Thoughts on OPE and ethanol fuel

[Atesz792]

So I had to replace the carb float in the MTD mower last week. Somehow fuel got inside it, and as you can guess, it wasn't floating anymore.
All our gas in the EU has 5-10% ethanol content, required by law.
Because of the carb float problem (took 'some' time till I found a source of MTD parts), I always 'shut down' the engine by running it out of fuel (so it doesn't leak out or fill the cylinder/crankcase).
I've never run any fuel additive.
Upon inspection of the carb I have found ZERO gunk/residues/anything. Clean as new, even took out the jet and it was like new.
Just thought I'd share my experience. I don't know what this same fuel would do if I left the carb bowl full of it for some time. The gas cap states 'max. 10% ethanol'.
Thanks for reading, have a good day!

 

[tig1]

I have been using E-10 gas for at least 15-18 years and never had any problems with carbs in OPE. Believe it or not OPE had carb problems long before E-10 came along.

 

[charbaby]

I notice now after 5 years, that my MTD mower w/Honda motor is acting a bit funny this year(4th cutting). On certain inclines, it stumbles(very momentarily) but, does it frequently on those inclines.

I'm not sure either what's going on here as there is a sticker on the top engine cover stating...Use no more than 10% Ethanol!

I don't know that this sticker means that it's actually 10% Ethanol compatible???

 

[Donald]

OP - was the float metal or plastic? Any hole or crack you could see in the float?

Any engine where its not used regularly (boat or OPE) is better off without E10 gas. But if you cannot get E0 gas, then I would use (and I do) blue marine Stabil with every tank, not just at the end of the season.

 

[Quest]

in my area: we've been using ethanol blended gasoline way before the 10% mandate came into place.

landscaper, weekend homeower mowers/pressure washers, etc. been using them for 20+yrs now, no widespread reported issues whatsoever.

just like many other shops throughout the rest of the world: our local ope shops commonly attribute issues with ethanol blends, even if it was due to timing shifts (flywheel key sheared or bends out of shape, etc.)....ditto with some local bike shops.

I've been dealing with a lot of B&S and Honda OPE engines for quite some time now, and most of these so-called issues can be trace back to owner's fault(i.e. left the mower out in the element during winter time, and expected the gas remained inside the mower to start @ the start of the season, etc.)

Q.

 

[Hokiefyd]

I've been using E-10 for many, many years in my 4-cycle OPE and have never had the first issue. I've never had to replace a carburetor, and I leave them slam full of fuel over the winter. I think running them dry is an invitation to varnish. I also run a fuel stabilizer and a few ounces of 2-cycle oil for lubricity. I run them at about 100:1 ratio.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

I've used E-10 in everything for 30+ years. I've never had a single fuel related issue.

I do use StaBil, but I would use StaBil in any fuel that I use in non-automotive engines. I have a couple tractors that sit for almost 8 months at a time and any fuel, E10 or E0, would begin to deteriorate without StaBil. I purchase 30 gallons of fuel at a time, and on occasion that fuel sits in the gas caddy for 3-4 months before putting it into use. There are times when the 3-4 month old fuel has gone into one of my show tractors, where it has again sat for several months before actually being used by the engine. Again, never a single problem with E10/StaBil.

I used my chainsaw a couple weeks ago for the first time in over a year. It started with no issues other than 6 or so pulls on the cord the first time. I ran it for 45 minutes or so without a single problem, and after sharpening the blade I filled it up with E10/oil mix before putting it back on the shelf. I may use it again this fall, or it may be next year before it again is used. Just like this time, I'm not in the least worried about it starting when needed.

I agree that most E10 issues in small engines are the result of either incompetent maintenance or design flaws, not the fuel itself.

 

[Atesz792]

Originally Posted By: Donald
OP - was the float metal or plastic? Any hole or crack you could see in the float?

Plastic float, no visible damage.

We should ask someone in Brasil about their opinion, they use anything from E27-E100.

 

[javacontour]

I wonder how much of the EPA tinkering with emissions on OPE is attributed to E10?

Can't easily adjust the mixture on a carb these days thanks to the EPA, especially is small 2 stroke engines.

I too have not had an issue I would attribute to E10. Here in IL, we've had ethanol in our fuels since the gasohol days of the late 70's early 80's IIRC.

Some issues back then with components not suited for E10 in some cars. But I don't recall having issues in OPE that was attributed to E10.

In some ways, E10 is better. Don't really need the winter gas additives that went after water since the alcohol is already in the fuel.

The only real downside I see to E10 is the lower energy content of ethanol compared to E0 gasoline.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: javacontour
I wonder how much of the EPA tinkering with emissions on OPE is attributed to E10?

Can't easily adjust the mixture on a carb these days thanks to the EPA, especially is small 2 stroke engines.

I too have not had an issue I would attribute to E10. Here in IL, we've had ethanol in our fuels since the gasohol days of the late 70's early 80's IIRC.

Some issues back then with components not suited for E10 in some cars. But I don't recall having issues in OPE that was attributed to E10.

In some ways, E10 is better. Don't really need the winter gas additives that went after water since the alcohol is already in the fuel.

The only real downside I see to E10 is the lower energy content of ethanol compared to E0 gasoline.


Many places (Stewarts in NY, like a 7-11) still sell "dry gas" and people buy it. Another pint of alcohol added to the gallon of alcohol already there.

 

[Shrubitup]

I use E0 and let it sit 6 mos. in a mower sometimes but it always has two cycle oil mixed in because my primary use outside of fuel for car is my dirt bike. Lots of oil. 32:1. I'm sure this is the reason my carbs don't varnish.

 

[fdcg27]

We've had E10 here for decades and I've never had any carb problems with any OPE I've had since the mid-eighties, including two strokes.
I sometimes run them dry prior to winter storage and sometimes don't. I haven't used any fuel stabilizer in years since they did nothing in my experience other than make their makers a little coin.
I think that the damage E10 is alledged to cause is no more than a myth that pre-dates the internet but has flourished on it as have so many other fables.

 

[charbaby]

I saw this YouTube video from a friend some time ago. It was brought to my attention again by another friend recently. Has anyone seen this video and what are your thoughts?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ceW9Nc1hVHU?feature=player_detailpage

I will also post this link in the Fuel Additive Section!