What octane do you guys use in your push mower? Does heat play a factor when it comes to which octane to use? The manual calls for 87. I've been running 93 for the last 4 years with no ill effect. The edger gets the same (4 stroke).
Octane
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I run 89 in just about everything (mower, snowblower, trimmer, leaf blower, etc.)
Those engines don't get THAT hot, and they typically have very low compression ratios.
Anything more than87 octane what the manufacturer calls for is a waste of money.
My tractor calls for 85 octane, all my other 4 stroke equipment call for 86 or 87 octane. I use nothing but 87 octane in them. My 2 strokes for some reason call for 89 octane, so that's what they get. And it all has (gasp!) ethanol in it. Never had any issues with ethanol.
Anything more than
My tractor calls for 85 octane, all my other 4 stroke equipment call for 86 or 87 octane. I use nothing but 87 octane in them. My 2 strokes for some reason call for 89 octane, so that's what they get. And it all has (gasp!) ethanol in it. Never had any issues with ethanol.
the higher the octane and less ethanol the better
With a compression ratio of 6 to one? 87 octane is a no brainer. The only thing that would make a better gas even a consideration would be storing the gas for a long time (the octane rating of gas goes down over time). We only have ethanol gas here since 1996, amazingly I don't see all the problems the internet experts see.
Originally Posted By: bepperb
With a compression ratio of 6 to one? 87 octane is a no brainer. The only thing that would make a better gas even a consideration would be storing the gas for a long time (the octane rating of gas goes down over time). We only have ethanol gas here since 1996, amazingly I don't see all the problems the internet experts see.
the higher the octane the less likely the ethanol, if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines, your obviously a home owner.
With a compression ratio of 6 to one? 87 octane is a no brainer. The only thing that would make a better gas even a consideration would be storing the gas for a long time (the octane rating of gas goes down over time). We only have ethanol gas here since 1996, amazingly I don't see all the problems the internet experts see.
the higher the octane the less likely the ethanol, if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines, your obviously a home owner.
Not true. Federal regulations spec the use of 10% ethanol, without regard to octane. The only property related to an increase in the octane number is a reduction in the ability of the gasoline to pre-ignite. Gasoline will pre-ignite if the compression is too high, the timing is too advanced or the sparkplug is too hot. None of this is an issue with a relatively low compression small engine. Even the cleaner levels are the same across grades of gasoline for the same vender.
As for engine problems, there may be issues with older motors, especially the carbs, and perhaps older hoses. Relativly new motors have gaskets, metals and hoses that are compatible with ethanol; however long term storage does require that the user either run through a quality stabilizer, or better yet, stabilizer and then running the motor till the fuel is run out of the tank and the carb.
As for engine problems, there may be issues with older motors, especially the carbs, and perhaps older hoses. Relativly new motors have gaskets, metals and hoses that are compatible with ethanol; however long term storage does require that the user either run through a quality stabilizer, or better yet, stabilizer and then running the motor till the fuel is run out of the tank and the carb.
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I'll start using 89 then. I didn't realize yard equipment has such low compression ratios. Thanks.
Originally Posted By: rfeir
Not true. Federal regulations spec the use of 10% ethanol, without regard to octane. The only property related to an increase in the octane number is a reduction in the ability of the gasoline to pre-ignite. Gasoline will pre-ignite if the compression is too high, the timing is too advanced or the sparkplug is too hot. None of this is an issue with a relatively low compression small engine. Even the cleaner levels are the same across grades of gasoline for the same vender.
As for engine problems, there may be issues with older motors, especially the carbs, and perhaps older hoses. Relativly new motors have gaskets, metals and hoses that are compatible with ethanol; however long term storage does require that the user either run through a quality stabilizer, or better yet, stabilizer and then running the motor till the fuel is run out of the tank and the carb.
my wording was...........the higher the octane the "less likely the ETHANOL" here comes a dumb conversation, but i use this stuff daily, and ethanol does kill lawn equipment
Not true. Federal regulations spec the use of 10% ethanol, without regard to octane. The only property related to an increase in the octane number is a reduction in the ability of the gasoline to pre-ignite. Gasoline will pre-ignite if the compression is too high, the timing is too advanced or the sparkplug is too hot. None of this is an issue with a relatively low compression small engine. Even the cleaner levels are the same across grades of gasoline for the same vender.
