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

I have used the   10% ethanol/ 90% gasoline mixture in the 4 cycle engines in my snowblowers, lawn mowers , tractors , trucks and cars .with no apparent problems . I haven't owned a chainsaw  for about  12 years, but recently purchased a Poulin 3416. I didn't know if I should use the 10/90  in it . I am using  the Poulin oil , 40-1 mixture.   I bought  premium gas as it contains  no ethanol and have been using it, although it is more expensive.  Just wondering if I should try the 10/90 in it.

 Thanks

When I purchased my string trimmer,back pack blower and hedge trimmer the dealer made a big deal about using premium grade fuel in these 2 stroke applications. He said it will prevent carbon build up and detonation. I have done so based on not using that much fuel over a season so the $ didn't make much of a difference. I did ask the local landscaper and he said he uses regular grade in all his machines but had heard of the 2 stroke/premium protocol.

The manuals for my Echo units call for 89 octane and higher that may contain up to 15% MTBE. It specificly states that alcohol fuels are NOT approved. Well-There is no longer any fuel available with MTBE and all the fuel in NY where I reside contains alcohol.

My point is the use of which fuel grade and why is not really clear based on what manuals call for /real world experience.

While I use  premium the only thing I believe anyone is sure of is alcohol added to gas will cause the old style fuel lines to break down. Use what you want but make sure the lines are of the TYGON variety.

Marc