Gas/Methanol.....Your Cure?

[Scotty370]

I just chimed in on the chainsaw thread below. then noticed all the "Won't start out of storage.." Runs rough, "...worked great before.." and related posts! Thought I'd start a Thread to put all your 'brain-power' in one spot! Any cures for this government mandated crap that they make us use? Stabil, Seafoam, etc. ~Scotty

Edit: As Dodge Man correctly pointed out, I meant Ethanol, but couldn't edit title!

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Even the diesel has been tampered with. I would buy a diesel chainsaw if one could be made small enough..

 

[RavensRoost]

I think the best medicine for saws is to not store them between seasons with fuel in the tank or carb: fire it up, stop, dump fuel, start again, use choke to keep running as long as you can without touching throttle until gas is gone. (Don't be "blipping" it as it will be running mighty lean towards the end.) Besides corroding carbs, it tends to melt fuel lines and filters.

For operating, I have tried racing and aviation gas, but have gone full circle back to 91 octane pump gas (best I can find here) with the 10% ethanol and only keep it for 30 days. If I have any left after 30 days, it goes into Mule, Jeep, lawnmower, etc.. Major brand mix oils also include a stabilizer, but likely not effective at preventing issues ethanol causes.

Keep gas mix fresh and do not store saw between seasons with gas onboard and you will be OK.

Would be interested in hearing reports about effectiveness of Stabil's "marine" additive in chainsaws, is supposed to help with ethanol issues in watercraft.

 

[Bigkrank]

Do what everybody around here does, go to the airport and buy 100LL avgas. Use it in all chainsaws, weedeaters, generators, small engines, antique tractors, ect. No varnish from it. Everything starts on the second pull in the spring. I've used it for 15 years.

 

[JRobyn]

When you travel AWAY from the major metro areas, bring a 5 gallon can, keep an eye out for those rural gas stations with "NO ETHANOL" signs, and stock up. Hey, maybe I can start re-selling some to my urban buddies!

- Jay

 

[dodge man]

Its really turning into a pain in the butt in my opinion. I can find gas without ethanol in my area, but you really have to watch and make sure of what you are getting. At best, gas lasts maybe 3 months. I can't find diesel in my area that doesn't have biodiesel in it. In the summer I don't think thats a problem. In the two winters I have had my tractor, I have had my fuel filters clog up. I don't know if its gelling or just dirty, and I treat my fuel also.

BTW I think you meant ethanol. Methanol is pretty corrasive and I don't thinks its really offered anywhere.

 

[blueone]

I use Sta-Bil :thumbsup: in everything that uses gas and have no problems. In fact my splitter had a half tank from last year early 09 and started on the 2nd pull in November same with my Stihl saws, brush-cutters etc. I think it also makes things run better overall. IMO. Wouldn't run any small engine with out it including my 60HP outboard jet motor on my river boat.

 

[MMagis]

Let’s be honest, gummed up carbs have been a problem with storing untreated 2 stroke fuel long before ethanol. You can't blame it all on the fuel.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Best thing to do is use Sta-bil Marine formula. Its a 20oz or so bottle for $10 but treats 80 gallons. I have been in the boat and small engine light maintenance world for 20 years and its the best thing I have found. The red Sta-bil just does not cut it anymore.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

When you travel AWAY from the major metro areas, bring a 5 gallon can, keep an eye out for those rural gas stations with "NO ETHANOL" signs, and stock up. Hey, maybe I can start re-selling some to my urban buddies!

- Jay

Not sure about your state but mine now requires 10% ethanol in all fuel except for marinas and airports and 5% bio in the diesel as of Jan 1. Many switched over 2-3 years ago.

Chris