Gasoline
Gasoline is probably the first fuel that comes to mind when we think about what goes in our lawn mowers and snow blowers. But did you know that all gasoline is not the same? Different blends for summer and winter, gas with ethanol and ethanol-free, all can affect your power equipment in ways different than in your automobile.
Storing Gasoline
When stored, gasoline can start to chemically break down in just a few weeks. Since your have to fill your car up regularly, this isn’t a problem for auto engines. But for your power equipment, such as gas for mowers, that may be used far more infrequently, this can lead to engine problems. The fuel that is in your gas can, especially if it’s a large container, will start to form gummy and lacquer-like compounds that can wreak havoc on the small fuel lines in your equipment engines. This will restrict the flow of gas feeding the engine, leading to reduced performance or even failure. When this happens, it is advisable to use a fuel additive to help clear the lines.
Ethanol Blend Gasoline
The majority of gasoline sold in the USA is an ethanol blend of some form. Most gasoline you purchase at the pump is at least 10% ethanol, but some can be as high as a 15% mixture. Small power equipment engines are intended to take the 10% blend, also known as E10. The E rating is posted on the gas pump so you can see the blend ratio.
While ethanol can produce fewer emissions than its counterparts, it does have its drawbacks, especially when it is used in smaller engines. For example, ethanol-based gas can damage the plastic and rubber hoses and fitting that are found in your small engine, causing them to soften or bloat. Ethanol can also loosen varnish and gum remains that may be in your gas can from prior use, causing them to mix into the newer gas and then be deposited into the fuel lines and filters. Additionally, ethanol can draw and mix with water in the atmosphere. Water is a harmful corrosive to these small engines, causing reduced performance and potential damage.
So to answer the question, do lawn mowers take regular gas, the answer is yes, they do. But there are better options for fuel for small engines.
If you don’t use gas regularly, it is best to keep less than a two month supply on hand. Always use fresh gas when operating your equipment. When storing equipment ways for the season, such as mowers or snow blowers, make sure you empty the gas tank, so the old gas won’t decompose and cause future problems.
4-Cycle Fuel
Most lawn mowers, portable generators and outdoor power equipment like string trimmers have an engine designed to run on 4-cycle fuel. This is the same fuel as you would buy at a gas station. But as shown above, ethanol-based fuel can pose potential problems. However, there are a couple of alternatives that are available.
The first option is to look for ethanol-free gasoline at your local station. While it will be more expensive than regular grade gas, it does not have the ethanol that can deteriorate fuel lines and damage carburetors. Ethanol-free gas can also last up to six months in storage since it isn’t likely to give in to moisture or evaporation.
The second fuel option is to buy ready-to-use premixed engineered 4-cycle fuel. Available in several convenient sizes, this fuel relieves you from having to search your area for ethanol-free gasoline. Like the gas you would purchase at the pump, this blend will help your equipment with easier starting and smoother idling while also protecting the rubber and plastic components of the engine. The smaller containers are also easier to store than a larger gas can.
4-cycle engine have separate gas and oil tanks. The engines do not need to have their fuel blended as the engine will operate to combine them.
2-Cycle Fuel
Some outdoor power equipment like chainsaws and hedge trimmers have engines that require the use of 2-cycle fuel. This fuel is a mixture of oil and gas in either a 40:1 or 50:1 ratio and provides both combustion and lubrication. You can tell if your equipment uses this mix by looking on the fuel tank cap, which will show both a fuel pump and oil can icon. It will also show the proper ratio to use.
Even though you are adding oil to your gas, using ethanol-based gas will also have the same issues as straight 4-cycle fuel. Also, mixing your oil and gas together requires the correct mixture blend and can be messy. Like the engineered 4-cycle fuel, you can get premixed 2-cycle fuel that is ready to use. This avoids having to mix the oil and gas yourself and also buying both oil and gas. These premixed blends also have a longer shelf life than self-mixed fuel, as there isn’t any ethanol gas used in the blend.