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Old 04-24-2013, 11:43 AM
G-Benz's Avatar
G-Benz G-Benz is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Dallas/Fort-Worth
Posts: 5,711
Ethanol and 2-cycle engine issues...

Just bought a Ryobi leaf blower from an estate sale this weekend. It was pretty dirty, but I got it home and it started with a couple of pulls. However, while sitting, I noticed that it was leaking fuel. So I drained the tank and set it aside until I have a chance to open it up and diagnose later this week.

I've been reading about how the new gasoline blends with 10% (or more) ethanol ruin 2-cycle engines...specifically due to the alcohol content separating the oil from the fuel in the mix, causing friction, overheating and eventually failure.

I am also reading about its effect on gaskets, carb seals, and rubber parts deteriorating.

I haven't been aware of this until now, since my weed eaters/leaf blowers, etc. usually failed for other mechanical reasons other than engine-related issues.

Does 93 octane contain ethanol? I usually fill the mower and mix tanks with 93 since I do it when I top off one of the MBs.

Are rubber line deteriorations a common occurrence with 2-cycle engines?
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