It's not the ethenol!!

[echomeister]

Steve says its other stuff in pump fuel that is hard on carbs.

After using a saw i pour out the remaining pump gas mix then put just a little can gas in and start it for about 2 minutes. Is that long enough to burn out the remaining pump gas and circulate the can gas in the carb?

 

[MacAttack]

I think your practice of purging out the pump gas and storing the saw with canned gas in the carb is a very good idea and should prevent problems.

I will also never be convinced even entertain the notion that ethanol does not cause corrosion, rubber deterioration, and other issues in small engines.

 

[bwalker]

This guy doesn't have a clue what the hell he is talking about.
Aromatic content in fuel has never been lower and despite the stupid Stihl chart does not approach anything close to 30% in this country. Aromatics are valuable as they are the precursors to plastics and other petro chemicals. As such there is an economic incentive not to include them in low margins products like gasoline. Benzene has a EPA mandated limit of .62%. The process units that remove benzen IE BRU's also remove other aromatics.
In addition aromatics use was high prior to ethanol no one had problems. Ethanol comes around and problems galore.
Per usual, trash content from Youtube.

 

[Hermio]

I think it is pretty well documented that ethanol can cause a variety of issues. That having been said, I have used E-10 fuel with Sta-Bil added for more than 20 years, and I have not had carburetor issues with my chainsaws. I would prefer to use ethanol-free fuel, but there are no dealers near me. I have bought some from time to time from a dealer about 30 miles away when I am passing by. It costs over $5/gallon there.

 

[echomeister]

Does the Sta-bil help prevent ethanol from damaging carb parts. What does it do?

 

[Hermio]

Does the Sta-bil help prevent ethanol from damaging carb parts. What does it do?

Mainly, I think it prevents oxidation, but it may also keep everything in solution. I suggest contacting them directly to get a more detailed answer.

 

[bwalker]

I think it is pretty well documented that ethanol can cause a variety of issues. That having been said, I have used E-10 fuel with Sta-Bil added for more than 20 years, and I have not had carburetor issues with my chainsaws. I would prefer to use ethanol-free fuel, but there are no dealers near me. I have bought some from time to time from a dealer about 30 miles away when I am passing by. It costs over $5/gallon there.

Stabil helps fuel from oxidizing. It doesn't blunt the effects of ethanol.