Ethanol & Small Engines…The Real Story

MYTH: It is unsafe to use ethanol in my lawn mower/weed eater/small engine.
The real story: All small engine manufacturers in the United States approve the use of E10 (10 percent ethanol, 90 percent gasoline) in their equipment.

MYTH: Ethanol deteriorates fuel lines.
The real story: According to Oklahoma State University, highly aromatic additives, like benzene used to increase octane, are more corrosive to plastic components than ethanol.

MYTH: E10 goes bad in my outdoor power equipment.
The real story: Today’s fuel (ethanol enriched or not) has a short shelf life. Many manufacturers recommend storing fuel no longer than 30-60 days unless a stabilizer is used. After this point, gasoline starts producing gums and varnish in your fuel system, possibly harming the engine. Fuel containers should also be sealed to improve longevity.

5 Facts You Should Know

  1. Ethanol burns cleaner and cooler than gasoline.
  2. Benzene used to increase octane in straight gasoline is more corrosive to more plastics than ethanol.
  3. An E10* blend cannot absorb enough moisture out of the air to cause phase separation.
  4. Gasoline varnishes and should not be stored for more than 60 days without stabilizer chemicals.
  5. Water separation is a problem regardless of fuel type and is more likely to occur in straight gasoline than in an ethanol blend.

 Learn more about ethanol and small engines in the following video from Fueling Truth:

 Additional Links

Run Safe With Ethanol, Missouri Corn

Ethanol Gasoline Blends and Small Engines, Oklahoma State University