Using AVgas in your small engines
Curious as to others experience using Aviation gas 100LL which is a low lead 100 octane fuel. I have been using in all my small engines; lawn equipment and generators, for some time with excellent res...
Forum Discussion
Small engine manufacturers have engineered fuel systems with the current fuels available that will be used, i.e. 10% ethanol added. The fuel lines carburetor and other bits of a small engine's fuel system are not degraded by using 10% ethanol gas.
Yes, it's a ***** to store these blends, especially if the ethanol is blended from very crude stock and the environment is correct for the gas mixture to get oxidized and degrade, In two cycle applications there may be separation of the 2 cycle oil in the gas container.
My experience with gasoline and small engines is fairly broad. I've transported gas oil, ethanol, MTBE, and other petroleum and petro chemicals in bulk. You get to know the characteristics of these products. I've also been a small engine mechanic and have a plaque with four certifications that says I might be knowledgeable about small engines and hydraulics.
In the repair field I had quite a few customers with fuel problems. Those issues were related to the stored fuel in the systems and a flush of the system along with a cleaning of the carburetor made things right. As a percentage of deterioration of fuel hoses and aluminum parts, I would say .01% percent and that kind of damage could be related mostly to age or a poor quality of original parts rather than the cause being ethanol in the fuel. I would note that 2 cycle equipment is more prone to fuel line issues than 4 cycle engines. That may be due to the quality and location of gas lines.
If you have an outboard engine that is larger than 15 HP, a gasoline without ethanol is a good choice. The outboard manufacturers have tested and documented engine issues using ethanol blended fuel. I have a 15 hp Johnson outboard and fill tanks at the pump. I've had no issues over the years.
AVgas may bring a level of security to folks that have had engine issues but isn't necessary for typical small engines. I nope this helps to diminish rumors about ethanol blended fuel issues.
Yes, it's a ***** to store these blends, especially if the ethanol is blended from very crude stock and the environment is correct for the gas mixture to get oxidized and degrade, In two cycle applications there may be separation of the 2 cycle oil in the gas container.
My experience with gasoline and small engines is fairly broad. I've transported gas oil, ethanol, MTBE, and other petroleum and petro chemicals in bulk. You get to know the characteristics of these products. I've also been a small engine mechanic and have a plaque with four certifications that says I might be knowledgeable about small engines and hydraulics.
In the repair field I had quite a few customers with fuel problems. Those issues were related to the stored fuel in the systems and a flush of the system along with a cleaning of the carburetor made things right. As a percentage of deterioration of fuel hoses and aluminum parts, I would say .01% percent and that kind of damage could be related mostly to age or a poor quality of original parts rather than the cause being ethanol in the fuel. I would note that 2 cycle equipment is more prone to fuel line issues than 4 cycle engines. That may be due to the quality and location of gas lines.
If you have an outboard engine that is larger than 15 HP, a gasoline without ethanol is a good choice. The outboard manufacturers have tested and documented engine issues using ethanol blended fuel. I have a 15 hp Johnson outboard and fill tanks at the pump. I've had no issues over the years.
AVgas may bring a level of security to folks that have had engine issues but isn't necessary for typical small engines. I nope this helps to diminish rumors about ethanol blended fuel issues.
