The warm weather has arrived, and with it comes the familiar hum of lawnmowers across the neighborhood. But with that hum comes the potential for frustration: clogged carburetors, sputtering engines, and a lawn that’s not quite as pristine as you’d hoped. One culprit often blamed for these lawnmower woes is ethanol, a common additive to gasoline. So, the question arises: can you use ethanol-free gas in your lawn mower? This article dives into the complexities of ethanol in gasoline and its impact on your lawnmower, exploring the benefits and potential drawbacks of using ethanol-free fuel.
In short, yes, you can use ethanol-free gasoline in your lawnmower. While traditional gasoline with ethanol is generally fine for most lawnmowers, ethanol-free fuel offers several advantages that can benefit your machine’s performance and longevity.
Why Ethanol is a Problem for Lawn Mowers
The Problem with Ethanol
Ethanol, a biofuel derived from corn, is added to gasoline to improve air quality and reduce reliance on foreign oil. However, it can cause problems for small engines like those found in lawnmowers, especially when stored for long periods.
Ethanol’s Impact on Fuel Systems
- Water Absorption: Ethanol attracts and absorbs water from the air, leading to the formation of water droplets in the fuel tank. This water can cause corrosion, gumming, and clogging in fuel lines, carburetors, and fuel filters.
- Fuel Degradation: Ethanol breaks down over time, forming varnish and gum that can clog fuel systems and hinder fuel flow.
- Corrosion: Ethanol can corrode certain metal parts in your lawnmower’s fuel system, particularly those made of aluminum or steel.
The Effects on Lawn Mower Performance
These issues caused by ethanol can lead to a range of problems with your lawnmower:
- Hard Starting: Ethanol-related deposits can clog the carburetor, making it difficult for the engine to get the fuel it needs to start.
- Stalling and Hesitation: Clogged fuel lines and filters can lead to a reduction in fuel flow, causing the engine to stall or run intermittently.
- Reduced Power: Ethanol can also cause the fuel to break down more quickly, leading to a loss of power and a decrease in engine performance.
- Engine Damage: In severe cases, ethanol-related issues can cause damage to the engine, requiring costly repairs.
The Advantages of Ethanol-Free Gas
Using ethanol-free gasoline can mitigate many of the problems associated with ethanol-blended fuels.
Benefits of Ethanol-Free Fuel
- Improved Storage: Ethanol-free gasoline has a significantly longer shelf life, preventing fuel degradation and gumming issues that can occur with ethanol-blended fuel. This is particularly beneficial for lawnmowers that are only used seasonally.
- Reduced Corrosion: Ethanol-free gasoline helps prevent corrosion in your lawnmower’s fuel system, extending the life of your engine components.
- Better Performance: Ethanol-free fuel provides a cleaner burn, potentially improving engine performance and reducing emissions.
How to Choose the Right Fuel
Understanding Fuel Labels
It is crucial to understand the labels on gasoline pumps to ensure you’re using the right fuel for your lawnmower. Here’s a breakdown:
- E10: This is the most common type of gasoline, containing 10% ethanol.
- E15: This fuel blend contains 15% ethanol and is not recommended for most small engines, including those found in lawnmowers.
- Ethanol-Free: This gasoline is blended with no ethanol and is the best option for small engines like those in lawnmowers.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Always consult your lawnmower’s owner’s manual for specific fuel recommendations. Some manufacturers may specify the use of ethanol-free gasoline, while others may only recommend using a specific blend of ethanol-blended fuel.
Finding Ethanol-Free Gas
Where to Find Ethanol-Free Gas
Ethanol-free gasoline is not always readily available, but you can find it at several locations:
- Specialty Fuel Stations: Many gas stations offer ethanol-free gasoline under various brand names, such as “Rec-90” or “Non-Ethanol.”
- Marine Dealerships: Marine dealerships often carry ethanol-free gasoline for use in boat engines, which are also sensitive to ethanol.
- Hardware Stores: Some hardware stores may offer ethanol-free gasoline in small containers.
