Long respected, the folks at Consumer Reports have chimed in this morning on the ongoing debate about ethanol that is in current gasoline blends and specifically how the ethanol can make small engines fail.
We really are interested in seeing how Consumer Reports examines gas additives such as Sta-bil, Startron, Ethanol Shield and other additives. These fuel additives claim to be able to protect the engines from the ethanol in the fuel. Some even claim to be able to rejuvenate seals and fuel lines and also are able to do minor repairs to carburetors. We’ve had good response from our commercial customers regarding, Startron and Ethanol Shield. We’ve also seen good results from Mechanic in a Bottle.
But we just want to warn people about the issue with ethanol in the fuel. No product is gonna fix bad fuel. You must develop a good fuel hygiene because you can not continue to store and use fuel like you used to be able. There are too many dangers to your small engine products.
Consumer Reports talks about the dangers with ethanol and small engines:
The Environmental Protection Agency has approved gasoline with 15 percent ethanol for use in cars year 2001 or newer, yet it prohibits its use in mowers and other power equipment, stating it may cause damage. A Department of Energy study found that E15 caused hotter operating temperatures, erratic running, and engine-part failure. But even gas with the usual 10 percent ethanol (E10) could help destroy small engines.
“Ethanol has inherent properties that can cause corrosion of metal parts, including carburetors, degradation of plastic and rubber components, harder starting, and reduced engine life,” says Marv Klowak, global vice president of research and development for Briggs & Stratton, the largest manufacturer of small engines. “The higher the ethanol content, the more acute the effects.” Servicing dealers are reporting similar problems, even with E10, according to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the industry’s trade group.
The OPEI also claims that proposed warnings at pumps are insufficient and that customers will blame equipment makers should mowers and other outdoor gear fail from being accidentally fueled with E15 gasoline. Using gasoline with more than the usual 10-percent ethanol has long voided most small-engine warranties but, until recently, the chance of doing so has been minimal.
Check out the full article here and stay on top of this important issue.
