johnl
Collector wannabe
Posts: 14
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Post by johnl on Mar 8, 2008 22:12:25 GMT -5
Just wondering what gas you are using with old saws? I don't like using ethanol but more or less all I can get here is E-10, ie 10% ethanol. It supposedly likes to eat certain plastics, rubber, etc that were made before ethanol was used. Any body using this stuff had problems with fuel lines, gaskets etc?
In Colorado they started using either ethanol or something else called MTBE in the 80's as a form of "oxygenator" to reduce hydrocarbon pollution, but only during the winter months. In the summer you could still get straight gasoline. Then they realized MTBE was very poisonous and had a way of getting into water systems through the ground, so they banned it, and used only ethanol as an oxygenator. Around 2002 or so the EPA decided there was no proof that oxygenated fuels actually did anything, so they dropped the requirement to use it. About the same time, the ethanol subsidies to the corn growers and distillers took off, and then we had E-10 all year round. I figure that after the subsidy from the govt, ethanol is cheaper than gasoline so is used now as a filler at 10%. .... Anyhow, anyone running it and having any problems?
Much Thanks
John
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srrc
Groundie
Posts: 2
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Post by srrc on Mar 9, 2008 6:10:58 GMT -5
Ethanol blend fuel destroys xl 925 fuel lines very nicely , 92+ octane seems to be all right,I try to run the better grade of fuel, most 87-89 reg fuel won`t start a good fire.
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Post by edgeandengine on Mar 9, 2008 7:57:54 GMT -5
10% blend is the maximum recommended by most 2-cycle equipment manufacturers now.
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angel
Collector
Posts: 75
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Post by angel on Mar 9, 2008 10:29:59 GMT -5
I usually go to Mobil, Speedway or BP stations for my fuel here, Mobil seems to have the highest quality fuel and are usually the most expensive in town, and Mobil's Premium is actually 93 octane as opposed to the 91-92 octane crap other stations smell, and it actually smells like real gas too.
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Post by RBW on Mar 9, 2008 12:27:42 GMT -5
Sunoco 94 when I can get it.
I dont worry too much about the lines and such getting eaten as I dont store saws or other equipment with gas in them for more than a week or so.
I run all of my saws dry when I put them up.
.
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Post by woodburner44 on Mar 10, 2008 18:05:41 GMT -5
Don't know what is best. I use the highest octane name brand (EXON, etc.) that I can find. Just as important...what oil are you guys using? I use the old Homelite Premium 32:1 or Castrol 2-Cycle oil mixed 32:1. I am afraid to try the 50:1 mixes.
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Post by OBR on Mar 10, 2008 18:57:52 GMT -5
Cenex regular 87octane, have run it forever. Oil: TSC two stroke oil mixed at 32:1.
BTW: Here in Iowa we have had E-10 readily availiable since the early to mid 90's, maybe earlier cant remember.
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Post by rowdy235 on Jun 3, 2008 22:27:15 GMT -5
Luckily in Oregon the cheap places still sell non-blended fuel, though most of the brands have went to E-10. I run unblended 89 octane with Good quality (mostly Poulan and Stihl) two-stroke oil mixed at 32:1, ran some 50:1 but was worried of saw damage so the next gallon I got some 32:1
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angel
Collector
Posts: 75
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Post by angel on Jun 5, 2008 17:37:16 GMT -5
I think you can get away with using 50:1 if you're using good oil like Stihl HP or Husky XP. I've run 50:1 in my old Toro leaf blower for awhile now and it seems to work just fine. It's far worse to be running too lean on the high side, even if you're running a 16:1 ratio, too lean on the high screw will kill a saw. But maybe I have read too many oil threads from the other forum.
And I agree on running the best gas I can find, the extra cost is pretty insignificant for the quantities I use for my 2-strokes, the 4 stroke stuff can run on the cheap crap but they get Mobil 1 at every oil change!
