Thoughts on synthetic fuel for small engines (mower, chain saw, trufuel, vp racing)

[davemunson]

Thoughts and discussion on reliable synthetic fuel?

Through trial and failure I learned to put synthetic fuel in small engines at the season's end so the small engine will possibly start next season in 4-6 months. After my chainsaw failed to work when the tree fell, my local small small engine shop got it going and chastised me for using Trufuel saying it guns up in time. The repair guy recommended VP's 50:1 for the chain saw.

My question for the community is your thoughts and lessons learned on synthetic fuel for small engines with more thoughts that mower's or snow blowers may be put away for a 6+ months and smaller engine chain saws or trimmers. In the middle of the season I use non-ethanol (pure-gas dot org)fuel for 4-cycle engines and 2-cycle it depends.

Brands:

• Trufuel
• Stihl moto mix
• Husqvarna's premix
• Aspen's fuel
• Echo's red armor
• VP Racing

 

[DriveHard]

I use it 100% of the time in my rarely used two stroke engines. Makes them MUCH easier to start when they are rarely used, and they run great! I have never had a fuel related issue when using synthetic fuel.

Weedeater, chain saw, backpack blower, small generator...all run on synthetic.

 

[martinq]

We use Aspen and Stihl Motomix for many years. No complaints, highly reliable and consistent.
I would personally stay away from Trufuel, haven't tried the others.

 

[Zaedock]

I run Stihl, Husky and Harvest King canned fuel when some of the saws are put away. The rest get regular mix as they are used constantly.

 

[RazorsEdge]

I've used Trufuel for our riding mower for storage years now. I started using it when I installed a new carburetor from the previous owner's neglect of the mower.

Is Trufuel the best?! No idea It works for the winter months.

 

[oldhp]

I use VP 50:1 in my Echo leaf blower since new. Then I bought VP 4 cycle fuel for my push mower at end of season and storage. As summer gets going I buy 91 non-ethanol for push mower, cheaper than the VP 4 cycle but doesn't keep over winter.

 

[davemunson]

I use it 100% of the time in my rarely used two stroke engines. Makes them MUCH easier to start when they are rarely used, and they run great! I have never had a fuel related issue when using synthetic fuel.

Weedeater, chain saw, backpack blower, small generator...all run on synthetic.

What brand?

 

[97prizm]

Thoughts and discussion on reliable synthetic fuel?

Through trial and failure I learned to put synthetic fuel in small engines at the season's end so the small engine will possibly start next season in 4-6 months. After my chainsaw failed to work when the tree fell, my local small small engine shop got it going and chastised me for using Trufuel saying it guns up in time. The repair guy recommended VP's 50:1 for the chain saw.

My question for the community is your thoughts and lessons learned on synthetic fuel for small engines with more thoughts that mower's or snow blowers may be put away for a 6+ months and smaller engine chain saws or trimmers. In the middle of the season I use non-ethanol (pure-gas dot org)fuel for 4-cycle engines and 2-cycle it depends.

Brands:

• Trufuel
• Stihl moto mix
• Husqvarna's premix
• Aspen's fuel
• Echo's red armor
• VP Racing

I've been using 100LL from the airport and haven't had an issue yet. Now that they have 100 octane no lead I'll likely switch over.

 

[DriveHard]

What brand?

usually whatever I can find on clearance.

 

[KnappAttak]

If you use 91-92 octane non-ethanol fuel mixed with a good quality two-stroke oil and an ounce or two of SeaFoam per gallon, you will not have an issue with plugging carbs or jets in rarely used two-strokes again. I prefer RedLine two-stroke racing oil myself. It lubricates very well, prevents rust and runs nice & clean, best I've found and I've ran lots in my years on competitive drag racing snowmobiles.

If your doing a four stroke, just don't use the two-stroke oil and same thing. No fuel problems using non-ethanol fuel and SeaFoam 1 oz. per gallon. No need to overpay for pre-mixed fuels in a can like that. I have ATVs that rarely get run with carburetors and have never had a jet plug up or typical crappy carb internals. SeaFoam and non-ethanol fuel is the real deal.

AvGas also stays fresh for a very long time, but robs the engine of power vs pump fuel. AvGas is always down on the HP on the dyno in non aviation engines that were not designed for that fuel. If you dont care on being down on power it too performs well keeping carb internals clean.

 

[Nukeman7]

What brand?

I find the VP Racing and Echo Red Armor canned fuel for 2 cycle applications to be top notch performers. I don't use canned fuel in 4 cycle OPE, just non-ethanol 91+ octane pump gas (with a dose of PRI-G stabilizer for winter storage).

 

[#18FAN]

Vpracing C9 it was built as a storage fuel. I use it in every thing i own as a storage fuel and if needed a two stroke blend use Vpracing 2 stroke oil.

 

[Propflux01]

Ive used true fuel from day one on an echo sm225 trimmer (and a leaf blower) for going on 11 years now. Never any carb issues and engine is dang near spotless. I’ve seen videos on how “engineered fuel” reduces rpm, etc, but I have not had that issue. If I ran a lawn care business then of course, it would be cost prohibitive, but since it’s residential, and I can start it the same no matter how long it sits, and through the year, it works for me.

 

[Devo242]

Have run 89 octane E0 in all my OPE for the past 15 years of home ownership. 2 cycle Stihl saw and blower have always seen their HP Ultra mix.

Always a breeze to get them started when needed regardless of time since last use.

 

[ARB1977]

I did in my Sthil combi for 4 years, moto mix. Only because the dealer gave me a 4 year warranty if I used the fuel. 6 years later I use 93E10 and Amsoil Saber. I personally think it’s a waste of money.

Lawnmower it was going to cost me 100.00 a year to run tru fuel. I said f that. 93E10 and stabil marine. I get fresh gas every 3 months.