The Ugly Truth Why Gas Station Fuel Is Bad For Small Engines
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- Beyond the Ethanol problem, find out what is hidden in your fuel and going to damage your small engines! I will show you why you should BAN gas station fuel from your lawn and garden equipment and why you should use engineered fuel like Stihl MotoMix, ESPECIALLY for winterizing. Get ready for some science, boys and girls!
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For more videos like this, check out:
How To Winterize A Lawn Mower, Generator, Etc. ➜ • How To Winterize A Law...
How To Winterize a Chainsaw, Weedeater, Blower or Trimmer ➜ • How To Winterize a Cha...
How To Winterize/Maintain The Battery on a Riding Mower ➜ • How To Winterize and M...
How To Rebuild A Carburetor On A ChainSaw, WeedEater, Etc. ➜ • How To REBUILD A CARBU...
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Check out these other informative videos:
How To Winterize A Lawn Mower, Generator, Etc. ➜ czcams.com/video/qccdo2UMMsE/video.html
How To Winterize a Chainsaw, Weedeater, Blower or Trimmer ➜ czcams.com/video/FEmT8qUoD0E/video.html
How To Winterize/Maintain The Battery on a Riding Mower ➜ czcams.com/video/CJmlFxcyw44/video.html
How To Rebuild A Carburetor On A ChainSaw, WeedEater, Etc. ➜ czcams.com/video/7-VpdJEJRRw/video.html
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Steve's Small Engine Saloon... Sir, you normally provide a wealth of information to your viewers. But, I just retired after making gasoline for 40+ years (going all the way back to leaded gasoline) and can say unequivocally that gasoline does indeed contain some of the bad and worse things on the chart...BUT definitely NOT in the quantities stated. Paraffines are nothing more than wax and are abundant in diesel fuel. Benzene/Aromatics in gasoline is typically measured in PPMs (Parts Per Million). My refinery (720k/barrels a day) strips as much benzene out as possible because it is feed stock for ethylene (plastics production). I could keep going item by item. The information supplied by the product supplier is twisting math to sell their product. A similar tests were done in our Lab for Distillation, VP (vapor pressure), End Point, and Knock-Engine Thresholds. We found these products were nothing more than "Blend-off Stock" in a can...!!!
I'm not trying to insult you, Steve, but to enlighten you to the "numbers game" that is used in sales plus a little insight into prime fuels manufacturing...
Has Echo Canada sent you anything about their red armor line of oil and fuel? I've heard nothing but good things about it and it's supposed to actually clean and revitalize your small engine as it works. So maybe you could let us know what you think about this reported magic in a bottle?
TOMMY SAULTER interesting 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I apologize in advance Steve. The reason, I'm calling BS on this one! I'm mid 70's and live in Canada. My lawn mower, weed whacker, chain saws and leaf blowers run on either straight regular gas or gas/oil 50:1. In the fall I just make sure everything is filled and left in the cold. Spring time I fire everything up and I'm off and running. I have a gas golf cart in Arizona that I do the same. Fill it up and leave it. Gets pretty damn hot down there in the summer. Hot or cold. I don't have a problem . Some of the stuff I have is over 10 years old. I don't use fuel stabilizers.
@@elmermohninger6193 I do the same thing except in February I drain the gas tank, add fresh new fuel, let it run for 15 minutes, and then change the oil.
I think it might be the formulation of gas in various parts of the country. I have used non ethanol gas, both 91 and 87 octane without issues for over 15 years. I have more than 6 engines from 5 to 20 hp, air and water cooled. It works in the upper mid west. Prices for the canned fuels are insane.
With u
Canned fuels are only good for storage. Especially tru fuel. That stuff is no good.
Yeah I'm right there with you even with my chainsaws the same thing I do say though that good old fashioned seafoam in all my equipment to start out the year is just a standard procedure I've done for 30 years and I see no reason to stop doing it cuz I never have issues because of fuel and gumming up stuff like that you know
I'm a mechanical engineer and I can't understand why they don't redesign these components so that they are compatible with gas station fuel. Well, that's not totally true. I do understand. They want to sell replacement equipment when it fails or specialty fuels and mixes to keep it from failing.
I agree...
Good point Shane Martin.
The Corporate Muckie-Mucks hate us "Shade-tree", experienced, and Professional Mechanics!
They depend on the "don't fix, replace" individuals, and people that don't read their Operator's Manual that is INCLUDED... Duhhh!
We could use different materials ethanol resistant, but you guys bitch about fuel price, how much you think it will cost a carb that dont rust and a carb kit that dont worn out in ethanol? People have what they are willing to pay.
Bingo.
Its completely due to cost.
I’ve known about this for some time from working at a small engine repair shop and even though I moved on I still try to help my customers at Home Depot know the difference between them! Thank you for even showing me a few things I didn’t know! 👍🏾
You're Welcome...
It also can make a difference if you live in an area where you winterize yard equipment for 3 months, or if you winterize for 6-7 months.
Great video Steve, thanks!
The pre mixed fuel is way out of budget 4 many people. If they want us use it they need to shrink there heads an make it affordable
Way way over priced
its cheaper to replace diaphragm and fuel lines you get it from china for few bucks
I saw Quarts (liter) was $13 I can clean my own carb
You're right about the price, it should have gold dust in it for that price. I go through a lot of gas in small engines in a years time. My nephew bought a 5 gallon container of the pre-mixed fuel and I almost passed out when he told me what it costs! As Fran008 stated, "it's cheaper to replace the diaphram and fuel lines every year! I am left to wonder why older gasoline engines and two cycles engines didn't have this problem? My dad spent 3 decades in the tree and firewood business, using multiple chain saws and a log splinter and never ran anything but pump gas through them and never had any problem. It seems like our technology is going backwards!
I don't care how much it costs. I don't make my living with my small engine machines but I want them to start and run when I need them. Not take them apart/rebuild/clean them.
For everyone out there, please listen until the end of the video! Steve recommends storing your engines with this fuel not running it all the time. If this type of fuel was cheaper it would be great to run all the time though. Great video, thank you Steve!