As for engine problems, there may be issues with older motors, especially the carbs, and perhaps older hoses. Relativly new motors have gaskets, metals and hoses that are compatible with ethanol; however long term storage does require that the user either run through a quality stabilizer, or better yet, stabilizer and then running the motor till the fuel is run out of the tank and the carb.
my wording was...........the higher the octane the "less likely the ETHANOL" here comes a dumb conversation, but i use this stuff daily, and ethanol does kill lawn equipment
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Originally Posted By: clarklawnscape
the higher the octane the less likely the ethanol, if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines, your obviously a home owner.
All the fuel sold in my whole state has ethanol in it, and it's been that way for over a decade. I've used this fuel untreated in my machines that entire time and have never had an issue. Yes, my machines are used in a residential setting only. And so what? 99% of the posters on this board are also only going to use them in a residential setting. If I can go over a decade with no problems, so can they. So, what's the problem? Ethanol is not an issue for the average homeowner.
the higher the octane the less likely the ethanol, if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines, your obviously a home owner.
All the fuel sold in my whole state has ethanol in it, and it's been that way for over a decade. I've used this fuel untreated in my machines that entire time and have never had an issue. Yes, my machines are used in a residential setting only. And so what? 99% of the posters on this board are also only going to use them in a residential setting. If I can go over a decade with no problems, so can they. So, what's the problem? Ethanol is not an issue for the average homeowner.
Originally Posted By: exranger06
Originally Posted By: clarklawnscape
the higher the octane the less likely the ethanol, if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines, your obviously a home owner.
All the fuel sold in my whole state has ethanol in it, and it's been that way for over a decade. I've used this fuel untreated in my machines that entire time and have never had an issue. Yes, my machines are used in a residential setting only. And so what? 99% of the posters on this board are also only going to use them in a residential setting. If I can go over a decade with no problems, so can they. So, what's the problem? Ethanol is not an issue for the average homeowner.
ethanol will kill small carbs, and eat gas lines causing the gas lines to rot and thus be sucked up in the carb, ive read youre previous posts and im not prepared to fight, im just telling it like it is, if you gain something thats good, if you dont and that costs you, thats even better
Originally Posted By: clarklawnscape
the higher the octane the less likely the ethanol, if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines, your obviously a home owner.
All the fuel sold in my whole state has ethanol in it, and it's been that way for over a decade. I've used this fuel untreated in my machines that entire time and have never had an issue. Yes, my machines are used in a residential setting only. And so what? 99% of the posters on this board are also only going to use them in a residential setting. If I can go over a decade with no problems, so can they. So, what's the problem? Ethanol is not an issue for the average homeowner.
ethanol will kill small carbs, and eat gas lines causing the gas lines to rot and thus be sucked up in the carb, ive read youre previous posts and im not prepared to fight, im just telling it like it is, if you gain something thats good, if you dont and that costs you, thats even better
Originally Posted By: clarklawnscape
ethanol will kill small carbs, and eat gas lines causing the gas lines to rot and thus be sucked up in the carb, ive read youre previous posts and im not prepared to fight, im just telling it like it is, if you gain something thats good, if you dont and that costs you, thats even better
Try to keep in mind that some of us live in places where gasoline with 10% ethanol goes for $3.50/G and ethanol free gasoline is tough to find for under $12/G. For relatively cheap consumer grade equipment that difference in fuel cost can quickly buy a completely new unit.
What makes sense for high quality (and expensive and potentially long-lived) equipment that sees a lot of use doesn't always make sense for a $100 plastic fantastic that will die in a few years regardless of how it's treated.
ethanol will kill small carbs, and eat gas lines causing the gas lines to rot and thus be sucked up in the carb, ive read youre previous posts and im not prepared to fight, im just telling it like it is, if you gain something thats good, if you dont and that costs you, thats even better
Try to keep in mind that some of us live in places where gasoline with 10% ethanol goes for $3.50/G and ethanol free gasoline is tough to find for under $12/G. For relatively cheap consumer grade equipment that difference in fuel cost can quickly buy a completely new unit.
What makes sense for high quality (and expensive and potentially long-lived) equipment that sees a lot of use doesn't always make sense for a $100 plastic fantastic that will die in a few years regardless of how it's treated.
