Fighting Ethanol: Part 1
By Eli | Briggs & Stratton , Cub Cadet , Honda , Husqvarna , Kawasaki , Kohler , Push Mower , Riding Mower , Stihl , Tecumseh , Troy-Bilt , Uncategorized , Zero Turn Radius Mower (ZTR)
On the Superior Power Equipment Facebook Page, I have been discussing Ethanol blended fuel, the life expectancy of Ethanol blended fuels (or lack thereof) and the damage Ethanol causes to your engines and equipment.
Since we know Ethanol blended fuel has a relatively short life expectancy, the obvious question is, “What can I do about the fuel in MY equipment”? There are several options. The first option we need to consider is buying Ethanol-Free fuel. But how do you know if the fuel contains ethanol? Visit pure-gas.org, click on your state and scroll to your city, a city near you.
Keep in mind, this isn’t just for power equipment, but for your vehicles too! Ethanol greatly reduces the fuel economy of your vehicles too. Most motorists who use E85 state the reduced price of this blend is a trade off to the reduced fuel economy. So, its a wash, cost wise. If you consider the damage it causes to your machine or vehicle, its a no-brainer: Ethanol free gas!
Additionally, you can mix your fuel with a fuel stabilizer such as Opti-Mizer or Stabil. Superior Power Equipment is a stocking dealer for the Opti-Mizer fuel stabilizer. From the Opti-Mizer page:
Opti-Mizer Fuel Stabilizer with Valve Guard, when added to the fuel of any 4-cycle engine, protects before, during and after operation. Not only does Opti-Mizer protect the entire fuel system for up to 24 months by preventing resin and gum from forming, its exclusive Valve Guard additive also lubricates valves and cylinder top ends. For extra fuel system and engine top end protection along with easier engine starting, add Opti-Mizer to fuel cans, storage tanks, and your engine’s fuel tank.
From the Stabil page (note the 12 months versus the 24 month protection provided by Opti-Mizer):
- Keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months
- Eliminates need to drain fuel prior to storage
- Ensures quick, easy starts after storage
- Effective in all gasoline, including Ethanol blends
- For ALL gasoline engines, including 2-cycle
Opti-Mizer also works in 2-cycle fuel. However, your best 2-cycle option is to use Opti-2, which already contains ” “Opti-Mizer” 24 month fuel stabilizer”. Another benefit of Opti-2 is you can use one can of mixed 2-cycle fuel for ALL 2-cycle equipment, no matter the oil/fuel mix ratio. So, whether your machine requires a mix ratio of 16:1, 32:1, 40:1, or 50:1, Opti-2 works perfectly for your machine!
Next time we will discuss several other options.