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
In Belgium we always use it, but it's Aspen, it's way too harmful for health. We trim hedges all day long with hand held hedge trimmers and being in the smoke from regular gas all day is just horrible
Exactly - Steve is a Smart Functioning Drinking man - like me !!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I agree and make sure you are using ethanol-free during the season, especially if you are not using it for several weeks, keep that small engine in pristine condition
he should have said that right upfront then, he implied pump gas was so bad thru the video, I turned it off before the end, as I wasn;t buying it. very long video just to recommend a winterization plan. especially as chainsaws don;t get winterized up North where I live, they get used.
I took your advice about a year and a half ago. I always had a chain saw in the shop for fuel line and carb issues but not any more. Now that's all I run in the trimmer and all 4 chain saws. I also store my sawmill mowers and water pumps with it. Best advice ever. Thanks Steve for all you do
Great job!
Thanx Steve thought I knew better for over 30 years! Just finished winterizing lawn mowers and chainsaws, snow blowers, trimmer's! You're advice makes my machines run like new!!!
Awesome! You're Welcome...
Personally I've stopped having any carb issues since I've been religiously using sta-bil. If I put gas in a can I put stabilizer in it. My local shop who last worked on my chainsaw gave me that advice and it's done wonders for me. Personally I'll never buy this fancy fuel at the prices they charge.
Been running small engines using sta-bil for 35 years and have never had a carb problem on
any of my chainsaws or small generators. I tell guys this and they don't believe me.
My lawn and garden mechanic specifically disagrees with using Stabil (specifically) in combination with running the take empty before storage. In support, over the past 20 years, I discovered for myself the practice results in solids precipitating out of the remaining fuel/stabilizer combination which plugs the jetting over the winter when it evaporates.
I cannot say that Stabil is the culprit, BUT in combination with running the fuel line/carb dry and sitting idle over the winter months has resulted in 8 carbs having blockages in the spring where stabilizer in a full tank with the fuel petcock OPEN has never resulted in the precipitants experienced before - in the last 15 years now. (BTW, upon recommendation, I switched to Seafoam in my winter storage generators, lawn & garden equipment, chainsaws, and three [fuel injected] Corvettes). Using the WET storage method, i.e., full tank w/fuel in the carbs/injectors - ready to instantly start when if attempted. Is it because of using the Seafoam vs. Stabil? I cannot say. But, I've never had an issue with starting engines after a winter's nap with either Seafoam or Stabil AS LONG AS THE FUEL SYSTEM REMAINED WET (the revised recommendation by some manufactures - as Steve pointed out. And, I concur.
TBH that’s an even better idea cost wise, but these other fuel options are nice as well
I have several 5gal cans to store only ethanol free fuel which is added fuel stabilizer never a problem.
Seafoam works better than stabil
Used to work at a Stihl dealer. The pre mixed fuel is awesome for emergencies or for storage. I use Stihl 2 stroke oil with pump gas. When im done with my saw or trimmer I run it empty. 15 years later and have not had any fuel related problems. It is about time to adjust the valves on my FS90 though.
I like that you're honest about your reviews and subject matter. I feel like I have tended to be similar ( before it was popular) for many a years and I agree that if people just thought about what they're doing they would save themselves a lot of time and trouble.
Thanks for everything Steve. I used to think I was trouble-free with non-ethanol gas but you made me rethink this
Well how many years have you been trouble free? I personally lose a carbureator less than every five years, so I am satisfied. Some of my carbs are over 10 years old on pump gas. I am thinking of changing to engineered fuel for the cleaner burn and less carbon build up and the inconveniance of mixing.
Very interesting facts there Steve, many thanks. I have been running Aspen4 in my generator for a few years since new and winterisation in my dirt bikes. Changed to Aspen2 in my three pro saws, a few months ago, and have noticed an improvement in starting and running. Work for an arborist business as a Groundie where I need reliability and less harmful emissions is a bonus too. No more fiddling around mixing fuel either! All Petrol in the UK has ethanol in it now, just not worth the hassle if I don’t use one of the saws for a few weeks.
Interesting facts, but you can replace the carburetor with a brand new one every year for less than the premium paid for MotoMix @ $45/gallon
Hi Steve love your channel! Thanks for all your great videos. Like you Steve I do something somewhat similar as to what you used to do to winterize your small engines before this new fuel was available. Not sure if you had many issues doing it the old way running engine out of fuel.
For 45 years I have always winterized my landscaping equipment 2 stroke and 4 stroke small engines (like at least 20 -25 engines) by adding a high quality fuel stabilizers for the last day or 2 of running my equipment, and before storing it for the winter ,change the engine oil, clean fuel bowls if it has one on the 4strokes and then drain all the fuel on all my small engines ,and then start and run engine till it starts sputtering and then put the choke on carb and try to keep engine running as long as possible,to try to get rid of every drop of fuel in the carburetor I possibly can,until engine finally stalls. Then I put it away for the winter. In the spring just before needing that piece of equipment I add fresh fuel(not sure if it’s necessary but I always use premium fuel with the small engines ). Very very rarely have I ever had issues starting or the running of my engines doing that! If there ever is a problem it’s usually because engine is getting older and the diaphragms in the carb has got hard from years of use. Not saying that this new fuel product may be even a better alternative, but I really don’t want to mess with what works for me all those years. Besides that stuff is expensive,especially doing all my engines with it!
Keep up the great work on your videos Steve it has got me out of trouble a few times ,and saved me alot of heart ache and money over the years! I want to thank you!
CHEERS to you buddy you deserve it!!!
I like the videos you make. You know your stuff. I was surprised to hear the storage method completely do a 180. I always store my equipment with fuel in it. The reason I do it is because I have never had to replace a dry rotted fuel line. So using this method I have never had trouble waking my equipment up after a long winter.
