Ethanol damage to small engines is a very real and serious problem. While ethanol blended fuels are designed to improve engine performance and reduce emissions, they can also cause damage to small engines if not used correctly. Here are four tips to prevent ethanol damage to your small engine:
1. Use fresh fuel: Ethanol blended fuels have a shorter shelf life than regular gasoline. This means that they can start to break down and form deposits more quickly. As a result, it’s important to use fresh fuel in your small engine and to avoid using any fuel that’s been sitting in the tank for more than a few weeks.
2. Store fuel properly: Storing fuel properly is also important for preventing ethanol damage. You should store all of your fuel – both regular gasoline and ethanol blended fuels – in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you need to store fuel for longer periods of time, consider using a stabilizer which will help keep the fuel fresh longer.
3. Use the correct grade of oil: Using the wrong grade of oil can also lead to ethanol damage in small engines. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer of your engine before adding oil, as different types of engines require different grades of oil depending on their design (two-stroke or four-stroke). Generally speaking, most small engines require an SAE30W oil for best performance and protection against ethanol damage.