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?

I've seen gas stations advertize that they sell non-ethanol gasoline. If you're worried I'd look for one of those. Boaters like non-ethanol gasoline.

I just rebuilt the fuel system of an older chainsaw (late 80's/early 90's) and the fuel lines had turned to mush. The guy at the parts counter told me it was from ethanol. Basically, I had to replace every rubber line on it.

Julio,

The fuel lines in these small 2 cycle items have a gooey type plastic that slowly turns to goo when ethanol contacts it. If there is a good, full line hardware store near you, you can get replacement fuel line by the foot that is a translucent orange color. It looks like fishing line or something. It will stand up quite well to the ethanol fuel.

If you can't find it anywhere near you, get the size of the line(s) and let me know. Out here in the boonies, we have a couple of old fashioned hardware stores that has everything you can imagine and I know I can get it there. With my Moms health being what it is, we come to the metroplex most weekends and could meet you somewhere and give it to you.

You can google something like "Mogas STC" and come up with websites that will search for ethanol free fuel by zip code. This can in come cases be used for small aircraft, and that's why you'll find it under that string.

Here is a website that lists stations that sell non-ethanol gas.

Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

I have a 4 yr old Stihl chain saw that I had to replace the carb and piston because of ethanol. I only run non ethanol gas in it now and no, just because it says 93 octane does not mean it is ethanol free.

Yes, octane rating has nothing to do with whether or not it contains ethanol, although it might change the quantity contained.

Thanks for that link. I found one right down the street from where I store my boat.

I wish I were so lucky. Nearest one is 20 miles.

Lots of info here......http://www.goldeagle.com/engine_care/411onethanol.aspx

The boat forums are all over ethanol. Very bad stuff. Can eat away older fiberglass fuel tanks inside large yachts and fill the bilge with gasoline. And small engine manufacturers are totally against it. You would think there would be a lobby trying to get this crap taken out.

My 6.3 ran like crap, ethanol made it run at least 10% too lean and the mechanical injection pumps have no way to adjust. I would expect CIS has the same problem.

Almost all manufacturers of marine engines have stated that if ethanol goes over 10% it will void ALL engine warranties.

And the damage and problems with our motor vehicles is only a PORTION of the problem involved with ethanol laced gasoline. We are burning part of our food supply. Has anyone noticed the rise in grocery prices since this nonsense began? There are some fat cats in farm country that are enjoying the profits and gooberment subsidies though.

Rising corn prices effect most food products at the grocery store. Corn is fed to most any livestock that is commonly consumed as food. Have you priced a steak, a ham or chicken lately?

here is what I do.

it might be a hassle for most but in any case...

I burn off all the fuel before I put it away. Everytime.
So if it is not being used, the carb is not soaking in the ethanol fuel.
Problem solved.

On four cycle OPE engines, that would indeed solve the problem in most of them Ben. With the little two strokes like GBenz is asking about, the fuel line extends into the fuel tank. Pouring the fuel OUT every time would serve to do what you recommend in such cases though.

Fortunately there is very little fuel in the tank, but if you use the really good 2 cycle oil, you would be pouring it out as well, and the stuff costs several bucks a gallon for the oil to mix with the several bucks of fuel.

I follow Bens advice to a point. On my Bad Boy zero turn, it has two tanks with fuel shutoffs at the bottom of each. I use fuel from one tank at a time. If I am going to store the mower for the Winter, I turn off both tanks and run it until it dies, this emptying the carburetor and fuel lines. I've had it since '04 I think, and it is still going strong with that approach. No fuel line or any other fuel system part replacement, YET.

My chain saws and line trimmer get the tanks emptied if I suspect I won't be running it for awhile.