Hey Steve.....I watched your previous winterizing vid using stabilizor. I run regular pump fuel over the year but in winter, I drain everything off and fill with Aspen 2 and Aspen 4 (for my ride on and push mowers). Not cheap but it's peace of mind for me. You've just validated what I'm doing! Not often I'm ahead of the game! Awesome vids bruv....keep 'em coming! Hi from the United Kingdom!
Right on...
All I can say is non-ethanol fuel and Stabil in the 4cycles and Opti 2 oil and non-ethanol in the 2 cycles has served me well the last 40 years or so. Love your videos Steve, keep them coming!
So just adding Stabil to the fuel is sufficient? That's what I do.
I don't even use Stabil, just non ethanol fuel. It sets all winter and starts right up.
Ever since I simply switched to non-ethanol gas, it's eliminated my fuel related problems. I store it with a full tank and it starts right up in the spring.
Non ethanol with Amsoil Sabre. The Amsoil has stabilizer in it for back up..
Premium fuel does not always mean ethanol free fuel
100pct👍🏼
Being the cheap-ass that i am, I'm still gonna run pump fuel during the work season for that engine, but I'll have to consider using that for winterizing. Maybe start using it later in the season to avoid having to drain a tank. Thanks!!
Agreed!
I’ve got a STIHL fs90r trimmer….have had it since 2010, I started using moto mix after I learned about it and this is eleventh season of just taking off wall and firing it up, still original plug and have never had to clean spark arrestor
Awesome!
Ya. But it is a fs90r. Best trimmer ever made
I've got a 20year old Ryobi..... still runs great, never had the plug out. I switched to ethanol free 10 years ago.. Maybe it's luck.
I’ve had an ice auger for 25 years and I do the same thing with gas. Amazing story bruh. Nobody GAF
Have used an old echo chainsaw for 35-40 years. Always run nonethanol gas. Saw cranks on 2nd or third pull after chocking. Only have replaced the bar and chain. Thanks, Steve for all you do to help. I really like your videos and have learned to drink different beer not just Bud.
Thanks for sharing
Totally enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing the information you do.
I recently bought some canned fuel it runs great in my equipment. Couldn’t afford the Stihl brand, paid about 20 buc’s instead of 30 a gallon. Will not worry about dumping my fuel out and running the engine to empty when I’m not going to to running the saws and weed eater all the time!
+1 to Roger Mills recommendation to use AvGas from your local airport. AvGas is minimum 100 octane (usually around 102 or so), has absolutely no alcohol whatsoever, no funky junk additives, and is very stable. Far more stable than any auto-gas with fuel stabilizer added. The higher octane really works well in 2-stroke engines. Your 2-stroke engines will start easier, run quieter (no pre-ignition ping) and smoother then they do with car-gas . I did a full career in the fire service. About 20 years ago we were having problems with the mixed fuel going bad in our equipment and fuel cans on our fire engines. Chainsaws, K-12 saws, generators, extrication tool power units etc. After some research, we switched over to exclusively use AvGas and all those problems ceased. The lead content in the AvGas did and does not cause any problems with engines "designed" to run on lead-free fuel. In addition to boosting the Octane rating of the fuel, the lead provides lubrication. And AvGas just does not go bad. No more lacquering of the carb, no phase-separation of the alcohol and water, no problem with the ultra-light aromatics evaporating off and lowering the octane and making starting hard. Even here in the Peoples Republic of California AvGas is currently only about $5.20 per gallon, a fraction of the cost of Moto-Mix or any of the Quart-Cans of engineered fuel. And AvGas does not deteriorate any of the o-rings, gaskets or seals in your engine or fuel system. I have a Stihl 072 saw that I bought new in 1983. Since new I have exclusively used AvGas and Synthetic 2-Stroke oil (mostly Amsoil with the occasional Klotz) and have never re-built the carb. Finally had to replace the fuel lines for only the second time last year. Still using the original plastic fuel tank.
taildown For those who aren’t airplane educated the gas is called 100LL. low lead. Small airports will sell it and you can put it in 5 gallon cans just ask them first. Most pumps are self service credit card type for after hours flyers. Just ask the line guy at the desk if you can find him before wandering out on the apron.
Very informative on the contents in the can fuel , thanks. Tell my customers to use it as much as they can. Some use a lot of fuel through out the summer cutting several lawns. They use gallons of fuel. I tell them, when they approach the end of the season where they only have one or two mowings left to go use pre-mixed Fuel in the equipment so it will survive the winter nicely. And it works. Thanks Steve. Great video.
Right on Mikey! Thank You...
Hey Steve, love the topics and info on your channel. Does the gas without ethanol have all the bad and ugly chemicals in it too. I have gone to non-ethenol gas in all my small engines and have had good success by doing that. Do you think going to one of these other fuels would be better and if so, why?? Thank T.
You got my thumbs up and I learned something. I quit removing the alcohol from my gas for storage and went back to Running my equipment dry then storing. It works for me and has for a lot of years. I may add a shot of stabilizer to the last of the gas then run the engines dry. I haven't had to replace any diaphragms but a bit of stabilizer can't hurt.
Motomix is great fuel but 36.99 + taxes a gallon is just insane.
For that price, I could use regular gas and justify getting a new trimmer every season.
I agree!
I go through about 50 Gallons a year, That’s $1850 Dollars a year I could have my lawn Professionally Manicured for that amount. Then I could sit, watch and Drink my Budweiser
Just an idea, maybe you could just use the motomix for the last tank when it’s sitting over night or longer storage times.
Yup, that sound like an arm and a leg. It might be easier learning how to take out ethanol from regular gas by adding a little bit of water to the fuel, shaking it to bond the ethanol to water, let it settle in the bottom for 24hrs then siphon the ethanol free fuel from the top of the mixture to use on your engines.
I use non-ethanol fuel and run the carb dry after each use. Haven't had any problems, yet.
Hi Steve, I really like you videos. Always learn something of value. I do use engineered fuel in my chainsaw and weed eater but I have a 30 year old Honda 5000 generator that has never had engineered fuel in. Once or twice a year I start it up to power my house for as little as one hour or as much and 3 days and it starts with one pull. I use fuel stabilizer and drain the carb.
