In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Removing ethanol from petrol

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by Kimberly, Aug 10, 2017.

  1. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    Has anyone removed the ethanol from petrol and used the resulting fuel in saws and other small 2cycle engines? From what I have seen, it is best to use premium gasoline because removing the ethanol reduces the octane level. How important is octane level in chainsaws?
     
  2. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    I always use 89 (ported and non ported).
     
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  3. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    Better/easier to use a ethanol treatment additive IMO...or just buy E free fuel.
    High octane fuel is only needed if your saw has high compression...many (most?) stock saws run fine on 87 octane. Contrary to popular belief, high octane fuel will not give you more power. High octane fuel is only needed to control pre-ignition detonation in "hot" saws
     
  4. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    It's hard to explain that to those not knowledgeable. Very true though. My BIL insists on buying premium fuel for all his vehicles because it's better... Ugh. I don't even try anymore.
     
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  5. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    I can buy ethanol free fuel but they have really jumped in the price difference. My friend told me that the ethanol in the fuel deteriorates the fuel lines in the saws. I did have to replace the fuel lines in my echo weedwhacker.
     
  6. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    Do you let them sit for long periods unused? And in a non climate controlled environment?
     
  7. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    I inherited the echo weedwhacker from my sister and I don't know the use it had before coming to me. It had running issues but my friend worked with it and got it running again. I only have had the weedwhacker two years. I drain the fuel during the winter months when the weedwhacker will be sitting in the shed resting for the winter. This spring it started acting funny; wanting to cut off if angled a certain way and I inspected and found the fuel lines bad. I ordered a new set; filter, rubber grommet etc and that solved the problem. My friend said the ethanol deteriorates fuel lines after a certain amount of time.
     
  8. Kimberly

    Kimberly

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    Yes on the non climate control environment; the temperature and humidity in the shed is the same as what is outside; maybe a bit cooler in the shed during the summer.
     
  9. Casper

    Casper

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    Before I started tearing into saws I paid a shop to replace the crank seals and fuel line on my brother's 026 Pro. The saw only had 20ish hours on it but wouldn't run under load due to an air leak. Ethanol was the reason the shop gave me. I now only use ethanol free gas. Luckily we live close to lake Erie and boaters seem to demand ethanol free so there are plenty on options to grab 5 gallons in our regular travel.
     
  10. JMSSAWS

    JMSSAWS

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    Manufacturers recommend a higher octane because it's generally better has but it's not needed for a saw.

    I have seen a handful of saws that were detonating but it was from bad gas not low octane.

    Bad gas has to be at the top of the list of saw killers.
     
  11. Horkn

    Horkn

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    I run ethanol gas in all my stuff, even my 2 strokes. I've been running it for 20+ years. It works fine, and the saws are designed to be able to run e10.


    If you let it sit a long time, you can run into issues, but there's no need to worry.
     
  12. 94BULLITT

    94BULLITT

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    I run ethanol fuel in all of my 2 cycle (and 4 mix) equipment and I have not had a fuel related problem.
     
  13. JMSSAWS

    JMSSAWS

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    I run 87 e10 and have never had trouble.
    If it sits a long time with any gas your going to have problems.
     
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  14. 94BULLITT

    94BULLITT

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    Yeah, so many people think that e free gas last forever.
     
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  15. greendohn

    greendohn

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    Eye run hi octane fuel and toss a little ethanol shield in my fuel mix.
     
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  16. JMSSAWS

    JMSSAWS

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    How high?
     
  17. greendohn

    greendohn

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    91 octane, 50:1
    Ran Jonsered fuel mix for years and years, bought a 6 pack of Red Armor when it 1st came to market,,currently running Stihl dino.
     
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  18. brenndatomu

    brenndatomu

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    I'd just ignore all this if it isn't true...even better, just hit the ignore button. Gettin tired of readin about it all over around here lately
     
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  19. Scotty Overkill

    Scotty Overkill Administrator

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    I'm gonna tell you right here and right now guys, this bullchit isn't going to carry on here. PERIOD.

    This site isn't going to turn into a free-for-all, on every other post. My finger is on the BAN button. We put in MANY HOURS of volunteer time to keep this a good place, just so you understand that.
     
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  20. Grizzly Adam

    Grizzly Adam null

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    I cleaned up this thread, now let's stay on topic. If you want to fight go elsewhere, you're not doing it in this ring!
     
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