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

So I FINALLY got to use it the other day. First thing I did was shake the 2 cycle can for a few minutes to make sure it was well mixed. Then I poured it in the tank. I took my glove off and pressed the primer bulb twice covering that little nub. Turned the key to on set the choke and pulled. It started on the third pull. First time starting. Cool!
We received about 7 inches of snow.

That Quick Shoot is just down right cool. I debated whether I wanted it and a glad I splurged. I did not try the electric start.
I have a flat double concrete drive and the Toro had it done in about ten minutes. SO much easier than shoveling plus I am not getting any younger. There is a learning curve but that is part of the fun! IT does throw the snow far, it was powdery. ON the EOD is bogged down a little but did not stall. On shut down it sounds just like a Lawnboy, given the engines heritage.
I am impressed with it and would buy another.

"  He did say use 87 octane instead of 89 gas, something about the possibility of burning a valve. "

now you tell me ....put about a gallon of 89 octane gas through my 421QE  :(

alty wrote:

There was a thread on gas a while back. My dealer said to use 87 octane not higher. Air is thinner in the winter so that has an effect on it and super burns hotter to begin with.

Just purchased the 221QE from a local dealer who does work for most of pro landscapers in my area. His suggestion was 89 octane for what it's worth so that's what I'm using. Only used it twice so far with no ill effects but hopefully I got good advice and burning a valve will not be an issue. Do you have a link to that thread about fuel? Thanx.

Higher octane is for high compression engine as they are designed to detonate at high compression.  Honda and B&S small engines have around 8-9 compression ratio so these do not qualify for high compression engine so again why waste money on something that will not help at all.  But again, if using 89 or 92 octane makes you feel better, then use it.

If I understand it correctly, octane is a chemical that is added, at a cost to the buyer, to gasoline to make it less flammable.  It is a combustion retardant to allow the gas/air mixture to be compressed to a greater amount without pre-igniting due to heat etc. and making the engine knock or fight itself.  In other words, regular low octane gas burns better, more flammable.  Don't use an octane rating higher than what the engine maker calls for.

Please correct me if I am off on this.  Just a rookie.

I'm hoping that the advice I received from my dealer,whom i trust, to use the 89 octane is founded in their experience with these engines. The small difference in cost for the amount of fuel I will use each year is worth it for my peace of mind especially considering my lack of experience with these engines.

This is a real issue for car owners as well.  I have been listening to Car Talk and those MIT grads say it is waste of money to buy gasoline above the required limit.  If your engine requires minimum of 86 octane than there is no need for anything higher.  There is a lot of old myths passed on from one generation to the next.  Again, if it makes you feel better go for it.  It is only money.

The cost difference is not a big deal; I would just rather go with what the engine maker specifies to attain the best burn efficiency (hopefully equaling max power) and most importantly engine longevity.

I used to sell products to refineries and automakers. It was explained to me that each gallon of gas contains the same amount of energy. The formulations are changed to alter the ignition temperature. The higher the octane value in the formulation the higher the ignition temperature. Higher octane is required for high compression engines to eliminate pre-ignition which results in engine knock. Using higher octane than recommended by the engine manufacturer will not provide any performance improvement nor will it prolong the life of the engine. Buying higher octane than is recommended by the engine manufacturer is spending extra money and receiving nothing in return.

"Buying higher octane than is recommended by the engine manufacturer is spending extre money and receiving nothing in return."

These same people will also buy over-priced synthetic oil and realize no advantage from that either.  It's a mental exercise to slay demons that don't exist. 

It's a dealer's job to hoodwink inexperienced customers into buying their expensive wares such as$15.00 qt. synthetic oil, $10.00 spark plugs, etc.  because that's where the money is.   Why a dealer would recommend fuel with higher octane unnecessarily is beyond me?  Maybe he has stocks in the octane chemical business??

I'm forever perplexed why people participate in these forums, receive perfectly sound advice/guidance, yet continue to be lulled into the dealership smoke and mirrors routines.

Why bother asking if you're not going to heed the advice from those with real world experience?