There is a major difference between a 30 year old generator, and one built today. The emissions restrictions were not as stringent as they are now. The carb on your 30 year old gen has much bigger jets in it then the newer ones do. It is harder to clog those larger jets. I have seen this over and over in my 15 years of being in the small engine industry. Older equipment was built better and had less restrictions on them. IF your old gen is running good, then do whatever it takes to keep it running. The new ones are not as well built.
Many thanks for your work, and others like you, but you've help me take care of a LOT of issues with my ancient and inherited chainsaw and brush cutter (West German Sthil 024, Japanese Echo RM-310 Backpack lol), and thought they were just no good anymore. I refused to let them go though, for sentimental reasons, plus it's expensive if you want quality (Husky / Stihl / Echo).
After a few tutorials, how to set them up, clean them, oil and check the components, some sharpening (Sthil 2&1 is really nice), and more importantly, replacing the old fuel with some Sthil Motomix, They work super well. Nothing wrong with them, carburators, rubbers, gaskets, plastics are all good, no rotten parts or filters, Chain and saw bar, good condition, flexible for the brush cutter was replaced, both tools idle and start really well now. Far less scary to start and use when you know they perform the way they should.
There's something to be said for old, well maintained quality tools (except for the fuel). I'm gonna hang on to them.
I don't think I'll be carrying on with the Motomix all the time though, it's very expensive, but I'll keep the can around to purge the systems once I'll put them away for a few months. But I'll pay more attention to what kind of fuel I'll mix later.
Cheerio!
Thankyou Steve, by all accounts, I am thinking of going to an electric mower, to much hassle, cost over run, and mechanical problems with gas engines. The high expense of operating a gas engine, compare to electric engine with batteries. Thankyou for the heads up on the disposition of gasoline ingredients nowadays !!! Kevin Phoenix
Thanks for sharing this. I've heard (and said) a lot of dumb things about why gasoline from the station is (or isn't) bad for small engines. And I've cleaned a few carburetors and junked a few lawn mowers that might have lasted longer had I known what I know now.
Why do the gas manufacturers put the other junk in here? What is the purpose of it? What does it do to the environment and is it worth it?😊
Thank you Steve for Xplaning Xactly what’s in our pump fuel. I thought the problem was the Ethenol too, but it makes perfect scents about the Olifens.
You're Welcome...
Great video .... I purchased a new 550 husky in May... to get the 5 year warranty I bought a 4 litre jug of husqvarna premixed gas.... smells totally different than pumped fuel... 31 bucks plus the tax here in Nova Scotia but I'll say this... man it makes my saw sing... if I was only cutting 4 cord of wood a year I'd pay that price for such a good product.... I'm interested to see what my saw works like on pumped gas.... if it doesn't work as well I'll be buying it all the time.... keep up the good work on your videos
You made a good point about ethanol capturing water. I have a new Stihl and normally use in the fall and winter. This year I’ve been making my own lumber with it. It stopped working about 30 minutes in an a hot humid day. Removed plug and noticed water. Dumped fuel out of it and it had no water. After watching this I’m concluding I was pulling the humidity into carb like an air compressor would. I’m I on the right track?
If you actually watch to the end of the video you'll realize that Steve mentions to use this refined fuel for WINTERIZING equipment. Not for necessarily everyday use. The ignorance of some people! Keep it up Steve!
Thanks Mike...
I thought it was to stop from getting cancer of the blood that comes from daily use. I don't wanna die.
I use engineered fuel in my saws always now, including storage. Switched to premium gas a few times - saw runs like crap every single time I switch over - the old surging rrr RRR rrrr. Switch back to engineered fuel - saw runs like brand new with lots of power. I use it bc I need the power.
I do use mixed gas in the weedwacker and lawnmowers & those seem to tolerate it (I run a small amount of engineered fuel thru my carbs after I run my engines dry of regular gas to sit in the carbs for the winter). But my chainsaws definitely don't. I live in a state that likes ethanol in their gas. Ironically, most ethanol-free gas stations are in states that grow corn... which are the biggest lobbyists for ethanol gas... everywhere else. :)
@xamot80 If you know everything then why watch?
Add stabil
I work at Lowe's, and nearly all outdoor power equipment returned, is for starting issues or won't stay running. All due to "mostly, but not always" user error. Not knowing how to mix fuel properly, store for long periods, general maintenance... Videos like these could help so many people, especially the average homeowner who isn't too small engine savy.
Agreed!
Thanks for the video Steve. I’m going to start using engineered fuel today. A lot o my equipment sits for extended periods and it’s much more effective to spend some more on fuel than waste a day played with plugged up fuel systems and carbs. I’ve had to buy 2 carbs for my generator ‘cause I could get it running right after sitting. This has been an on going problem for me.
Best of luck!
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon I bought a new Stihl saw over the weekend and Stihl doubles the warranty if you buy engineered fuel.
Thanks, Steve, over the years I came by several Stihl's Hoosavarna's, Polack's and would like to keep them all in running condition. A few extra bucks up front is better than a new, or rebuilding another carb. You do us folks a great service,, thank you!
Very cool!
I like the idea of just using it for winterizing, there have been numerous videos done now about fuel stabilizers showing that they don’t do anything.
Steve I’ve owned many four and two strokes engines for over 40 years with a lot of Stihl products. I’ve always used premium fuel in running season . When engines are put in storage I drain gas run till they die and remove spark plug and shoot a little oil in piston . Spark plug put back in tight. Done... Everything starts well in spring (Always) luck I don’t think so. Works well in Iowa.👍 This works with jet skis, outboard motors,generators, snow blowers, chain saws, leaf blowers,lawn mowers, everything I own.. Maybe gas is different in Canada.🤔
@Dave Iauco I think running your 2 stroke at 24-1 is running it lean not rich . Less gas due to more oil . Might not be healthy for it .
