Is 10% ethanol + STA-BIL as good as ethanol free gas? I have a gas pressure washer and a gas string trimmer. I checked all the gas stations in my neighborhood but all had "up to 10% ethanol" sticker on the pump. I can buy premix cans for the string trimmer, but the 4 cycle gas pressure washer needs straight gas. Can I just add STA-BIL to regular 10% ethanol gas? Thank you.
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10% ethanol gas + STA-BIL as good as ....?
- Thread starter paker
- Start date
matt_i
Well-known member
I don't think so.
Check marinas for E0 fuel.
Its expensive, like around $3.50/gallon at present. Known also as "rec" or "recreational" fuel. I only run it in my Honda generator.
Check marinas for E0 fuel.
Its expensive, like around $3.50/gallon at present. Known also as "rec" or "recreational" fuel. I only run it in my Honda generator.
SJay3660
Well-known member
Badger 13
Well-known member
Ethanol free gas is better for everything, but if you can't find it, yes adding sta-bil 360 is better then nothing.
Ton ton
Well-known member
I love ethanol free gas. Current price is $2.45 Elkton,VA.
laser3kw
Well-known member
Ethanol free gas is better for everything, but if you can't find it, yes adding sta-bil 360 is better then nothing.
Agree ^^^^
But, I have yard equipment and snow equipment that has been run on e10 without "problems". I have been draining the gas and running them dry for off-season storage. works for me.
Bretny
Well-known member
Ethanol free gas is better for everything, but if you can't find it, yes adding sta-bil 360 is better then nothing.
I thought the same thing about E0 gas...
Once I got E0 fuel from a station that had all different grades and E10 of every grade. The E0 fuel I got was yellow and smelled bad after a month. So any gas will go bad even if you stabilize it at the pump like I did.
Now I only buy E0 fuel that is only part of the normal grades of fuel. Usualy that means I'm buying 93 octain e0 and the station only has 2 other grades of fuel.
Jswain
Well-known member
Project farm on YouTube did a long term review and showed the ethanol still did damage but not quite as much.
However if one was diligent about it he could use that gas all summer long and then before the off season run it dry/empty the tanks then put some of that premixed fuel bought in cans in the tank(just enough to run for a few minutes) and run it dry again. That way you are keeping the cost down and not running that premixed fuel all season.
The shell stations in Canada are all ethanol free(or so they claim) with their premium fuel so maybe check if it's the same down there. That's what I use along with stabil & a bit of seafoam in every Jerry can and have been very happy with the results
However if one was diligent about it he could use that gas all summer long and then before the off season run it dry/empty the tanks then put some of that premixed fuel bought in cans in the tank(just enough to run for a few minutes) and run it dry again. That way you are keeping the cost down and not running that premixed fuel all season.
The shell stations in Canada are all ethanol free(or so they claim) with their premium fuel so maybe check if it's the same down there. That's what I use along with stabil & a bit of seafoam in every Jerry can and have been very happy with the results
Old Man Roger
Well-known member
I've used Sta-Bil on every small engine I've ever owned in the last 15 or more years with 0 issues.
Bigblockyeti
Banned
I've done that in the past when E0 wasn't readily available but now I've got one station 2 miles south and another 2 miles north of me that both have it currently at about $2.30/gallon. It goes in everything but the cars.
Right before winter, I switch to Trufuel. It is really expensive, but I never have any carburetor issues over the winter.
My stuff starts right up in the spring.
I buy it for 2 stroke and 4 stroke. I try to run my equipment totally empty, and then run a couple tanks of Trufuel before I put it away for winter.
My stuff starts right up in the spring.
I buy it for 2 stroke and 4 stroke. I try to run my equipment totally empty, and then run a couple tanks of Trufuel before I put it away for winter.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
I run straight normal E10 pump gas in all my equipment that ranges from a 1964 generator to a 2010 lawnmower. Sits all winter in a cold, unheated barn. Always starts right up in the spring.
The most I've had to do is replace a fuel line here or there. But 20+ year old rubber lines will need replacing regardless of what fuel is running through them.
If you're really worried about it - just run them out of gas. If you want to do even more, take the carb bowl off and dump it out. A lot cheaper than buying expensive re-packaged E0 gas.
The most I've had to do is replace a fuel line here or there. But 20+ year old rubber lines will need replacing regardless of what fuel is running through them.
