Monthly Archives: December 2014

Dec 03

Fighting Ethanol: Part 2 – Alternatives to Stabilizers

By Eli | Briggs & Stratton , Chainsaw , Engines , Honda , Husqvarna , Kawasaki , Kohler , Leaf Blower , Push Mower , Riding Mower , Stihl , String Trimmer , Tecumseh , Uncategorized , Zero Turn Radius Mower (ZTR)

Last time we discussed Ethanol-free gas and fuel stabilizers. Something to note is, fuel stabilizers just “stabilize” fuel. If your fuel is bad already, you can not make it fresh again. Essentially, treated fuel will just deteriorate slower than untreated fuel. It prolongs deterioration.

Superior Power Equipment suggests that even if you use ethanol-free gas, treat it with a stabilizer and use it before the end of the season.

If you only use small quantities of fuel, or if a person’s health or life depends on your equipment (example would be a Fire Department), Superior Power Equipment suggests the use of canned fuel. For example, if you only use your chainsaw once, or several times per year, consider using canned fuel. Or if you only use your 2-cycle string trimmer 10-15 minutes every week or two.  The alternative is to use regular gasoline (even ethanol free) but risk damage to your equipment’s carburetor or other fuel components.

Some users find themselves using large quantities of canned fuel each year. Everyone, including commercial users, landscapers, or anyone using several gallons of a single type of fuel (i.e. 4-cycle, 40:1 mix, or 50:1 mix) per year can benefit from canned fuel. Even if you use a large quantity of fuel each season, you can still use canned fuel to protect your equipment during the off-season.  At the end of the season, empty the fuel tank of its current gasoline, whether a mixed gasoline or 4-cycle gasoline. This fuel can be used in vehicles or larger equipment, even if it is mixed fuel. Next you pour several ounces canned fuel into the tank, close the fuel tank cap, and start the engine, running it for several minutes to allow the regular gasoline to be burned out of the system and the canned fuel to completely fill the fuel system. As long as you run the engine long enough to allow the other fuel to burn out completely, your equipment should now be protected by the canned fuel.

Superior Power Equipment is a dealer for Tru-Fuel branded canned fuel and VP SEF (Small Engine Fuel). In large containers SEF is generally less expensive.  It is still more expensive than fuel from the pumps, but it is also a lot more stable.  I’m told the canned fuel has about a 3 year shelf life, until the can is opened. Once the can is opened you can still expect about a 2 year shelf life. A quart of Tru-Fuel (4 cycle, 50-Fuel or 40-Fuel) retails for $6.50. One to two quarts will suffice for most users. Contact Superior Power Equipment for prices, recommendations, quantity prices, or other options.