As always excellent video you have to make sure you get the right engineered fuel, chainsaw fuel with oil , or 4 cycle fuel for lawn mowers snow blowers etc
Great info and advice in your video!
My entire strimmer fuel system, filters and carb diaphragm was totally destroyed by forecourt fuel - even worse now - the ethanol is being increased to 10%. Never using that stuff again.
Now using premix alkylate petrol, like Aspen make, and skip the benzene overdose from forecourt pump fuel. No ethanol in it either. Keeps for many years with no additives needed, even when left in the machine. And because the heavy distillates of forecourt fuel are not present in alkylate, practically no carbon build up occurs.
However for people who enjoy stripping down the carb every year, well it'll suit you just fine - you're saving on that cheap pump fuel, right?
I stopped using ethanol a couple of years ago, and haven't had any issues since. I still believe ethanol is the main culprit, and could there be a chance Stihl is just promoting their product, and using this channel as a vehicle for their sales pitch? I've been googling this science, and cannot find these claims anywhere other than from Stihl. Pre-mix fuels are cost prohibitive to most people, and in my opinion, unnecessary.
I agree. Several years ago I eliminated ethanol from my weed eaters, chainsaws, leaf blowers, mole killer ,and motorcycles. I have not had trouble since I did this. I think this fuel is not necessary.
I agree as well but am moving to battery powered equipment as much as possible. Too many advantages to list
@@stefanodogg280 Yeah if you don't have much stuff to do battery would be the way to go. But I agree with the other two comments, I switched about 5 years to non ethanol and haven't had anymore problems. I still however run a tank of fuel mixed with mechanic in a bottle for the first and last tank of the season in the my equipment.
@@jruss9109 I have 8 gas chainsaws including two Stihl Magnum types and I too use premium non ethanol gas for them, draining the tanks and running them dry before storage. I've simply found that smaller battery powered saws can get a lot of tasks accomplished where I used to use a gas saw with all the hassle they entail. These batteries are versatile, if you also get the weedwhacker and the inverter.. which can run a laptop, several lights and more in a power outage
@@stefanodogg280 I'd love to get the 60v Dewalt since all my other tools are Dewalt, but atm I have no reason to replace my lil Husky 440, that thing has been a beast.
I've always put my saws away 'wet' with either Star-tron or Sta-bil in them. Not one problem over the last 25 yrs, but this looks like something worthwhile to try....thanks Steve!
You're Welcome...
So, storing with Star-tron & Sta-bil has kept you trouble-free for 25 yrs (as it has me, as well).
It makes no sense to me to change strategies from what I know works & is specifically designed for storing for several months to something not specifically designed for storage, is more expensive, & is unproven (at least by me & others I personally know). To make wise choices in today's world, one must also understand the unholy marriage of marketing & capitalism, where corporate marketers are paid by the greedy profit-driven corporations to convince us we need to pay them more & more as they become ever more wealthy & powerful & control us more & more.
Hell yes
Dee Cee greed pure Greed
Just a note to say thank you for the very interesting chemical analysis - had no idea the quantity of gunk in pump gas. Begs the question as to how our vehs run on the stuff! I'm a homeowner chain saw user and can understand the cost break point for commercial users to justify self mixing. Since I use my chainsaw infrequently, the canned/engineered gas makes sense for me as I can afford the higher quality fuel and enjoy the benefit of the stabilizing/storing factors. Also now feel better about the quality of fuel I'm using and its benefit in extending the life of the saw.
I always thought it was ethanol too....thanks for sharing! Gotta say though ever since I started using non oxy premium I haven't had many issues..I usually use starbright stabilizer and fogging oil to store my small engine equipment...I finally had to rebuild my old snowblower carb after 6 years so I'm ok with that.
There are commercial operators of trimmers, brushcutters and chainsaws; here in Fiji, who buy premixed fuel straight outta the pump at service stations and they've been doing so for 10 to 15 years without any problems at all! Then we have homeowners who use the same fuel for upwards of 20 to 30 years, again without any problems at all. The engineered fuels are part of a big gimmick designed to get more out of unsuspecting customers. I buy fuel company processed 2 stroke oil and make my own mix in a mixing bottle and my chainsaws and brushcutters run real smoothly just like they were meant to. Engineered fuels are a drain on scarce resources for us!
I'm using regular gas station gas in the same old lawn mover for over 20 years, put it away every winter with a full gas tank and pull it back out in the spring. Never a problem - it starts right up and runs for another summer.
yeah ive never had a problem either. weird
Thank you for getting down to the nitty gritty of this issue! I have wondered about the ethanol issue but always figured it was just one part of the whole picture. Love your Channel!!!!!
You're Welcome...and Thank You...
Great video. Thank you. Good info on what to use for small engines.
Thank you for clearing up the mis-information on Ethanol. also on Benzine. I have CLL Cancer. Probably how I got it as well as Agent Orange exposure in the Navy.
This video is especially useful for those of us who have worked around raw (gas station) gasoline for years, as it changed in composition.
We have soaked parts in gas, and were not careful to avoid skin contact. There is enough information in this video to persuade many-- who otherwise might develop serious diseases-- to be very careful with gasoline and its vapors in the future.
Thanks for your time and effort on this publication.
Is gasoline really that bad and harmful now that we should avoid skin contact and vapors? If so I did not know that
@@catfishbilly3.765 Modern mechanics are aware they cannot treat gasoline like a harmless petrochemical solvent, or another version of alcohol.. The skin is a major contact avenue for all chemicals, good and not so good. Skin contact is how chemical warfare takes its toll, in addition to the lungs. "Normal pollution" is not what it used to be..
@@catfishbilly3.765 In fact, old time fuel was much worse. Before 1970s they put PbEt4 lead tetraethyl in the fuel to increase the octane number, and to lubricate the exhaust ports with PbO. When they forced the removal of PbEt4, there was a lot of resistance, but now we all know it is good. We have catalysts, we do not breath in PbO and half-burned fuel chemicals. Benzene was also a part of the fuel, it is difficult to remove, and even if you remove it, then what are you gonna do with it??? It is really the best way to keep in as a part of our gasoline, and burn it to CO2.
