Octane
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Interestingly, I have heard my Kawasaki V-Twin powered tractor pinging on regular unleaded. Mostly under heavy loads while cutting tall grass on a hot day.
I've since switched to 100LL Avgas, not for the octane, but because the ethanol ruined the entire fuel system in short order. And it was a royal pain replacing everything including the tank.
I've since switched to 100LL Avgas, not for the octane, but because the ethanol ruined the entire fuel system in short order. And it was a royal pain replacing everything including the tank.
Originally Posted By: tpitcher
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!
Yes, only the six counties in Southeastern Wisconsin have the Ethanol mandate. The rest of the state has the option of 10%, but no mandate.
Thanks for trying to clarify for me though, I've only lived here my whole life. Here's something you can read if you're that interested:
http://www.jsonline.com/business/cleaner-gasoline-is-costly-recipe-c84psca-145462735.html
Edit: Sorry if I came off harsh, I guess "here" is a relative term. Here to me means where I live, not Wisconsin as a whole.
Originally Posted By: bepperb
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!
Yes, only the six counties in Southeastern Wisconsin have the Ethanol mandate. The rest of the state has the option of 10%, but no mandate.
Thanks for trying to clarify for me though, I've only lived here my whole life. Here's something you can read if you're that interested:
http://www.jsonline.com/business/cleaner-gasoline-is-costly-recipe-c84psca-145462735.html
Edit: Sorry if I came off harsh, I guess "here" is a relative term. Here to me means where I live, not Wisconsin as a whole.
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Originally Posted By: exranger06
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 is not an issue for the average homeowner IF they take care of their machines. This includes running stabilizer, and running equipment dry when stored for long periods of time. It could even just be running fresh gas through the machine (like only having 1 gas can for OPE not a bunch that sit around).
I personally haven't had too much trouble with ethanol, but I fix OPE for friends and have seen the damage it can cause. I think the key is to not leave fuel sitting in the carb of a small engine for long periods of time, like over the winter.
I run 89 octane in everything now, only because I don't feel like having 10 different gas cans lying around and the 2 strokes require it.
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 is not an issue for the average homeowner IF they take care of their machines. This includes running stabilizer, and running equipment dry when stored for long periods of time. It could even just be running fresh gas through the machine (like only having 1 gas can for OPE not a bunch that sit around).
I personally haven't had too much trouble with ethanol, but I fix OPE for friends and have seen the damage it can cause. I think the key is to not leave fuel sitting in the carb of a small engine for long periods of time, like over the winter.
I run 89 octane in everything now, only because I don't feel like having 10 different gas cans lying around and the 2 strokes require it.
Originally Posted By: Cujet
Interestingly, I have heard my Kawasaki V-Twin powered tractor pinging on regular unleaded. Mostly under heavy loads while cutting tall grass on a hot day.
I've since switched to 100LL Avgas, not for the octane, but because the ethanol ruined the entire fuel system in short order. And it was a royal pain replacing everything including the tank.
Does it run any differently on Avgas? That sounds both expensive and awesome at the same time. I wonder what mods you could do to get more performance out of the engine while running that fuel.
Interestingly, I have heard my Kawasaki V-Twin powered tractor pinging on regular unleaded. Mostly under heavy loads while cutting tall grass on a hot day.
I've since switched to 100LL Avgas, not for the octane, but because the ethanol ruined the entire fuel system in short order. And it was a royal pain replacing everything including the tank.
Does it run any differently on Avgas? That sounds both expensive and awesome at the same time. I wonder what mods you could do to get more performance out of the engine while running that fuel.
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
I run 89 in just about everything (mower, snowblower, trimmer, leaf blower, etc.)
Same here Pete, and it seems like they all start better on it as well.
I run 89 in just about everything (mower, snowblower, trimmer, leaf blower, etc.)
Same here Pete, and it seems like they all start better on it as well.
