10% Ethanol gas corrosion problem!

[yardburd]

I just got back from the parts dealer, $190 lighter. Had a big problem with my riding lawnmower. It wouldn't start reliably and when it did, it ran erratically. I traced the problem to the carburetor. "This puppy needs a rebuild" says I. "Not so", says the parts guy. "You have been using gas with ethanol in it, haven't you?" Yep, I had. Turns out that if that ethanol sits in you carb float bowl for a couple of weeks at a time, it will corrode the aluminum in the carb body to the point that the thing quits working due to leaks, etc. The $190 got me a working mower. How to prevent a recurrence? Use Sta-bil (blue) ethanol treatment. One bottle will treat 80 gallons of ethanol gasoline. No, I don't sell the stuff or own stock in the company. I spent two frustrating days fighting a machine which could not be fixed and want to spare someone else the trouble. Oh, yeah...I pulled the carb off my tiller and shredeer for inspection. The tiller runs and doesn't look too bad but the carb on the shredder looks like the aluminum termites have been at it. I didn't even try to start it. With the mower, the shredder, the chain saw and the generator, I am looking at close to $800 in parts alone. Lets see....who cause this? Oh yeah. The same wise men who want to take over our healthcare. Whoopee!

[jason1911]

Just to add a little more info, you should also be careful using ethanol/gasoline and vehicles, especially older models. There have been reported problems with fuel pump being eaten away and fuel lines corroding. You can retrofit most vehicles and even some small engines to work with this blended gas, or to run on pure ethanol. I think it involves changing out the fuel system with stainless steel parts, but I'm not 100% sure.
Just something to consider, especially if you have an old farm vehicle that doesn't get driven much. The longer the fuel sits, the more corrosion.

Jason

[Anon001]

I never use ethanol in my tiller or my pickup. Not because of corrosion but because you loose up to 25% efficiency. With the price of gasoline and ethanol so close, it ends up costing me about 15% to 20% more to run ethanol. Otherwise, I like ethanol. I just wish the cost was cheaper.

One other note. I talked to a guy with Stihl, and he said not to run ethanol in any of their products because it runs hotter than just gasoline.

Paul

[DM]

Most states already have up to 10% ethonol in the gas, and 10% is the number used, because that's the most you can run through older vehicles without problems. Problem is, the 10% DOES cause problems! I had the carbs go bad in both my 4 wheelers, it ate up the 0 rings in one of them, and the carb started leaking.

I'm told you have to use the "marine grade" of additive to be sure you won't have any problems.

DM

[rice paddy daddy]

Most states already have up to 10% ethonol in the gas, and 10% is the number used, because that's the most you can run through older vehicles without problems. Problem is, the 10% DOES cause problems! I had the carbs go bad in both my 4 wheelers, it ate up the 0 rings in one of them, and the carb started leaking.

I'm told you have to use the "marine grade" of additive to be sure you won't have any problems.

DM
Correct. Florida law mandates 10%. Correct on the marine stabilizer - Out Door Life magazine had an article on it not long ago. Seems the 10% blend melts fiberglass boat fuel tanks. When I get home tonight I'll find the article and report back.
It takes less than 30 days for the ethanol to break it's weak bond with gasoline and link itself with the water from condensation. Ethanol is also corrosive by itself.
Ethanol is a boondoggle. Your government at work!

[Oblio13]

Thanks for posting this. I had the same problem with my chain saw, and am worried about my mower, outboards, etc.

I've been looking unsuccessfully for gas with no ethanol.

I appreciate the fuel stabilizer info.

[DM]

Thanks for posting this. I had the same problem with my chain saw, and am worried about my mower, outboards, etc.

I've been looking unsuccessfully for gas with no ethanol.

I appreciate the fuel stabilizer info.

I use Husqvarna brand 2 stroke oil that comes in the -------> BLACK bottle, it already has the stabilizer in it, and i've never had one gas related problem in any of my chainsaws.

DM

[rice paddy daddy]

Outdoor life magazine had a short article on E-10 in the March 2009 issue. According to them the best additive is Star Tron by Starbrite. It has enzymes that changes the electrical bond between water and ethanol preventing phase separation for up to one year.
I recently changed from 87 octane E-10 to 89 octane E-10 in my full size pick up and had a gain from 17.3 mpg to 18.4. Engine sounds better too.

[*mitzy*]

Outdoor life magazine had a short article on E-10 in the March 2009 issue. According to them the best additive is Star Tron by Starbrite. It has enzymes that changes the electrical bond between water and ethanol preventing phase separation for up to one year.
I recently changed from 87 octane E-10 to 89 octane E-10 in my full size pick up and had a gain from 17.3 mpg to 18.4. Engine sounds better too.


Shoot, I just went and bought the marine additive this morning and now I have to use it.

When my brother heard about the water in the gasoline, he poured a gallon in a glass gallon jar and the next day there was an inch or so of water in the bottom. I don't remember if he got the gas out of truck or tiller of if it was fresh.

I have already had problems with the tiller.

What is the Starbrite and what do you mean it will last for a year?

My truck is a 1991 F150, won't I still have to use the additive even if I change to 89 octane?

BTW, my brother died in May so I am kind of on my own with these things now. My Son-in-law is a gem but he doesn't always listen to things like this.

TIA

[DM]

Shoot, I just went and bought the marine additive this morning and now I have to use it.


I wouldn't get too worried about that, as i saw an extensive article on the additives for use in small gas motors, and IT said the marine additive was best! So, there ya go... I think different magazines are going to come out with different "best", and i'll bet you that all of the top grade additives will do the job...

DM

[kawalekm]

I was wondering, for small motor equipment like chainsaws, would the best course of action be just running them till the gas goes dry and then store them empty? That would also solve the problem of the gas itself spoiling over time.
Michael

[Travis]

Spent the better part of last winter rebuilding/cleaning carbs. Oregon by law is 10% ethanol. Personally at the end of the season I run my mower dry and when summer comes fill it up. Problem I have come across is some carbs are not rebuildable, you simply buy a new one and swap it out. Great idea untill you find out the carb is as much as a new mower.