@@bobgreene2892 see my answer to catfish. gasoline penetrates the skin and goes into the bloodstream. this is because it dissolves the fat. Fats and oils repel water and many harmful things that may be in the water.
@@west_park7993I remember the lod leaded fuel. Seems like we didn't experience the kinds of problems we do today. I'm convinced today's problems aren't a result of just ethanol, there's something besides just that causing rubber parts failures. I'm also not convinced corrosion is a result of ethanol.
I aplaude you on this great video I work at refinery's, they take the good from fuel until it's no good and blend in toxic's and acids
Thank You...
Thank you Steve for a great video! I hate 2 cycle equipment because after the first year they are hard to start and don't run good. I have switched to battery powered weed eaters and I am contemplating a Stihl electric chain saw. I may wont to rethink this. I do like my DeWalt 40 Volt weed eater
I did this with all my 2 cycle lawn care equipment and my little 2 cycle cheapo generator last fall. Seems to have worked well. I even tanked up my snow thrower 2 cycle toro to be ready for the intermittent winter use. The extra cost of the fuel pays dividends in reliable starting and no tear downs for maintenance and parts. I definitely use regular pump gas during heavy mowing season, but the machines eat up the gas quickly without any extended storage time for fuel corruption.
Wow! Thank you so much for such a thorough and well-researched video. I was getting panicky about the gas in my riding mower. I neglected to put StaBilt in it. Now I feel brave enough to start my mower next month. Your site is on my A-list!
Thank you!
Thanks Steve for the education, I always wondered about fuel for my small engine’s, your the best for taking your time to explain everything!
Thank you!
Exactly 👍🏻👍🏻 Steve is tha man !!!
And I’ll drink too that !
I wish it wasn't so expensive. Maybe I will run it on equipment that will get stored at the end of the season.
Great break down on the ingredients, thanks man.
Excellent video. Very informative. I've been using premixed 2-cycle fuel for the past 2 years, with satisfactory results for my chain saws.
Thank You...
Thanks for that information on the fuel always thought it was the ethanol but I have worked around benzene in the old field and I know what it does to gaskets and washers so it makes a lot of sense thank you for the research
You're Welcome...
You've taught me a lot already, new chainsaw user but really focused on safety. Loving the tutorials and much more confident and informed, thank you!
Cool, thanks
Steve. So happy you have not given up on us you tubers .I don't blame you with the general public. Too much stress at times. Love your show.
Good info , thanks for the research . I'll probably keep using premium and run the saw till it uses up the fuel in the carb when i expect to store it more than a couple months , just because i am cheap. One saw we had never seemed to gum up or mind being stored for years , then would start after a few pulls when you put fresh fuel in it , a Stihl Contra from about 1960 lol , what a saw that was .
You know your stuff my man..👏👏👏... Your channel rocks... you cut the chase and explain in the blue collar language.. 👍.. Keep it coming...
Thank You...
This is the most UNDERRATED subject known to man,
Small engines needing carb overhauls as fast as you can look at them is all because of pump gas,
Ethanol is pure garbage, less gas mileage and water in your float bowl, I have a vintage style go kart with a new motor that I refuse to run on corn juice!
Right on
Thank you for the great video and heads-up. My concern is how to dump the empty cans after using them?
Another awesome video, thanks. In your experience, is there a fuel additive/carb cleaner that removes most of the nasties from station fuel? If so, how frequently should I use it? Thinking along the lines of Sea Foam or Lucas.
Hi Steve , love youre videos . A few years ago i got this huge tree blown down in my yard so i bought my self a sthil chainsaw (180cbe 14 inch bar) to use fore cutting things up. I bought this cind of sthilfuel for it and it works great for me , but the twist is that my saw can sit for a year or two between the times i use the mashine so for me it is worth it but for the people that are trying to live on income from the mashinery it is not worth it when they use a gallon or two /day great videos , love them.
Have been storing my small engines this way for several years. Also only run no ethanol gas in all my.small engines. Zero problems with this program.
Right on
Me too. But it's no guarantee. I have a 4-stroke Makita leaf blower that is having carb problems. It's never had anything other than alcohol-free fuel. Been diligent about maintenance, but I'll be damned if it doesn't run like shit. I don't know what's true. If what our boy, Steve says, even alcohol-free fuel is 40% bunk. Our other choice? Buy the fuel that costs 20$ a gallon.
What guarantee do we have that the $20 a gallon fuel isn't going to leave us with a clogged jet?
@@stevetdean1966 Just be diligent keeping the fuel clean of crud. For long storage periods like generators I always run the carb dry with never a problem.
Another great video Steve! The bottom line is that gas station fuel is horrible stuff. Some is better than other & I only ever run Shell premium because it has zero ethanol & supposedly a bunch of detergents (might be just an advertising gimmick). For out of season I run my engines up good & hot until they run the dry & then I vent the tank to the air. Never had any problems in the last 15 years but this year I am gonna follow your advice & the logical explanation here to store with the Stihl motimix.
Hi Steve,
I've converted to using Aspen this season.
I thought it was just baloney, but the hedge trimmers start so much easier.
The only snag is .. I've not used the Stihl 2 stroke hedge trimmer since ... I bought a Stihl battery machine.
The battery Stihl hedge trimmer is really good.
Next on the list would be a Stihl battery strimmer (Weed eater)
I've got a really good tip for you though ... Try the real original Budweiser from "České Budějovice" it tastes so good.
The brewery is owned by the Czech Government. That Anheuser-Busch stuff does not get a look in as far as I'm concerned.
Bought several new Husqvarna small engines in 2014. Trimmers, blowers, saws...etc. Been using engineered fuel from day 1 and every engine has been absolutely flawless! Easy starts. No performance issues. The reduction in heartache is worth the price.
Right on
I would bet Stihl dosen't make fuel or Husqavarna. Some third party makes it and they put their brand on it.
