Ethanol Free gas at Minge Cove

retired · 07-01-2025, 12:19 PM

Someone recently told me that they use ethanol free gas in their lawn equipment, and it runs better. Any truth to this?

TomC · 07-01-2025, 05:22 PM

I use ethanol-free in all my engines that do not get used nearly daily. I do not find that they don't run better on ethanol-free vs fresh gasoline with 10% ethanol... the benefit comes from it not attracting water (hygroscopic), which will make the engine hard to start or run poorly (and possibly rust the fuel tank or engine components). Alcohol can also attack carburetor parts in machines designed to run on ethanol-free fuel. I can tell you that my yard equipment always starts on the first or second pull when stored with ethanol-free fuel with a stabilizer.

Ethanol-free fuel has 3-4% more energy than 10% ethanol gasoline... is that perceptible enough to notice an engine running better? Maybe...

TheTimeTraveler · 07-01-2025, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retired

Someone recently told me that they use ethanol free gas in their lawn equipment, and it runs better. Any truth to this?

Can't tell you for sure. But I will say that I always run premium fuel in my lawnmower and it always starts and runs like a charm (but maybe that's because it is a Honda).

retired · 07-01-2025, 08:39 PM

My experience has been that I've always used regular gas from the gas station in my equipment and in my 1985 Century with a 350 cubic inch V8 and never had a problem. Can someone convince me otherwise?

TomC · 07-02-2025, 05:14 AM

It's like religion, or Ford vs Chevy. If you are entrenched in your position, you aren't going to be convinced to change your allegiance. You have been given an explanation as to why ethanol-free fuel is beneficial and if you Google it you'll be busy reading about the pros/cons for the next day or two. You will have to decide for yourself if the extra dollar or two per gallon is worth it...

Cobalt 25 · 07-16-2025, 06:37 AM

I have always used pump gas for all of my gasoline engined equipment including cars, motorcycles, boats, chain saw, and trimmer. A couple of years ago I bought a 1968 Gravely brush-hog and was told ethanol-free fuel only. I have been fortunate enough to be able to do just that. It all works!

07-02-2025, 05:14 AM	#5
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 748 Thanks: 29 Thanked 141 Times in 91 Posts	It's like religion, or Ford vs Chevy. If you are entrenched in your position, you aren't going to be convinced to change your allegiance. You have been given an explanation as to why ethanol-free fuel is beneficial and if you Google it you'll be busy reading about the pros/cons for the next day or two. You will have to decide for yourself if the extra dollar or two per gallon is worth it... Last edited by TomC; 07-02-2025 at 07:05 AM.

07-01-2025, 12:19 PM	#1
retired Senior Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Belmont, NH Posts: 145 Thanks: 2 Thanked 70 Times in 41 Posts	Someone recently told me that they use ethanol free gas in their lawn equipment, and it runs better. Any truth to this?

07-01-2025, 05:22 PM	#2
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 748 Thanks: 29 Thanked 141 Times in 91 Posts	I use ethanol-free in all my engines that do not get used nearly daily. I do not find that they don't run better on ethanol-free vs fresh gasoline with 10% ethanol... the benefit comes from it not attracting water (hygroscopic), which will make the engine hard to start or run poorly (and possibly rust the fuel tank or engine components). Alcohol can also attack carburetor parts in machines designed to run on ethanol-free fuel. I can tell you that my yard equipment always starts on the first or second pull when stored with ethanol-free fuel with a stabilizer. Ethanol-free fuel has 3-4% more energy than 10% ethanol gasoline... is that perceptible enough to notice an engine running better? Maybe...

The Following User Says Thank You to TomC For This Useful Post:
Electric man (07-01-2025)

07-01-2025, 08:39 PM	#4
retired Senior Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Belmont, NH Posts: 145 Thanks: 2 Thanked 70 Times in 41 Posts	My experience has been that I've always used regular gas from the gas station in my equipment and in my 1985 Century with a 350 cubic inch V8 and never had a problem. Can someone convince me otherwise?

07-16-2025, 06:37 AM	#6
Cobalt 25 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 229 Thanks: 229 Thanked 36 Times in 20 Posts	I have always used pump gas for all of my gasoline engined equipment including cars, motorcycles, boats, chain saw, and trimmer. A couple of years ago I bought a 1968 Gravely brush-hog and was told ethanol-free fuel only. I have been fortunate enough to be able to do just that. It all works!