Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Thanks EPA:

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/10/13/2311629/mixed-reaction-to-epa-decision.html

This will play havoc with small engines. What say you?

JimmyM wrote:

The problem is that ethanol gets you less mpg for roughly the same money. So you will run your snowblower for less time per tank. It can also rot out gas lines if they aren't designed for alcohol. The only upside to ethanol is it helps the country use less gasoline. However since you also get less mpg it's virtually a wash. There are other problems with ethanol if you Google it.

  Ethanol wrecks havoc with small engines. Toro had a recall on the Power Clear 180. The alky corroded the jet needle causing a fuel leak.
http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/The-Problem-With-Ethanol-104107453.html
It allows water to enter the fuel system as well. All around its bad IMHO. In cars you get less gas mileage too.
One gallon of E100 = 76,100 BTU
One gallon pure gas = 114,100 BTU

The additional fuel consumption isn't a big deal for me. It's just a snowblower. Not a big block.
But the rotting fuel lines and corroded valves is a bit of an issue for me.

I'm considering getting a 2 stroke engine snowblower.  Would the additional ethanol have more detrimental effects on 2 stroke versus the 4 stroke?

aa335 wrote:

Here is a response from Mercury it's about boat engines, but 2 stroke models.

Can ethanol-blended fuels affect the performance of two-stroke engines?

Two-stroke outboards should experience little or no decrease in performance due to gasoline fuels containing up to 10-percent ethanol when operated according to Mercury's standard recommendations. When gasoline with ethanol is used for the first time after a fuel changeover from MTBE, the tank must be completely dry prior to introduction of gasoline with ethanol. Otherwise, phase separation could occur that could cause filter plugging or damage to the engine. If an engine is a 1990 or older model frequent inspections of all fuel-system components are advised to identify any signs of leakage, softening, hardening, swelling or corrosion. If any sign of leakage or deterioration is observed, replacement of the affected components is required before further operation.

Here is the link I grabbed it from

http://www.wmi.org/www/boating/boatboard/T27616.htm