Heck yes
Your correct, but Stihl and Husqi determine the specifications for the fuel and put their name on it. Just like auto manufacturers do not make their own coolants, lubricants, etc. but sell it at the parts counter.
Hey Steve, I'm Steve and I have a ton of small engines and lots of problems. This video made a lot of sense and now I'm a new subscriber on your corner of the internet. 👍
Welcome aboard!
Really enjoy you channel. I'm going to start using then engineered fuels for my 2 stroke weed whacker. What about my 4 stroke snowblower and lawn tractor? Is adding the fuel stabilizer my only option?
Good video a always Steve.
I buy gas straight out of the pump, regular, 87 octane, usually 10% ethanol, no stabilizers or any other additives, whichever station is closest. Sometimes I don't start one of my engines for over a year. I've never had a problem. Just saying
Been using premium fuel in all the Echos using Echo Power Blend extended life oil for over well over ten yrs, so far I've spent $25 on carb kits and fuel primer bulbs. One thing I always do is give the machine a shake before starting just to remix oil in tank and don't store with a full tank. Good idea for some people to use proprietary fuel.
Thanks for sharing Jimmy. Why do you not store with a full tank?
Steve, I've been doing this for four years with engineered fuel. True Fuel & Moto Mix when I get to the Stihl dealer. I've stored my walk behind, my trimmer, all my brush gear and even my zero turn mower with these fuels in the tanks all winter. Come spring everything starts on the very first go pull start items take a single pull and they are up and running. My oil in the crank case even stays cleaner at drain intervals. You've hit this right on target my friend.
Thanks for sharing
I am going back to TruFuel. I ran out and was unable to get any. I used a gallon of. Citgo 93 with Ethanol Shield. My power saw has been running like crap. Starting issues, etc. Back to TruFuel for my power saw. I am dumping the Citgo mix immediately! Thanks! I thought my saw was going funky.
I disagree with you on some points . Yeah the premixed fuel might supposedly be better for the engines . But let's be honest stihl and husqvarna get the same premimum fuel we get at the pumps and then they use the same 2 stroke oil as well . They are going to use the cheapest fuel and oil possible yet they charge the consumer an outrageous price. The real difference if anything is they mix it properly and add some additives as most homeowners dont . I'd rather buy gas station fuel and run their oil than pay $ 35 a gallon for premixed fuel . The problem with gas station fuel is its self life of 30 days before it goes stale . If you refuel the machine often and keep fresh fuel around then chances are you will be fine . The only time I run premixed fuel is right before winter I run a tank through the engine. But that's my opinion. Great video keep up the good work !
I kind of agree with you and by the way you said pre mix was $35 a gallon but it's actually $89 a gallon. If you're a large commercial outfit I can see them using it to offset maintenance costs but the regular lawnmower and weedwacker owner is not going to fork over $89 a gallon.
@@jwayne777 absolutely! I farm and do some landscaping and I know all to well the high fuel costs . We have a tractor that holds 400 gallons of fuel at $6 a gallon ! Take care !
Can you back up that statement with some kind of proof or is that your opinion?
@@markchidester6239 yeah I'm a mechanic and I've seen a few machines with issues from running premixed fuel . Now these instances were a couple of carb issues and one with a melted piston. I don't recommend running premixed fuel all the time . We run 1 tank it before we winterize the equipment. The premixed fuel can burn hotter than regular mixed fuel . Then you have to think about if it was blended properly or if the oil/fuel ratio is wrong.
Good god your talking complete bollocks.
The fuel is not like fuel from the pumps akalyte fuel has a shelf life of 5 years whereas pump gasoline/petrol lasts about 3 months if your storing an engine this give this type of fuel a huge advantage.
Love your videos. With respect to the fuel issue. I think there is a practical answer besides switching fuel. Its using an additive like Mechanic in a Bottle. Really does cleanup up the gunk, prevents surging in a mower for example, and gets rid of water.
I was pulling apart my carb and cleaning the ports due to surging (carb gunk'd up). Even found the carb to be green where I left equipment with fuel open for too long while not in use. Likely got water mixed in and mold or something grew.
I started using Mechanic in a Bottle and just add it to my fuel at beginning of season. Opened up carb and was surprised. I haven't pulled carbs off anymore because it worked. Truth be told: I haven't been using it that long, so maybe I am just lucky or it only works short-term. So far, I think its working really well. Time will tell.
Maybe you have experience with a product like that? Would love to know your thoughts.
Again, appreciate video. If additive eventually doesn't work, I'll try this. :)
Are you in America? I wonder if Australia has an equivalent to this product. Cheers 👍
Scrap that I just checked and we have the same product here lol
Hey again! great topic, thank you for bringing this up! I run 90 fuel from the pump that is ethanol free. after watching your vid i'm not even going to ask you about this gas. Doesn't the Mobile Corp tells us all the time they have all kinds of good stuff they add to their fuel that cleans our fuel injectors, Ha! But, I use Mechanic In A Bottle for my fuel and winter storage in my CS352. would love to hear you talk about MIB! I always thought i was kind of saying a blessing over my chainsaw every time i use it. ha-ha, but am I? THANKS STEVE!
Hi Steve. Just ran across your video. Thanks. Were carb diaphragms made of different material 35-40 years ago? My retired Lawnboy never had carb problems through the 1980s and 1990s. My 1986 Homelite SXL chainsaw and 1984 Jacobsen 2-cycle snowblower also never had carb problems with pump gas and are both still used today. Other equipment I purchased in the 1990s & 2000s have had numerous carb diaphragm problems. I do use TruFuel now in recently purchased chainsaw and leaf blower. Other equipment for last 5 years uses pump gas w/o ethanol + SeaFoam. I only run dry the Jacobsen.
You get what you pay for. I use motomix and love it. I also have a small yard and only use about a gallon for a whole season for my blower and trimmer so not saying I wouldn't use pump ethonal free gas if I was using much much more. Maybe just buy a quart of motomix at the end of the season?
That's what I would do!
