My experience with Ethenol Gas

[jekjr]

Every where I go I hear this debate concerning Ethenol verses non Ethenol gas. I went for a period of time that I would only run non-Ethenol gas in my equipment. As much as we run it got to be a pain to keep gas plus the extra cost involved.

I had experienced problems a couple of times trying to use the non-Ethenol gas because "I believe" the stations that sell it do not sell sufficient quantities of it to keep fresh gas. Now that is my personal opinion.

There is a local small motors shop that in fact has instructed people to purchase aviation gas to run in their equipment and I understand several people have been doing so. Again for us this was not feasible because of the limited access and the price.

This year I started buying regular gas from the pump. I run it in all of my equipment. Three zero turns, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, chain saw, blowers, generator..............

As of the first of July we have not had one problem I would consider a gas problem on any piece of equipment.

I have tried to make it a rule,that I only buy gas at four different locations. I avoid places like the Walmart gas and Jet Pep..... Not sure what the difference is but even in an automobile theirs does not seem to get the mileage of others. Again that is my opinion.

The reason I use 4 different stations instead of just one is logistics. I do not like to haul large quantities of gas on my trailer. Therefore when we need gas in a certain area we just fill the mowers up and two 5 gallon cans........ Many days we burn over $40 in gas on two mowers.

Hope this helps somebody else.

 

[Ric]

Every where I go I hear this debate concerning Ethenol verses non Ethenol gas. I went for a period of time that I would only run non-Ethenol gas in my equipment. As much as we run it got to be a pain to keep gas plus the extra cost involved.
I had experienced problems a couple of times trying to use the non-Ethenol gas because "I believe" the stations that sell it do not sell sufficient quantities of it to keep fresh gas. Now that is my personal opinion.
There is a local small motors shop that in fact has instructed people to purchase aviation gas to run in their equipment and I understand several people have been doing so. Again for us this was not feasible because of the limited access and the price.
This year I started buying regular gas from the pump. I run it in all of my equipment. Three zero turns, hedge trimmers, weed eaters, chain saw, blowers, generator..............
As of the first of July we have not had one problem I would consider a gas problem on any piece of equipment.
I have tried to make it a rule,that I only buy gas at four different locations. I avoid places like the Walmart gas and Jet Pep..... Not sure what the difference is but even in an automobile theirs does not seem to get the mileage of others. Again that is my opinion.
The reason I use 4 different stations instead of just one is logistics. I do not like to haul large quantities of gas on my trailer. Therefore when we need gas in a certain area we just fill the mowers up and two 5 gallon cans........ Many days we burn over $40 in gas on two mowers.

Hope this helps somebody else.

I use one and only one station to buy my gas and that's Sunoco. I don't run the regular gas because Stihl says 89 octane for there stuff so I run there ultra 93 in all my equipment, mowers and hand held and I've never had any issues with Ethanol gas.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

I use the regular gas, from only one station. I fill up a 5 gallon can and a 2.5 gallon can when I go, and it lasts me a few days. So the gas never really gets old, but I've never had any problems. I empty out my mowers at the end of the season, but keep the mixed gas in my handheld equipment. Always starts like 2nd or 3rd pull after a 3 month winter.

 

[jekjr]

I understand what you are saying. I do not know of a Sunoco station in 100 miles from here. I also do not see stations selling much of the 89 octane gas. Therefore I started running the regular grade because it seems to be the freshest.

I think many of us have many applications so what works for one is not necessarily a good thing for the others. One of our Tiger Cats holds 7 gallons. 4 on the right and 3 on the left. Many days we empty both tanks and then burn another tank as well on atleast one if not both of our mowers. My Kubota holds 6 gallons and when it is running hard it will run close to two tanks in it as well in a day. Because of the short length of time it stays in that might the the whole key to success.

The reason we use 4 stations again instead of just one is the distances involved. It is easier to drop the gate and drive up to the pump meant times than fool with cans therefore when I know one is getting low I just stop by between yards and refill the mowers.

 

[dhd]

This spring I started running 91 octane vs. 87 octane in my Rider mowers, they seem to start easier

 

[Ric]

I understand what you are saying. I do not know of a Sunoco station in 100 miles from here. I also do not see stations selling much of the 89 octane gas. Therefore I started running the regular grade because it seems to be the freshest.

I think many of us have many applications so what works for one is not necessarily a good thing for the others. One of our Tiger Cats holds 7 gallons. 4 on the right and 3 on the left. Many days we empty both tanks and then burn another tank as well on at least one if not both of our mowers. My Kubota holds 6 gallons and when it is running hard it will run close to two tanks in it as well in a day. Because of the short length of time it stays in that might the the whole key to success.

The reason we use 4 stations again instead of just one is the distances involved. It is easier to drop the gate and drive up to the pump meant times than fool with cans therefore when I know one is getting low I just stop by between yards and refill the mowers.

Yeah my Toro's run 8 gallon tanks and the 93 is running $3.08 a gallon. Depending are where you are the types of gas vary's. Here Sunoco is a major player and the station is like 3 miles down the road, we have the Citgo and Marathon and Walmart gas if you want to call it gas but that stuff doesn't run in vehicle worth beans so there's no way it goes in my mower. Shell is somewhat close about 10 miles and the same as Exxon, there just to far to be worth the trip every time I have to get gas. I understand how running to or using just one place isn't cost effective.

 

[primerbulb120]

I run standard ethanol gas in all my equipment, just like I would in a car. I've never had subsequent problems with any of my equipment, even though I leave the gas in it all winter.

 

[exotion]

I run standard ethanol gas in all my equipment, just like I would in a car. I've never had subsequent problems with any of my equipment, even though I leave the gas in it all winter.

This is why I get confused. I only see damage after 6+ months of sitting, in cars it's a few years

 

[Gcorron]

I'm only a residential user, so don't use a lot of gas for mowers. The King of Saudi Arabia ain't sending me no Christmas card, and we've actually met!!

A few years ago, when I was still able to work, every danged lawnmower engine I own refused to start. Carbs were all messed up. Not having time, I called a guy I know that makes his living servicing said pains in the butt, in my case 2 lawn mowers, and glad I checked the gen, because it was messed up as well. Bill has been servicing this stuff for over 20 years.

I got home before he left, and asked if he would like me to repeat what I said when all three wouldn't start, he said nope, he could guess. I asked him if it was the ethanol gas, like I had heard. He said that while ethanol may be a bit harder on Viton seals, I should quit using the cheaper regular, and likely I would never have the problem again.

I had noticed long ago that in my commuter car, a 1991 Volvo 240, the mileage, and the way it ran were significantly better if I used the premium, so thought Bill may be onto something.

Sure enough, about 4 years later, I have yet to have a problem. My gas sits a lot more than most of you guys, so that may make a difference, but just wanted to share that I have through some empirical evidence noticed some improved behavior. I do put the Amsoil fuel stabilizer in it as well.

George

 

[jekjr]

This spring I started running 91 octane vs. 87 octane in my Rider mowers, they seem to start easier

I tried that also. The issue I had was that the stations don't sell enough of it in our area to keep it fresh. It sits in the underground tanks for extended periods of time.