Tips for Using Ethanol-Free Gas
- Store Properly: Ethanol-free gasoline is highly flammable. Store it in a well-ventilated area and away from heat sources.
- Use Fresh Fuel: Even ethanol-free gasoline can degrade over time, so it’s best to use it within six months of purchase.
- Clean Your Fuel System: Before switching to ethanol-free gasoline, consider cleaning your lawnmower’s fuel system to remove any existing ethanol-related deposits.
In Conclusion
While traditional gasoline with ethanol is generally acceptable for most lawnmowers, using ethanol-free gasoline offers several advantages that can benefit your machine’s performance and longevity. The cleaner burn, improved storage, and reduced corrosion potential make ethanol-free fuel an excellent choice for maintaining your lawnmower’s health and maximizing its lifespan. Remember to check your owner’s manual for specific fuel recommendations and consult with a qualified mechanic if you have any questions about using ethanol-free gasoline in your lawnmower.
FAQs
1. What is ethanol-free gasoline?
Ethanol-free gasoline is gasoline that does not contain ethanol, a type of alcohol that is often blended with gasoline to boost octane ratings and reduce emissions. Ethanol is a common additive in gasoline, but it can cause problems for small engines like those found in lawnmowers.
Ethanol absorbs moisture from the air, leading to phase separation in the fuel. This can clog fuel lines and carburetors, causing engine problems. Ethanol-free gasoline is specially formulated to avoid these issues, making it a better choice for lawnmower engines.
2. Does ethanol-free gasoline actually make a difference in lawnmower performance?
Yes, ethanol-free gasoline can significantly improve lawnmower performance. By eliminating the problems associated with ethanol, it helps prevent fuel-related issues like stalling, starting difficulties, and engine damage.
Ethanol-free gasoline also burns cleaner than regular gasoline, leading to less smoke and a cleaner exhaust. This can be beneficial for the environment and for those who are sensitive to exhaust fumes.
3. Where can I find ethanol-free gasoline?
Ethanol-free gasoline is typically sold at marinas, airports, and some specialty gas stations. It’s often labelled as “non-ethanol gasoline” or “recreational fuel.” You can also check online directories for locations near you.
Some gas stations might offer ethanol-free gasoline as a seasonal option during the summer months when the risk of fuel-related issues is higher. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability.
4. Can I use ethanol-free gasoline in any type of lawnmower?
While ethanol-free gasoline is generally better for lawnmower engines, it’s not necessarily required for all models. If your lawnmower’s manual specifically recommends using ethanol-free gasoline, then you should use it.
However, if your manual doesn’t mention ethanol-free gasoline, you can probably use regular gasoline with ethanol. Just be sure to keep the fuel fresh and use fuel stabilizer to prevent problems caused by ethanol.
5. Is ethanol-free gasoline more expensive than regular gasoline?
Yes, ethanol-free gasoline is usually more expensive than regular gasoline. However, the benefits of using ethanol-free gasoline, such as improved performance and reduced maintenance, can offset the extra cost in the long run.
If you’re concerned about the price difference, you can consider using a fuel stabilizer with regular gasoline to minimize the potential problems caused by ethanol. However, this won’t be as effective as using ethanol-free gasoline.
6. Will using ethanol-free gasoline void my lawnmower warranty?
Using ethanol-free gasoline should not void your lawnmower warranty. However, it’s always best to consult your lawnmower’s manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm.
Some manufacturers may specify that their warranties are only valid when using gasoline that meets their recommendations. In those cases, using ethanol-free gasoline may not be covered under the warranty.
7. Can I store ethanol-free gasoline for a longer time?
Yes, ethanol-free gasoline can be stored for a longer period without degrading as quickly as regular gasoline. This is because it doesn’t contain ethanol, which can attract moisture and cause fuel to break down.
However, it’s still a good idea to store fuel in airtight containers in a cool, dry place to maximize its shelf life. Additionally, using a fuel stabilizer can further prolong the lifespan of your stored gasoline.