Octane

[Mark Page]

I was on the Husky site today and they strongly urge the use of 89 octane fuel in all their small engines. Although they didn't come right out and say so, I got the impression that the higher grade fuel was capable of keeping the alcohol supended longer and that shaking the gas cans now and again would also help.
I searched around a bit and learned that some Premium fuel (92+ octane) dosen't contain ethanol.
I think that one way or another I'm going to start using premium gas in my small engines.
Hey with premium gas I can bump back the timing, put higher compression pistons in, maybe go with a HE Ignition System and maybe headers and an intake.

 

[piller]

We have a few local stations that sell 100% gasoline, no ethanol, so I buy premium 100% gas for my chainsaws and such.

 

[arlen4720]

We have a few local stations that sell 100% gasoline, no ethanol, so I buy premium 100% gas for my chainsaws and such.

Around here (Minnesota) many BP stations carry "non Oxy" premium. It doesn't have ethanol. That's what I put in everything but my car.

 

[Steave]

I live in GA and I think all stations have to sell ethanol. I thought it was some kinda law or something. I'll have to check into it as I'd rather use straight gasoline.

 

[arlen4720]

I live in GA and I think all stations have to sell ethanol. I thought it was some kinda law or something. I'll have to check into it as I'd rather use straight gasoline.

It's the law here in MN also, but there is an exception for small engines and "classic" vehicles.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I live in GA and I think all stations have to sell ethanol. I thought it was some kinda law or something. I'll have to check into it as I'd rather use straight gasoline.

Hopefully this marginal environmental ploy and laws supporting it will go away with this years corn shortage. But then ... thats not politics. :confused3:
larry

 

[sailorman]

I use 89 octane non-ethanol in my stilh chain saw . Tried 87 ethanol gas once . Chain saw ran rough and hot

 

[bcjmmac]

From what I've read, you shouldn't use gasoline containing ethanol in any 2/4 stroke engine as the alcohol can cause extensive corrosion. As such, I started using premium gas in my lawn mover, chain saw, etc, since that is the only grade that is guaranteed not to have ethanol in it.
My brother is a mechanic & he recommends mid-premium grade for our car as well. He has been told that gas with ethanol gives 5-10% less gas mileage than straight gas with the same octane rating.

 

[bigdad]

I always used Shell 93 Octane for small engines etc then they started putting Ethanol in it. Rather hard to find non-Ethanol gas in my area. I support Ethanol production as many of my friends and neighbors are producers, but I don't like the repairs etc.

A small engine mechanic told me that the ethanol breaks down the plastics in fuel pumps etc.

From what I've read, you shouldn't use gasoline containing ethanol in any 2/4 stroke engine as the alcohol can cause extensive corrosion. As such, I started using premium gas in my lawn mover, chain saw, etc, since that is the only grade that is guaranteed not to have ethanol in it.
My brother is a mechanic & he recommends mid-premium grade for our car as well. He has been told that gas with ethanol gives 5-10% less gas mileage than straight gas with the same octane rating.

 

[masscity]

Either my Husky chainsaw or weedwacker requires mid grade, but my Champion 3500/4000 generator said do not use high octane gas.

I buy mid grade for everything, but my Chevy pickup.