Steven,
Thank you for your question at Answer Army. Your assumption is correct that 10% Ethanol fuels can be used in this product. If E-10 is used then we recommend that the gasohol is always fresh and that it does not remain in the unit more than 30 days. That means winterizing of the unit is necessary when using gasohol. Please read the following Warning label that was pulled from a blowers Owner's Manual regarding this topic.
WARNING: Alternative fuels (not gasoline)such as E--15 (15% alcohol), E--20 (20% alcohol), E--85 (85% alcohol) are NOT classified as gasoline and are NOT approved for use in 2--stroke gasoline engines. Use of alternative fuels will cause problems such as: improper clutch engagements, overheating, vapor lock, power loss, lubrication deficiency, deterioration of fuel lines, gaskets and internal carburetor components, etc. Alternative fuels cause high moisture absorption into the fuel/oil mixture leading to oil and fuel separation.
Thank you again for using Answer Army.
With the high cost of gasoline today I never mix more fuel with syn oil than I can use in a month. Figure out some dating system that works for you on your stored gas (ie, without mixed oil) and then when it is 4-6 weeks old, just add it to your car's gas tank (I'm talking about gas with no oil mixed) . Even if it is 6 weeks old it will still work fine in your vehicles gas tank. Then purchase new gas for your 2 cycle blower. This advice is good for ALL 2 cycle engines. A pain in the neck, but this is the price we have to pay when using "up to 10% ethanol " in our gasoline.
Also if I'm not going to use the 2 cycle machine for more than a couple of months (snow blowers, boat outboard motors come to mind), I run the gas tank dry. Alcohol laced gasoline left in the fuel system is just asking for trouble (it breaks down & also attracts water). You can buy additives to stabilize Ethanol blended gasoilne, but they are not cheap & will not make the gasoline last forever.
Note: Some friends are using 89% (mid grade) octane in their 2 cycle machines for better engine performance... but still follow the advice above. Try to buy your gas from a gas station that receives fresh fuel often (weekly). Some small gas stations 'out in the country' may have old fuel in their tanks even before you buy it. As for your own vehicle just follow the owners manual about proper fuel grade.
Sandy Reinauer
Steven,
Thank you for your question at Answer Army. Your assumption is correct that 10% Ethanol fuels can be used in this product. If E-10 is used then we recommend that the gasohol is always fresh and that it does not remain in the unit more than 30 days. That means winterizing of the unit is necessary when using gasohol. Please read the following Warning label that was pulled from a blowers Owner's Manual regarding this topic.
WARNING: Alternative fuels (not gasoline)such as E--15 (15% alcohol), E--20 (20% alcohol), E--85 (85% alcohol) are NOT classified as gasoline and are NOT approved for use in 2--stroke gasoline engines. Use of alternative fuels will cause problems such as: improper clutch engagements, overheating, vapor lock, power loss, lubrication deficiency, deterioration of fuel lines, gaskets and internal carburetor components, etc. Alternative fuels cause high moisture absorption into the fuel/oil mixture leading to oil and fuel separation.
Thank you again for using Answer Army.