If you're really worried about it - just run them out of gas. If you want to do even more, take the carb bowl off and dump it out. A lot cheaper than buying expensive re-packaged E0 gas.
Mechanical Noise
Well-known member
Is 10% ethanol + STA-BIL as good as ethanol free gas? I have a gas pressure washer and a gas string trimmer. I checked all the gas stations in my neighborhood but all had "up to 10% ethanol" sticker on the pump. I can buy premix cans for the string trimmer, but the 4 cycle gas pressure washer needs straight gas. Can I just add STA-BIL to regular 10% ethanol gas? Thank you.
Have you had problems with with E10?
Ton ton
Well-known member
My ethanol free gas station is quite busy during the day time. All they sell is ethanol free gas.
chris142
Well-known member
No. I still have Carb issues with Stabil added to E10. E10 is all We can get from a pump here.
We have ethanol free here was about $2.40 last time I bought some. I only use ethanol free and stabil in all my small engines. If you don’t have ethanol free then using stabil is still better than nothing. I used to use regular gas (E10) and stabil before I found where ethanol free pumps were. I never had an issue but I also run small engines out of fuel before the winter and drain carbs on the ones that are easy to drain. I never have problems. Everything starts in the spring.
ddurrett896
Well-known member
I used Star Tron and it works.
We have a local station that sells ethanol-free as a racing fuel. However, there's also a sign on the pump warning it's leaded gas. My outboard motor specifically warns against using leaded gas in it.
There is another station in town that began selling unleaded e4thanol free some time ago. When I discovered the sign on the racing fuel pump, I tried some from this other station. Big mistake. Apparently they don't turn this stuff over much. The fuel was bad. Wound up clearing out carbs and used the occasion to replace the fuel tank and lines (they actually needed it). Went back to running ethanol 10 (which the motor was specifically designed for) and adding Stabil 360. Been running that combo for most of the boat's like (2006 motor) and never have a problem starting right up after 9-10 months sitting (only fish 2-3 moths a year). We run the normal ethanol gas in the lawn tractor and our other gas-powered tools without incident. Just figured I'd share my experiences with it.
To my understanding, the additives like Stabil, et. al. do not eliminate the ethanol, they just stabilize it in the gas so it's less likely to separate out. So the ethanol is still there, and so I imagine it will continue to do what ethanol does in motors.
There is another station in town that began selling unleaded e4thanol free some time ago. When I discovered the sign on the racing fuel pump, I tried some from this other station. Big mistake. Apparently they don't turn this stuff over much. The fuel was bad. Wound up clearing out carbs and used the occasion to replace the fuel tank and lines (they actually needed it). Went back to running ethanol 10 (which the motor was specifically designed for) and adding Stabil 360. Been running that combo for most of the boat's like (2006 motor) and never have a problem starting right up after 9-10 months sitting (only fish 2-3 moths a year). We run the normal ethanol gas in the lawn tractor and our other gas-powered tools without incident. Just figured I'd share my experiences with it.
To my understanding, the additives like Stabil, et. al. do not eliminate the ethanol, they just stabilize it in the gas so it's less likely to separate out. So the ethanol is still there, and so I imagine it will continue to do what ethanol does in motors.
Love these anecdotal stories of no issues with E10. Do you feel lucky ???
Any gas engine that sits in storage for more than 30 days is very susceptible to “gas gone bad”. It’s going to vary with time, Temperature and humidity.
Small quantities of fuel in the carb are particularly sensitive to going bad quick.
E0 can go bad too......just takes a lot longer.
Bad gas has kept the small engine service business is positive cash flow for 50 plus years.
E0 in my area is 7-10% more $. E0 premium fuel is 20-30% more expensive. E10 is $1.90 +/-.10
Any gas engine that sits in storage for more than 30 days is very susceptible to “gas gone bad”. It’s going to vary with time, Temperature and humidity.
Small quantities of fuel in the carb are particularly sensitive to going bad quick.
E0 can go bad too......just takes a lot longer.
Bad gas has kept the small engine service business is positive cash flow for 50 plus years.
E0 in my area is 7-10% more $. E0 premium fuel is 20-30% more expensive. E10 is $1.90 +/-.10
Dandy1008
Well-known member
I generally run ethanol free gas, mixed with Seafoam in all of my small engines. I have NEVER had an engine not start the following season since I began this. The only engine that I will add Sta-Bil to is my marine engines, use the marine Sta-Bil and that is because of the wet environment.