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Post by biggreen on Jun 5, 2008 19:44:05 GMT -5
I'm using 100LL avgas in my saws. I use it in all my aircooled engines. It might be a little hard on the mufflers because of the lead, but the equipment runs really well. On top of that, the exhaust doesn't smell too bad either. I'm running a 32:1 mix in the saws and weedeater and 50:1 in my S---- leafblower. I figure if it works in all those light aircraft flying overhead, it will work for me with my feet on the ground, plus I don't have to worry about any ethanol in the gas! BigGreen
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Post by billg on Jun 6, 2008 0:10:05 GMT -5
................................About the same time, the ethanol subsidies to the corn growers and distillers took off, and then we had E-10 all year round. ........................................... Much Thanks John Please tell me where you got that information. There are no subsidies to corn growers tied to ethanol. There are some advantages for the ethanol distiller not the producer. Bill
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Post by OBR on Jun 6, 2008 8:44:14 GMT -5
billg is absolutely right. We as growers get no subsidy for selling corn to the ethanol industry. Granted farmers in general do get a subsidy, but it is in no way related to corn production or the ethanol industry. As far as running ethanol I have been running it in cars for many many years with no adverse affects. Though we try to stray away from it in small engines due to the affect it can have on fuel lines, etc.
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Post by RandyMac on Jun 6, 2008 11:02:44 GMT -5
We have have faux gasoline in CA for years, I run my old classics on AV gas, big bucks, but then so are carb kits. My high proformance Macs love it.
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Post by billg on Jun 7, 2008 0:43:09 GMT -5
Folks can knock ethanol and not offend me. I know it has problems. It is not the saving grace some would say it is. I personally do not run it in older engines. I do run it in all gas vehicles. The E-85 looked like a great boon but the mileage drop is always equal to the price difference thus it is a wash. Now if anyone thinks farmers get a a subsidy for ethanol then give me a call. I will gladly discuss it. By the way most have no real knowledge of how the US Farm Program works. They just hear a snibit on the news and take it to be gospel. Anyone want to argue the merits of the 1985 Farm Bill lets start a thread over in the "wrecking room". Many have no idea what that did for this country. A true sportsman and farmer does. Sorry if my post seems like a rant but when I get excited I tend to go on. Now back on topic I will be running about 800 miles in the next 36Hrs and it will all be fueled by ethanol. I will check back in Sunday night when I get home.
Bill
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Post by OBR on Jun 7, 2008 9:29:54 GMT -5
Bill, I couldnt agree more. Though ethanol is not the ultimate solution it is a start. For anyone who can put together an engine if you raise your comp. to around 11:1 your milage with ethanol (85%) will be on par with regular gasoline this is because of ethanol's higher octane rating. I dont think most people realize that when you say "ethanol" you are saying "ALCOHOL" Ethanol is ethyl alcohol-a high performance fuel for use in high performance (hi-comp) engines. But in flex fuel vehicles the comp. is still low enough for regular pump gas (87 octane) thus killing ethanol's efficiency.
As far as the 1985 Farm Bill I also could not agree more as the 80's economy almost killed my father's farming operation and the bill was one reason he is still in business today. -obr
p.s. sorry if im off track ;D
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Post by billg on Jun 9, 2008 1:49:47 GMT -5
I just got back tonight from running up into the corner of northwest corner of Iowa near the MN and SD borders It was all fueled by 10% ethanol. My mileage was very good on the way out during the high winds. I have not filled up on the return trip yet.
As for the "85" farm bill the CRP program was one of the best things ever created for those of us honestly concearned with soil conservation and improving wildlife habitat.
On another sidenote. Oldbigred I see you are in SW IA. I wish you were on SE IA as then you could attend some of my saw get togethers.
Bill
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Post by rowdy235 on Jun 9, 2008 17:36:38 GMT -5
in Oregon, stations are allowed to sell unblended fuel for boat/air use. Not every station has them, but like marinas have it. I get a can at the marina for my mowers/saws/weedwackers.
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Post by OBR on Jun 9, 2008 19:37:08 GMT -5
really? here in iowa we have had ethanol blends for as long as anyone and we still have unblended at most gas stations. sure its only 87 octane but it contain no ethanol.
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Post by rowdy235 on Jun 9, 2008 22:24:01 GMT -5
yeah, its mandatory in 2009 for Oregon Stations to sell all E10
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Post by billg on Jun 10, 2008 0:50:14 GMT -5
yeah, its mandatory in 2009 for Oregon Stations to sell all E10 I belive Cali is the same way but race gas is still available. I find it hard to belive none of the stations sell Cam2 or Turbo Blue? Where are racers getting their gas? Here we can roll into the local gas station and fuel up a Late Model. Bill
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