Originally Posted By: yonyon
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.
very good point, ill drop $400 on one string trimmer, more than some guys would never be willing to spend that on a trimmer. and theres always the naysayers on here, ppl wanna chime in on something they have limited knowledge of. alot of guys put way less than 100 hrs/yr on a mower, bought from walmart/etc for $1,000 and it lasts them forever, well id be happy with that too and keep doing what i was doing, but if i (in reality) did that i wouldnt expect it to last 6 months at best. i have cheapskate competitors that buy low end equipment yearly, thats not me. some guys think a snapper in the back of a truck is a commercial/professional lawn service. i get "schooled" on here everytime i post. the lawn section on here really is limited.
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.
very good point, ill drop $400 on one string trimmer, more than some guys would never be willing to spend that on a trimmer. and theres always the naysayers on here, ppl wanna chime in on something they have limited knowledge of. alot of guys put way less than 100 hrs/yr on a mower, bought from walmart/etc for $1,000 and it lasts them forever, well id be happy with that too and keep doing what i was doing, but if i (in reality) did that i wouldnt expect it to last 6 months at best. i have cheapskate competitors that buy low end equipment yearly, thats not me. some guys think a snapper in the back of a truck is a commercial/professional lawn service. i get "schooled" on here everytime i post. the lawn section on here really is limited.
I noticed today my edger seem to run a little cooler with 89 vs 93. Sometimes the engine gets a little close to my arm and notice it didn't seem as hot as it usually does.
I guess it makes sence. I remember towing and running 91 during my 1500 mile tow. Putting a load and higher octane did nothing but melt a rubber hanger on my exhaust system. A little off topic, I know.
I guess it makes sence. I remember towing and running 91 during my 1500 mile tow. Putting a load and higher octane did nothing but melt a rubber hanger on my exhaust system. A little off topic, I know.
I just use 87 in our B&S Craftsman push mower. I also add a small amount of Redline SI-1, just because.
Originally Posted By: jeepman3071
Does it run any differently on Avgas? That sounds both expensive and awesome at the same time. I wonder what mods you could do to get more performance out of the engine while running that fuel.
I get 100LL Avgas for around $5.00/gallon. So, it's not particularly expensive compared to $3.93/gal regular around here.
It runs better in my Kawasaki powered Snapper pushmower. It won't idle on Ethanol RUG, but it runs normally on 100LL. My 2 stroke stuff, once adjusted, runs much-much smoother on 100LL. It vaporizes very well and that results in much smoother part throttle operation.
Otherwise, I can't say that it makes more power, it doesn't.
The main benefit of 100LL is it's extremely long shelf life (I've never had any go bad, even after 10 years) and lack of ethanol. It won't gum up, won't go bad, and won't deteriorate your components.
I have a back-up chainsaw that I purchased and put away, full of 100LL) a long time ago. I went to start it last week and the fuel smelled perfect, it ran perfect and there were no problems!!!!
Does it run any differently on Avgas? That sounds both expensive and awesome at the same time. I wonder what mods you could do to get more performance out of the engine while running that fuel.
I get 100LL Avgas for around $5.00/gallon. So, it's not particularly expensive compared to $3.93/gal regular around here.
It runs better in my Kawasaki powered Snapper pushmower. It won't idle on Ethanol RUG, but it runs normally on 100LL. My 2 stroke stuff, once adjusted, runs much-much smoother on 100LL. It vaporizes very well and that results in much smoother part throttle operation.
Otherwise, I can't say that it makes more power, it doesn't.
The main benefit of 100LL is it's extremely long shelf life (I've never had any go bad, even after 10 years) and lack of ethanol. It won't gum up, won't go bad, and won't deteriorate your components.
I have a back-up chainsaw that I purchased and put away, full of 100LL) a long time ago. I went to start it last week and the fuel smelled perfect, it ran perfect and there were no problems!!!!
I operate professional grade OPE in a professional setting. I don't experience the problems with 87 and 89 octane E-10 gasoline suggested by some here.
I wonder if some states or areas just tend to have bad gas and the experience is drawn from that situation?
Quote:
if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines,your you're obviously a home owner.
Come on, really?
The place to communicate with other lawn care professionals is lawnsite.com, not BITOG. I am confused why any pro would come here with lots of real world experience, but only offer to share it in such a condescending manner. It really puts a black eye on a profession that struggles to even be called a profession.
I wonder if some states or areas just tend to have bad gas and the experience is drawn from that situation?
Quote:
if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines,
Come on, really?