I feel that the Seafoam keeps things clean during the running season and either provides some stabilization or it is not needed since there is no ethanol in the fuel.
I also believe in ethanol free in any turbo equipped engine. Just my 2 cents.
I feel that the Seafoam keeps things clean during the running season and either provides some stabilization or it is not needed since there is no ethanol in the fuel.
I also believe in ethanol free in any turbo equipped engine. Just my 2 cents.
Robby321
Well-known member
Whatever gas in the boats, cars, mowers etc. Just Stabil ( not cars) when bought. No probs 40 years. Only E Free in the golf carts as sip gas and only used the HOA to marina.. Seasonal stuff run dry and forget.
ovilla
Well-known member
Is 10% ethanol + STA-BIL as good as ethanol free gas? I have a gas pressure washer and a gas string trimmer. I checked all the gas stations in my neighborhood but all had "up to 10% ethanol" sticker on the pump. I can buy premix cans for the string trimmer, but the 4 cycle gas pressure washer needs straight gas. Can I just add STA-BIL to regular 10% ethanol gas? Thank you.
Find any local airport near you. They will have ethanol free gas.
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honcho
Well-known member
Remember folks, gasoline is a blend of hydrocarbons regardless of whether it has ethanol or not. Ethanol is miscible with water, meaning it mixes readily and therefore holds the water in suspension in the gasoline mixture. Water from the air easily condenses inside fuel tanks and when it ends up in the fuel mixture it often hastens the corrosion and deterioration of fuel system components causing all the problems.
It has been my experience that a reasonable approach for seasonal equipment is, during the season it is in use, to just run whatever fuel is readily available and appropriate for the equipment. If you want to store it with some fuel, then use the expensive prepackaged fuels like TruFuel or non-ethanol fuel with your favorite fuel stabilizer. Some engines I never have fuel problems with using my approach and others, typically more modern Briggs engines, I find it difficult to avoid issues no matter what I do unless I completely drain the system before storage.
It has been my experience that a reasonable approach for seasonal equipment is, during the season it is in use, to just run whatever fuel is readily available and appropriate for the equipment. If you want to store it with some fuel, then use the expensive prepackaged fuels like TruFuel or non-ethanol fuel with your favorite fuel stabilizer. Some engines I never have fuel problems with using my approach and others, typically more modern Briggs engines, I find it difficult to avoid issues no matter what I do unless I completely drain the system before storage.
Thank you all for the tips. I don't own a boat and don't know where the closest marina is. But there is an airport not far from home. I will check it out. Since many have positive experience with E10 + stablizer, I will do the same until I find a convenient source of good gas. Thank you again.
EDIT: I live in Dallas, TX.
EDIT: I live in Dallas, TX.
Last edited:
nadogail
Well-known member
I called the nearest municipal air port and was told that they will sell AVGAS only to aircraft, not to me and my 5 gallon can.
The only Ethanol free gas station in San Diego is $10 a gallon, Racing Fuel.
The only Ethanol free gas station in San Diego is $10 a gallon, Racing Fuel.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
As opposed to the people in this thread who used snake-oil "fuel stabilizer" and saying they had no problems the following spring. Or people that used the "fuel stabilizer" and still had their gas go bad and had carb problems. Or used E0 and still had problems.Love these anecdotal stories of no issues with E10. Do you feel lucky ???
Works all ways.
You want a 100% fool-proof method? Run the thing out of gas, then take the carb bowl off out and dump it out.
shocker998md
Well-known member
As opposed to the people in this thread who used snake-oil "fuel stabilizer" and saying they had no problems the following spring. Or people that used the "fuel stabilizer" and still had their gas go bad and had carb problems. Or used E0 and still had problems.
Works all ways.
You want a 100% fool-proof method? Run the thing out of gas, then take the carb bowl off out and dump it out.
But then theres the train of thought that your seals, o rings, fuel pump diaphram, or accelarator pump will dry out, crack, and fail when you fill it back up.
Pick your poison that works for you.
redmondjp
Well-known member
I'm convinced that how "lucky" one is depends upon where their fuel comes from. Our pump gas where I live is horrible in that it will go bad just sitting in the lawn mower from July (when grass dies back) until October - looks OK, doesn't hardly smell, and you can hold a match to it and it won't light. I had horrible problems using it as did all of my neighbors.
