Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Pond Boss No spill gas cans...

Here's what Briggs uses on the assembly line. Pretty interesting.

I can understand where it would be a problem in non fuel injected non computerized applications. On engines already set too lean, adding a fuel that needs to be richer is not going to help the situation.

Ran across this about Brazil that is interesting.

100% ethanol cars in Brazil

It definitely is a better fit for engines that have the ability to adjust the fuel to the application and take advantage of the higher octane of ethanol.

Before I left home (for three months) put fresh fuel with Sta-bil in all the small engines, ran them WOT for a few minutes, drained the fuel out, started them and ran the fuel out of the carb till the engine died. Have never had any problem upon return. Guess I'm just lucky. Maybe now I've jinxed it!

Edit: I said all small engines but the wood splitter and a couple chainsaws that my grandson uses while he house sits get gas left in them. They just get Stabil treated gas.

Sprkplug, I apologize and will now get off my soapbox. Thanks for all your good input on a variety of topics.

Snrub, no apology is due. I have taken no offense whatsoever, and in fact have appreciated your ability to supply factual, firsthand information rather than relying on hearsay or internet gossip. Anytime I get the chance to learn something, I'm grateful.

And I agree with you in that small engines are far more prone to suffering any ill effects attributed to alcohol fuels than are automobiles. But that's not the fault of ethanol, it's a sign of the times. Small engine technology and development typically parallels that of the automotive sector, with the exception it follows behind about 30 years. Some of what we see now in our cars and trucks will find it's way into our lawnmowers in a few decades. In fact I am certified through Kohler Engines for their EFI systems, where electronic fuel management and ECM controlled ignition systems are the norm.

The trouble as I see it, lies with the public, not so much the ethanol suppliers or engine manufacturers. Pulling up to the pump with your gas cans in tow will lead to checking the price, and under ordinary conditions E85 will supposedly be cheaper than E10 or E15. E10 paid my bills, but E85 will likely put a small engine mechanic's kids through college. There is supposed to be a large, warning decal affixed to the pump, warning consumers NOT to use the fuel in off road equipment, but many will see the cheaper price and nothing else. But again, that's not the fault of ethanol.

The technology is on the horizon in the off-road industry to allow for greater, less troublesome use of ethanol fuels. It's incorporating it into an acceptable price point for the consumer that's the sticking point.

You sir are a scholar and a gentleman, this is going to be so much cheaper than some of the fittings I was pricing out.

Thanks Sprkplug

We have a nearby station that sells non ethanol gas, and that is what I use in all my small engines, along with stabil. Once, on a long trip, I accidentally (in SW Iowa) put E85 in our (no longer owned) Ford minivan, and the check engine light came on in a few miles and stayed on for a few days.

Good info!