Originally Posted By: clarklawnscape
ethanol will kill small carbs, and eat gas lines causing the gas lines to rot and thus be sucked up in the carb, ive read youre previous posts and im not prepared to fight, im just telling it like it is, if you gain something thats good, if you dont and that costs you, thats even better
I've ran ethanol in OPE for almost a decade, fill tanks with fresh gas in November with stabilizer. Start them for a half hour every month after that. Refill tank to prevent moisture, carry on. This goes on until May when mowing season starts back up. I have never had a trashed carb on a piece of OPE that I have purchased new.
ethanol will kill small carbs, and eat gas lines causing the gas lines to rot and thus be sucked up in the carb, ive read youre previous posts and im not prepared to fight, im just telling it like it is, if you gain something thats good, if you dont and that costs you, thats even better
I've ran ethanol in OPE for almost a decade, fill tanks with fresh gas in November with stabilizer. Start them for a half hour every month after that. Refill tank to prevent moisture, carry on. This goes on until May when mowing season starts back up. I have never had a trashed carb on a piece of OPE that I have purchased new.
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Originally Posted By: clarklawnscape
the higher the octane the less likely the ethanol, if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines, your obviously a home owner.
Nope. All gasoline here is mandated to use 10% ethanol since 1996. Doesn't matter if it goes in a car or a mower or a boat. To be honest, I think the ethanol probably does cause considerable problems in older equipment... but I think it's a scapegoat more often than not. It's as though string trimmers lasted twenty to thirty years starting on one pull... until e10 came around....
But anyway... the topic is Ethanol. Does a pro lawnscaper use premium or regular? Our old landscapers (for across the street, not for me) ran regular I'm sure, they ran 2 cycle mix in everything.
the higher the octane the less likely the ethanol, if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines, your obviously a home owner.
Nope. All gasoline here is mandated to use 10% ethanol since 1996. Doesn't matter if it goes in a car or a mower or a boat. To be honest, I think the ethanol probably does cause considerable problems in older equipment... but I think it's a scapegoat more often than not. It's as though string trimmers lasted twenty to thirty years starting on one pull... until e10 came around....
But anyway... the topic is Ethanol. Does a pro lawnscaper use premium or regular? Our old landscapers (for across the street, not for me) ran regular I'm sure, they ran 2 cycle mix in everything.
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I've never had any trouble using the 10% Ethanol blended fuels in my OPE for years.. The manuals say it's okay and that's good enough for me.
I use 87 octane, but I keep a small gas can of 89 for my two strokes (leaf blower, string trimmer and small 1 KW generator).
I use 87 octane, but I keep a small gas can of 89 for my two strokes (leaf blower, string trimmer and small 1 KW generator).
Always used E10 gas from the local "cheap gas" place, never once had an issue in two lawnmowers, a snow blower, a weed eater and a rototiller.
Why waste your money spending more on gas? The people shouting that you need higher octane or that ethanol kills are people looking to blame irrelevant problems they have (if they've even had problems) on ethanol for political reasons...
Why waste your money spending more on gas? The people shouting that you need higher octane or that ethanol kills are people looking to blame irrelevant problems they have (if they've even had problems) on ethanol for political reasons...
That's a good point I overlooked. Briggs L head engines are usually 6:1 and wouldn't require a higher octane. Their OHC engines are higher, and might require a higher octane. 2 stoke equipment is a whole different animal.
The question, though, was in regards to a push mower which I doubt most people run premium in. Most push mowers die of neglect, as judged by my Sunday night before trash collection dog walks. And yes, it does pain me not to save every one of them. But not of knock induced engine failure that's for sure.... maybe oil starvation failure.
The question, though, was in regards to a push mower which I doubt most people run premium in. Most push mowers die of neglect, as judged by my Sunday night before trash collection dog walks. And yes, it does pain me not to save every one of them. But not of knock induced engine failure that's for sure.... maybe oil starvation failure.
All I will say is I made good money in my teens fixing lawnmowers I found abandoned on trash day. Never once bought a part either, nor did I really completely know what I was doing. Its like a lot of people can't even bother to try anymore.
Originally Posted By: bepperb
Nope. All gasoline here is mandated to use 10% ethanol since 1996.
Sorry, that is not true in Wi. I FREQUENTLY buy NON-Ethanol gas in Prescott Wi. for my Boat & GTO.
It's the BP station on the NE corner of the main intersection!
Nope. All gasoline here is mandated to use 10% ethanol since 1996.
It's the BP station on the NE corner of the main intersection!
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