Since switching to E0, I leave everything fully-fueled over the wet winter months and I have never had any issues with starting in the spring. So for me there is clearly no choice. I have yet to convince my neighbor to use E0 and he's already had his brand-new Echo string trimmer not start this year and I've had to take apart the bowl on his push mower twice and once on his rider. I'm going to seriously tell him next spring that unless he switches to E0 I'm not going to help him fix his equipment any longer.
So for me, there is just no contest. I also have all of my E0 in sealed metal cans (mostly old Jerry cans) and it stays good for at least a year if not two.
Since switching to E0, I leave everything fully-fueled over the wet winter months and I have never had any issues with starting in the spring. So for me there is clearly no choice. I have yet to convince my neighbor to use E0 and he's already had his brand-new Echo string trimmer not start this year and I've had to take apart the bowl on his push mower twice and once on his rider. I'm going to seriously tell him next spring that unless he switches to E0 I'm not going to help him fix his equipment any longer.
So for me, there is just no contest. I also have all of my E0 in sealed metal cans (mostly old Jerry cans) and it stays good for at least a year if not two.
nafterclifen
Well-known member
I only use 89 octane non-ethanol in all of my outdoor power equipment and toys - go kart, mower, trimmer, leaf blower, generator, etc. No stabil or other treatments. I have (6) 5-gal containers that I fill up about once every 6 months.
MeentSS02
Well-known member
All of my lawn equipment, including a John Deere riding mower, Honda push mower, Echo string trimmer, hedge trimmers, and backpack leaf blower have all ran E10 for the past 10 years. I'm not sure the Echo stuff really counts since they are all 2-stroke, but the base fuel has always been E10 combined with the Echo PowerBlend oil mix.
I have always used Sta-Bil (the red "storage" stuff) in the 5-gallon can that keeps the riding and push mowers going. I put 2 ounces in each time before I fill it again, regardless of time of year. That's the only extra thing I do. I'm not sure if it matters, but at this point, I'm not inclined to try it without.
All of the lawn equipment is used from about mid-April through early December, and then gets stored through the winter months. All 2-stroke stuff gets run out of gas (I actually do that every time I use them); the riding mower I just park and fill the gas tank to the very top; the push mower gets run out of gas by closing the shut-off valve, and then its tank filled to the top. Everything has always fired right back up after sitting for months.
My snow blower, which usually gets used a couple times each winter, gets the same treatment, although I run that tank completely out of gas and store it that way over the summer. Again, no issues when I fire it up each December for the coming winter months.
I like the idea of running ethanol free gas, but finding it around where I live is not easy. I'm sure I could probably find it within about an hour or so, but that's just not quite as convenient as driving 5 minutes to one of many local gas stations, all of which only offer E10. I don't know if it is the quality of my equipment (I try to buy middle-of-the-road stuff) or something I do, but whatever it is, it has worked for 10 years. Maybe I just don't use my stuff as much as some of you guys do.
I have always used Sta-Bil (the red "storage" stuff) in the 5-gallon can that keeps the riding and push mowers going. I put 2 ounces in each time before I fill it again, regardless of time of year. That's the only extra thing I do. I'm not sure if it matters, but at this point, I'm not inclined to try it without.
All of the lawn equipment is used from about mid-April through early December, and then gets stored through the winter months. All 2-stroke stuff gets run out of gas (I actually do that every time I use them); the riding mower I just park and fill the gas tank to the very top; the push mower gets run out of gas by closing the shut-off valve, and then its tank filled to the top. Everything has always fired right back up after sitting for months.
My snow blower, which usually gets used a couple times each winter, gets the same treatment, although I run that tank completely out of gas and store it that way over the summer. Again, no issues when I fire it up each December for the coming winter months.
I like the idea of running ethanol free gas, but finding it around where I live is not easy. I'm sure I could probably find it within about an hour or so, but that's just not quite as convenient as driving 5 minutes to one of many local gas stations, all of which only offer E10. I don't know if it is the quality of my equipment (I try to buy middle-of-the-road stuff) or something I do, but whatever it is, it has worked for 10 years. Maybe I just don't use my stuff as much as some of you guys do.
laser3kw
Well-known member
if anyone is interested, go out to Youtube and search for "Taryl fixes all" and watch the series he is doing comparing different fuel additives in small engines. He started back in January with 10 brand new small engines, each with a different gas / stabilize in it (and two with no additives). Each month, he starts all 10, one at a time to see if A: they start, B: they run smooth. I just watched October and so far, only one mix has failed.
