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Why Ethanol is Bad for Your Outdoor Power Equipment

Mar. 1 2018 News By Katherine Haas

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Why Ethanol is Bad for Your Outdoor Power Equipment 

Acquiring fuel for your outdoor power equipment isn’t as simple as picking a brand and fueling up the gas tank. Most gas stations sell a blend of ethanol and gasoline, and the law requires these stations to label the ethanol content on the gas pump. Ethanol is bad for your outdoor power equipment, but you can’t completely avoid ethanol, either.

What is ethanol doing in gasoline, anyway?

Ethanol is the base component for most alcoholic drinks, so you might be surprised to know it’s in your gasoline, too. Fuel ethanol is used in gasoline as part of an act by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to require a certain amount of renewable biofuel in petroleum-based products. The intention is good: reduce use of fossil fuels and increase use of clean, renewable energy.

In automobiles, you don’t need to worry too much about ethanol. All vehicles manufactured for the United States can withstand at least 10% of ethanol in gasoline, called E10 gas. Some vehicles labeled with FlexiFuel engines prefer 15% to 85% ethanol, or E15 and E85, mixtures—an amount you wouldn’t want in your regular automobile.

So, if some ethanol is fine for most automobiles, why not my small engine machines?

Unfortunately, ethanol is bad for your outdoor power equipment. The alcohol has corrosive properties that 2-factor small engines cannot effectively handle. E10 gasoline is approved for lawnmower use, but any more than that can void its warranty due to damage caused to the engine system.

Pay close attention to the ethanol percentage when you visit the gas station for fuel for your outdoor power equipment. Your best bet is to purchase non-oxygenated fuel, which uses no ethanol, but these sources are less common. You can find gas stations that sell ethanol-free gas or purchase packaged fuel from your local power equipment dealer.

Finally, because ethanol is bad for your outdoor power equipment, never leave gasoline in your small engine longer than 30-days.

Stephens Garage is proud to serve Luverne and the surrounding community for its small engine, outdoor equipment and auto service needs. Come see us today on Forest Avenue in Luverne, or visit us at www.stephensgarageluverne.com!