.

Citations:
[1] https://www.bellperformance.com/blo...n-your-lawn-mower-or-not-that-is-the-question
[2] https://www.consumerreports.org/cro...ethanol-can-make-small-engines-fail/index.htm
[3]

https://www.reddit.com/r/lawnmowers/comments/16bua5i

[4] https://www.lawnsite.com/threads/is-ethanol-free-gas-worth-it.479827/
[5] https://www.mncorn.org/2022/03/01/setting-the-record-on-using-ethanol-in-small-engines/

Yep, just because the manufacturer says your engine "can take it", doesn't mean E10 is as good as E0. It isn't.

 

[jes_in_sac]

Everything in life is a tradeoff, particularly anything associated with equipment, because all engineering is a compromise of one thing for something more desirable. Sure, the purest fuel you can get will work better, but enough to warrant the extra cost and bother? That's up to you. I've got lots of gas-powered equipment on the farm and buy a few months worth of regular gas at Sam's Club, filled in multiple small tanks. I use Stabil360 Marine stabilizer, and no problems. The biggest problem is with older 2-stroke carbs that could not handle any amount of ethanol, but the rebuild kits for them all have materials that are compatible. So basically it's up to you how much you want to spend and how much effort you want to put into equipment gas related "insurance", but usually something else will need attention on it before any gas issues arise. Of course, where I live in CA, there is no ethanol-free gas available.

 

[7394]

My Edger / Blower & Chain saw are all 10 some years old & still run great. I only use 100% real gas.. But that's just how I roll.

 

[Smithsonite]

Totally unnecessary unless you are running equipment more than 40+ years old whose rubber components have not been changed to Buna N or hoses made in the stone age. And every new piece of gas powered vehicle has been changed over since at least 1979, 3 years after ethanol was re-introduced (used to be run in the 30s and 40s....WW2 stuff) into the market in 1976 and problems with rubber components was uncovered. Again.

I ran a small engine shop for 14 years. 95% of my business was cleaning carburetors gummed up, corroded and / or destroyed from ethanol. My customers would say you're dead wrong with that opinion.

 

[Smithsonite]

Do it, or don't do it. Only matters to YOU. The first time you need the equipment and it won't start, and now instead of working on you or the customer's lawn you're tearing into a carburetor and fuel system for a cleaning, THEN you'll want to use E0.

Another thing I've learned. Heat accelerates the damage E10 / ethanol does. Up here in the Northeast, snowblowers get stored all summer - just about every single one of my customers was back in the fall with a clogged or completely destroyed carburetor. The ones that weren't were the ones who listened to me, and drained their tanks & carburetors completely ... or filled it up with E0 at the end of the winter.

I haven't used an additive in gasoline since 2001. I had a '94 Honda CBR600F2 4-cylinder sport bike foul all 4 not-so-easy-to-access spark plugs the day I had people on their way as potential buyers, thanks to Sta-Bil additive. I was LIVID!! Got the last sparkplug cleaned and reinstalled just as they pulled in the driveway. No rest for the weary!

Haven't used an additive since. Only equipment in my care that gets additives is diesel equipment, only because you have to - the diesel fuel sucks, just like everything today.

 

[eldowdy]

Good to know.
We need more input like this.
Most folks have input that is opinions and info that confuses one variable with another-- They use BOTH Fuel stabilizer AND non-ethanol grade fuel.

Do you use stabilizer after things turn cold and you expect to have gas sitting around longer than a couple of months?

I do. I don't trust 10% ethanol over the winter. It always starts right in the spring.

Ed

 

[RevB]

I find that the 2-cycle small engines such as those on a String Trimmer, Leaf Blower, Mini Mantis Tiller, Chainsaw, and Edgers do need Ethanol-free Gasoline. If regular gasoline is used, the metering diaphragm and fuel pump diaphragm in the Carburetor will lose their flexibility. Corrosion can also result which requires a new Carburetor to fix. Many larger engines do OK on regular gasoline as long as there isn't a bunch of rubber parts in the Carburetor and. My Honda HR-215 Mower made from the late 80's to early 90's still has the original Carburetor. The regular gasoline absorbs water (ethanol). When it cannot absorb any more, than you have water sitting in the gas tank and Carburetor. This will corrode the Carburetors. So when the piece of equipment is parked for the season, run it out of gasoline and it will be fine. I like it when People use regular gasoline and don't drain it or leave it in a 2-cycle Engine since I repair small engines. I see dollar signs.

Bullshit. Every piece of equipment 40+ years old has already been converted to bunaN or other ethanol proof materials.

 

[RevB]

Yep, just because the manufacturer says your engine "can take it", doesn't mean E10 is as good as E0. It isn't.

With zero evidence to support. Show me the SAE report.....

 

[Old Gweilo]

With zero evidence to support. Show me the SAE report.....

I haven't done a homework assignment in decades. This is an "opinion" forum. If you want to fact check, google will work as well for you as it would for me. Fill yer boots.