The place to communicate with other lawn care professionals is lawnsite.com, not BITOG. I am confused why any pro would come here with lots of real world experience, but only offer to share it in such a condescending manner. It really puts a black eye on a profession that struggles to even be called a profession.
Personally I believe that if you use the equipment regularly all the problems with E10 are minimized.
But when you put the weedeater away for a few months and then go back for it...
But when you put the weedeater away for a few months and then go back for it...
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Personally I believe that if you use the equipment regularly all the problems with E10 are minimized.
But when you put the weedeater away for a few months and then go back for it...
In hot climates, that can be more of a problem because gasoline breaks down faster during warmer weather.
In our Michigan summers (avg. 75 -90F highs), I have some of our equipment (arborist saw, pole pruner) that sits for a few months and they are still o.k.. However, at the 3 month mark, I empty the old gas out, install new, and run them a bit to help alleviate problems.
I can believe that in Florida temps. you would have to be much more careful about fuel management.
Personally I believe that if you use the equipment regularly all the problems with E10 are minimized.
But when you put the weedeater away for a few months and then go back for it...
In hot climates, that can be more of a problem because gasoline breaks down faster during warmer weather.
In our Michigan summers (avg. 75 -90F highs), I have some of our equipment (arborist saw, pole pruner) that sits for a few months and they are still o.k.. However, at the 3 month mark, I empty the old gas out, install new, and run them a bit to help alleviate problems.
I can believe that in Florida temps. you would have to be much more careful about fuel management.
I put 89 octane in 15 gallon pump container with 6 0z of MMO and run all my gas OPE on the property and make 2cycle mix from this. As well, I run my equipment dry and fog the cylinders for storage. I go through about 40/45 gallons a year.
I guess I could get 5 gallon container of 89 for the 2 cycle mixes and save a 1$ a year. It is easier to have just one gas suppy, but would the mower, lawn tractor, atvs, snow blower, splitter and chipper run better/cooler on the 87?
I guess I could get 5 gallon container of 89 for the 2 cycle mixes and save a 1$ a year. It is easier to have just one gas suppy, but would the mower, lawn tractor, atvs, snow blower, splitter and chipper run better/cooler on the 87?
Originally Posted By: doitmyself
I operate professional grade OPE in a professional setting. I don't experience the problems with 87 and 89 octane E-10 gasoline suggested by some here.
I wonder if some states or areas just tend to have bad gas and the experience is drawn from that situation?
Quote:
if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines,your you're obviously a home owner.
Come on, really?
The place to communicate with other lawn care professionals is lawnsite.com, not BITOG. I am confused why any pro would come here with lots of real world experience, but only offer to share it in such a condescending manner. It really puts a black eye on a profession that struggles to even be called a profession.
my definition of profession is someone with alot of experience making money at it. i get beat on daily by novice homeowners putting maybe 50 hrs per yr into their "field", and it gets tiresome. youre right about lawnsite, as it actually brings experienced ppl together, not novices' as alot of opinions on here come from small engine "virgins", whom dont want to learn, just talk about "i think this so it must be true". and if you doubt my octane/ethanol advice, simply go to your local dealer and inquire, oh and they dont sell gas, so dont try that exscuse.
I operate professional grade OPE in a professional setting. I don't experience the problems with 87 and 89 octane E-10 gasoline suggested by some here.
I wonder if some states or areas just tend to have bad gas and the experience is drawn from that situation?
Quote:
if you dont know about ethanol related problems in small engines,
Come on, really?
The place to communicate with other lawn care professionals is lawnsite.com, not BITOG. I am confused why any pro would come here with lots of real world experience, but only offer to share it in such a condescending manner. It really puts a black eye on a profession that struggles to even be called a profession.
my definition of profession is someone with alot of experience making money at it. i get beat on daily by novice homeowners putting maybe 50 hrs per yr into their "field", and it gets tiresome. youre right about lawnsite, as it actually brings experienced ppl together, not novices' as alot of opinions on here come from small engine "virgins", whom dont want to learn, just talk about "i think this so it must be true". and if you doubt my octane/ethanol advice, simply go to your local dealer and inquire, oh and they dont sell gas, so dont try that exscuse.
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