I’ve been using the Premix. I find it starts each time much easier. For years I mixed my own, but my stuff never started as well. It’s expensive as “H” but the last thing I want is one arm longer than the other when I have work to do!!
I might go back to mixing my own considering the price of pre mix. I’ll just try to keep my gas fresh and I won’t buy large amounts..
Hi Steve, great video. Well explained. I am curious to know how your equipment faired after you winterized your equipment.
Did you do a follow up video on the results. I have a Snow blower which is only a few years old and have so many issues with starting each year. With this video I suspect its the fuel? Thanks for sharing
"Rec" gas sold around here at stations that will see traffic from boat owners - think most have been branded Sunnoco stations. The pump is usually one with blue handle - not to confuse it with altered gasoline or diesel. Prices now in the $4.59-4.79 range, but still cheaper than the cans of real gas sold at home centers (about $16-23/gallon). I still use a gas stabilizer with Rec gas as i have equipment that sees limited seasonal use like my 1978 Trac-Vac - which usually starts within two pulls after sitting for 10 months since I started using Rec gas.
Thanks for the info. I recently purchased a Stihl 361C and was running 90 octane non-ethanol fuel. That fuel worked great in my older Stihl saws - not so in my 261C. I have been told by my local Stihl dealer that my non-ethanol 90 does not have enough octane to adequately run that saw. My problem was once the saw got hot - it kept vapor locking on me - particularly on summer days. I started running the engineered fuel and it runs like a champ. I asked the dealer - what do the high fuel use arborists and loggers do. Cost of this stuff would be prohibitive. He said they run ethanol containing fuels with a higher than 90 octane rating then add an ethanol stabilizing / removing additive. Make any sense?
I installed a shut off valve on my gas line. My last run for the fall I shut the valve off and let the engine run out of gas. In the spring I open the valve. It takes a few seconds for gas to get into the carborator, but it starts right up. Works like a charm.
Man, I don't even do that. I just dump an excessive amount of seafoam in the tank, and run it for a couple mins to get it through the carbs, then top the tank off to the brim so there's no room for condensation to form. (91oct, no ethanol content fuel) Starts right up after sitting 6+ months.
Yep do not let fuel sit in carb, also if you leave fuel in tank use stabilizer, it keeps gas from turning g to varnish. I just put enough in lawn mower to get yard cut at yrs end and let tank and carb run dry. Any left in my fill can goes into car usually 1 to gallons. Buy new fuel next yr and never more than you can use in a month. Gas does not age well
Just use the lawn mower and let it run until it runs out of gas then store it.
@@rbeck3200tb40 That is what I do. The shut off valve just gives me the ability to not run all the gas out of the tank. Shut off valves are cheep and easy to instal.
Sell your equipment in fall but new in spring..
Great information Steve! It’s important to get the facts then people can make an informed decision on what fuel they want to buy. Thanks again!
You're Welcome...
Great video Steve! Thanks for the research and time put into this. Glad I subscribed! Cheers brother!
Awesome, thank you!
Have used Recreational “Rec” gas for past 4 years and solved all gas related issues. $4 gallon is peanuts compared to canned gas.
One thing I would like to add, (if I may)... years ago, 1996, I bought a new, 18” straight shaft, Husqvarna weed trimmer. I have always used “Sta-Bil” along with the 2cycle oil & fuel additive. I have ALWAYS winterized it by filling the tank completely. Now then,... by running it with both the oil and “Sta-Bil”, I have never, (knockwood) had to have it in the shop! I KNOW, I can set the choke, pull the cord 3 times, and it WILL START! I think the lesson here is, if there is NO AIR in the fuel tank, there is no room for condensation! Just my 2 cents worth. (23 year young Husky, STILL runs like it was NEW)
When I bought a new Stihl string trimmer last summer I bought two gallons if the Stihl fuel as well. The dealer said it doubles the warranty? By getting the fuel with the implement. Can't wait to get a new Stihl chainsaws this summer. Thanks for the great informative videos!!!
Great point!
Alkylate fuels are great for long storage. Just last week borrowed my father's secondary "weed eater". He told me that it had been sitting for was it almost four years in storage, including cold long Finnish winters. Popped the fuel tank open and smelled the tank and almost no odor. He said it had alkylate fuel in it and we topped it off and it was about six pulls and it almost started. With less than 20 pulls it was running and it was running just fine and it revved just fine after warmup. Just like it would've been used couple months ago. From experience I can tell that after few years I've had plenty of issues with motorcycles and other bit larger carburetor engines, pretty much always requiring complete carb cleaning. That safety thing you mentioned is no joke either. Especially with chainsaws and other handheld equipment you'll for sure inhale exhaust gasses.
Steve, are the engineered fuels actually made by the companies selling them, or do they use a petroleum refinery company to make a blend of base fuel for them, and they either put their additives in it, or do they just have the ready made product made with seller's label on it, but made by someone else? Thanks for all the info your videos provide, they have been very useful in my saw maintenance, as I'm new to it by the way.
No, the power tool companies obviously don't make these fuels. They order their products from refineries and/or fuel distributors. Alkylate gas is nothing fancy, and alkylate gas with premixed oil of the brand company's choice is not much fancier.
The fuels are mostly quite similar and at least parallel. Premix oils are different, but quite similar between good brands. Obviously non-premixed straight 4 stroke alkylate fuels are very similar and any one of them will run any lawnmower very well, without the operator having to inhale carcinogenic aromatic fumes.
I'm guessing, this applies to 2 or 4 stroke outboard motors also. Should relive the yearly overhauls on carburetors especially because of longer storage periods .
I've been using nothing but Tru Fuel in my Backpack Blower since the day I got it - Never had a problem at all over the past 7 years. Going to do the same for the new chainsaw I picked up. Since I don't do my own maintenance (other than minor things) I feel that I'm ahead in the long run. Thanks Steve for the explanation.
Right on Wayne!
Great video I’m fighting a carb issue w my sons motorcycle love the input I think the gas is the problem only one of the 2 cylinders is getting hot gotta be a fuel issue but I need to check the compression it has spark