Ps - watch his other fix videos, good information and entertaining also (IMMO).
Ps - watch his other fix videos, good information and entertaining also (IMMO).
Ton ton
Well-known member
My ethanol free gas price is $2.39 last night.
Mechanical Noise
Well-known member
Love these anecdotal stories of no issues with E10. Do you feel lucky ???
Yes, indeed I feel lucky! I have no doubt that my good luck involves my SECRET good luck ritual. I won't disclose every detail of my ritual but the high points involve keeping the mower in a cool, dry detached garage and the gas in a tightly sealed can.
I am pleased to say that my luck has been holding out for all of the decades since Archer-Daniels-Midland and the Illinois General Assembly consummated their unholy alliance.
steelespeed
Well-known member
I have a 2003 Triumph Bonneville that I bought new. Over the years I have run commonly available pump gas (~10% ethanol) as well as ethanol-free fuel. The bike calls for 89 octane, with that being the only choice available at the gas station near me that sells ethanol-free fuel. I would say that 9 times out of 10 the bike gets the ethanol blend while I am out riding just because that's what is commonly available. I have to make an effort to get to the ethanol-free pump and I don't plan trips or rides around stations that might have ethanol-free fuel available.
That being said, the bike has always seemed to run fine on either but it does seem to have a bit more throttle response on ethanol-free fuel (that could just be a psychological response). I try to burn through a tank within a few weeks of a fill up, so that might help...it's not sitting in the bike. If I have regular fuel in the tank as the season is ending, I either run it dry or try to drain as much out as possible. Then I fill it up with the ethanol-free fuel stabilized with Sta-bil 360. This past winter I tried Techron's Protection Plus Powersports fuel treatment.
Spring start-ups have not been a problem. I haven't experienced any issues with this method so I will continue using it. However, I will be doing a tune-up this winter and will check spark plug and carb condition.
That being said, the bike has always seemed to run fine on either but it does seem to have a bit more throttle response on ethanol-free fuel (that could just be a psychological response). I try to burn through a tank within a few weeks of a fill up, so that might help...it's not sitting in the bike. If I have regular fuel in the tank as the season is ending, I either run it dry or try to drain as much out as possible. Then I fill it up with the ethanol-free fuel stabilized with Sta-bil 360. This past winter I tried Techron's Protection Plus Powersports fuel treatment.
Spring start-ups have not been a problem. I haven't experienced any issues with this method so I will continue using it. However, I will be doing a tune-up this winter and will check spark plug and carb condition.
redmondjp
Well-known member
Ethanol-free gasoline has more energy per gallon than alcohol-laced fuel does. In my trips to the Cenex farm store to get my E0 for my equipment (typically 35-40 gallons at a time), I have fueled up several of my vehicles with E0 and monitored the fuel economy - I noticed a 5-10% increase in fuel economy while running on this fuel. Typically this doesn't pencil out price-wise when you figure how much more per gallon it costs.
But if you have a classic car that mostly sits, it makes sense to have it filled with E0.
But if you have a classic car that mostly sits, it makes sense to have it filled with E0.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I have ALWAYS used E10 in all of my small engines, never an issue (except when I left fuel in the generator for like 5 years).
If possible, install a shutoff valve on all of your small engines. Do not use the kill switch. Turn of the valve and let the carburetor run dry.
Where this is not feasible, if you are storing for longer than 2 weeks, drain the tank and se if you can start it on the fuel left in the carb.
If possible, install a shutoff valve on all of your small engines. Do not use the kill switch. Turn of the valve and let the carburetor run dry.
Where this is not feasible, if you are storing for longer than 2 weeks, drain the tank and se if you can start it on the fuel left in the carb.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
But if you have a classic car that mostly sits, it makes sense to have it filled with E0.
If you have the time and a couple of fuel jugs, you can make E00 (or at least very close) from E10 Check Google or YouTube.
Mick56
Well-known member
Here in Janesville, WI, I've been buying 87 octane alcohol free gas for $1.99. Just about the same price as every other station around here.