Ethanol Free gas

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larrypac

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I've been buying ethanol free gas for all of my 2 stroke equipment for years and I also use it in my 4 stroke lawnmowers, lawn tractor, generator and 4 wheeler. The question is, am I wasting my money using it in the 4 stroke machines? It is about $5.20 now compared to $2.95 for regular gas. Thanks, Larry
 
I find it pays for itself in not having to repair/replace carburetors and hoses. I use it in all the 2 cycle stuff, and in motorcycles that are in the shop. I maintain lawnmowers for a few older folks & keep my #1 lady supplied with it because the engine starts easier which means I don't get a "it won't start" call.
 
All I will run in my 4 stroke boat motor and generator. Plus O P E.

All my mowers just get fed 87 10% ethanol and K100 every now and then and while storing over winter. Tillers too.


Was just getting it last month again too.
 

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I have used recreational fuel (non-E) for probably the past 6-7 years in all of my small engines after spending too much money on carbs, hoses, and rebuilds. When you factor those costs in, the price difference doesn't seem so bad.
 
I've used regular fuel for years without much problem. One mower we have is over 30yrs old, gets regular unleaded and runs fine. I think it's more hype to use non ethanol gas than anything and you are wasting your money.
Boy will I get attacked for this.
 
All real gas in my equipment. Never had to go into carbs in tractors and such I've ran 30+ years. When E10 came out I found myself rebuilding and cleaning those carbs. Sometimes it looked like snot/phlegm inside the carbs.

Here is a E10 experience from this summer. Was mowing with a 1972 Ford LGT145 (14 HP Kohler ) lawn tractor using non-E10.

Ran out of gas and needed to finish before rain. No stations close by with real gas so got some E10 premium and finished up. Figured I could run it through without doing harm.......

Next time I need to use the tractor I had restocked with non-E10 refilled the tank. Tractor ran like crap?

There was so much water in the E10 left in the tank, adding the real gas to it caused the water to separate. Lucky I keep dry gas on hand, added some and ran the tank dry.
 
All my chainsaws, pole pruners, trimmers, hedgers and small engines like mowers , chippers and log splitters all use 100% ethanol free fuel. Never had a single problem. Sometimes i have even left fuel in a saw for a long time by accident and it still starts up just fine.

Friend of mine who said it was all nonsense has had 2 chainsaws and a trimmer all pack up from using ethanol fuel.

The extra cost is worth it for not getting the issues that can come. For me in my part of the world the difference in cost is minimal to get ethanol free fuel. Not the case for everyone i know.
 
Depends on how often you use your equipment, and seems to be area dependent.

Around here, E10 for daily/weekly use is fine, monthly is starting to push it.

Beyond that, E0 is good for yearly. Still drain the carb and run it dry.

Beyond that, premix canned fuel.
 
I'll add in my saws unless I'm cutting a LOT, I use 100LL. Stores mixed or unmixed indefinitely in sealed metal cans.

I'm not running leaded fuel in anything that exhausts where I'm breathing. Got enough issues, that's not a dragon whose tail I need to tug on. Too many easily obtainable alternatives.
 
I used to run ethanol free in everything except my commuter but since our politicians decided it was killing our environment you can only buy canned gas now that is ethanol free. I've heard about getting avgas and there are a few wholesalers near me that sell by the drum so thats going to be my next try. I just have to live by the rules of use it often or buy $20 canned gas.
 
Everything I own that's 2-stroke or 4-stroke gets non ethanol.
The effects of corn fuel is not an 'ole wives tale, I've seen those effects first hand.
 

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