The warm weather is here, and it’s time to get your lawn mower fired up. But before you head to the gas station, you might be wondering if you can use gas with ethanol in your lawn mower. The answer isn’t always a simple yes or no. There are a lot of factors to consider, including the age of your mower, the type of engine, and the blend of ethanol in the gas. This article will explore the potential benefits and risks of using ethanol-blended gasoline in your lawn mower, so you can make an informed decision for your machine.
Short Answer: It’s not recommended to use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol in your lawn mower, especially older models. Higher ethanol blends can cause issues with fuel lines, carburetors, and other parts.
Why Ethanol?
Ethanol is a biofuel made from corn and other plant materials. It’s added to gasoline to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and to lower emissions. However, ethanol can also cause problems in small engines, like those found in lawn mowers.
The Upside:
- Renewable Resource: Ethanol is derived from renewable sources like corn and sugar cane, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
- Lower Emissions: Blending ethanol with gasoline can result in reduced emissions of greenhouse gases.
The Downside:
- Corrosion: Ethanol is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This moisture can lead to corrosion of metal parts in your lawn mower’s engine.
- Fuel Line Degradation: Ethanol can break down rubber and plastic fuel lines over time, causing leaks and potential engine problems.
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: While ethanol can boost octane, it burns less efficiently than gasoline, leading to decreased fuel economy.
- Engine Performance Issues: High ethanol blends can clog carburetor jets, make starting difficult, and hinder overall engine performance.
Understanding Ethanol Blends
Gasoline with ethanol is commonly labeled with an “E” followed by a number, representing the percentage of ethanol in the fuel. For example:
- E10: Contains 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. This blend is widely available and generally considered safe for most modern lawn mower engines.
- E15: Contains 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. This blend may be suitable for some newer mowers, but it’s not recommended for older models.
- E85: Contains 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. This blend is not recommended for lawn mowers and is designed for flex-fuel vehicles.
What About Older Lawn Mowers?
Older lawn mowers are particularly susceptible to problems caused by ethanol. The rubber and plastic parts in these machines are often less resistant to the corrosive effects of ethanol. This can lead to fuel line leaks, carburetor issues, and other problems that can damage the engine.
Signs Your Lawn Mower Is Experiencing Ethanol Issues:
- Difficult starting: Ethanol can cause the carburetor to clog, making it harder to start your mower.
- Rough idling: If your mower runs poorly or stalls when idling, ethanol may be the culprit.
- Loss of power: Ethanol can decrease engine power and efficiency, leading to a noticeable drop in performance.
- Fuel leaks: Ethanol can degrade fuel lines, causing leaks and potential fire hazards.
Protecting Your Lawn Mower From Ethanol Damage
While using ethanol-blended gasoline is generally unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimize the potential damage:
- Use E10: Stick to gasoline blends with 10% or less ethanol. This is the safest option for most lawn mowers.
- Store Fuel Properly: Keep your gas tank full to minimize the amount of air in the tank, which can help reduce the absorption of moisture.
- Use Fuel Stabilizer: Adding fuel stabilizer to your gasoline can help prevent the breakdown of fuel and reduce the formation of harmful deposits.
- Winterize Your Mower: When storing your mower for the winter, drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it’s empty to prevent ethanol from damaging the fuel system.
Alternatives to Ethanol-Blended Gasoline
If you’re concerned about using ethanol-blended gasoline in your lawn mower, consider these alternatives:
- Pure Gasoline: This is the most expensive option, but it can be found at some gas stations.
- Non-Ethanol Gasoline: Some gas stations offer “ethanol-free” gasoline, which is specifically designed for small engines. This can be a more reliable choice for older mowers, but it may be harder to find.
- Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers: These mowers are becoming increasingly popular, offering a clean, quiet, and convenient alternative to gas-powered models.
Conclusion
Using gasoline with ethanol in your lawn mower can be a source of potential problems, particularly for older models. Understanding the risks and taking precautions can help extend the life of your machine. If you have an older mower, consider using gasoline with the lowest possible ethanol content, adding fuel stabilizer, and winterizing properly. If you’re looking for a more reliable and eco-friendly option, consider switching to a battery-powered lawn mower. By making informed decisions, you can ensure your lawn mower runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
FAQ
Q1: Is ethanol bad for my lawn mower?
Ethanol can cause problems in lawn mower engines. It attracts moisture, which can lead to corrosion and fuel system problems. Ethanol can also break down rubber and plastic parts, leading to leaks and malfunctions. Over time, ethanol can damage the engine, making it run poorly or fail altogether.
The effects of ethanol are more pronounced in older lawn mowers with carburetor engines. Modern lawn mowers with fuel-injected engines are less susceptible to ethanol-related problems, but they can still be affected.
Q2: What’s the problem with ethanol-blended fuel?
The main problem with ethanol-blended fuel is that it’s not as stable as pure gasoline. Ethanol attracts moisture from the air, which can lead to phase separation in the fuel tank. This separation results in water settling at the bottom of the tank, while the ethanol-gasoline mixture remains at the top. This separation can clog the fuel lines and carburetor, preventing the engine from starting or running smoothly.
Furthermore, ethanol can corrode metal parts in the fuel system, leading to leaks and malfunctions. It can also break down rubber and plastic parts, making them brittle and prone to cracking.
Q3: Does ethanol-free gas really make a difference?
Yes, using ethanol-free gas can significantly improve the performance and lifespan of your lawn mower. Ethanol-free gas doesn’t attract moisture, so it’s less likely to cause fuel system problems. It also doesn’t corrode metal parts or degrade rubber and plastic components, keeping your engine running smoothly for longer.
Furthermore, ethanol-free gas can help prevent engine damage and increase its lifespan. Using it regularly can also reduce the risk of costly repairs and replacements.
Q4: Where can I find ethanol-free gas?
Ethanol-free gas is typically sold at marinas and airports, as it’s often used in marine and aviation engines. It can also be found at some gas stations, although it may be more expensive than regular gasoline. You can check online for a map of ethanol-free gas stations near you.
If you can’t find ethanol-free gas in your area, you can consider using a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation. A fuel stabilizer can help keep your gasoline fresh and prevent moisture from accumulating in the fuel tank.
Q5: Should I use fuel stabilizer with ethanol-blended gas?
While using fuel stabilizer with ethanol-blended gas won’t completely eliminate the issues caused by ethanol, it can help mitigate some of the problems. Fuel stabilizers can help prevent phase separation and reduce the risk of fuel degradation. They can also protect the metal and rubber components of your fuel system from the corrosive effects of ethanol.
However, fuel stabilizers can only do so much, and they don’t completely eliminate the negative effects of ethanol. Therefore, using ethanol-free gas remains the best option for protecting your lawn mower engine.
Q6: How can I tell if I’ve used ethanol-blended gas in my lawn mower?
You can’t tell by looking at the gas, but you can check the label on the pump at the gas station. Look for a label that says “ethanol-free” or “non-oxygenated.” If the label doesn’t say either of these things, then the gas likely contains ethanol.
You can also ask the gas station attendant if they have ethanol-free gas available.
Q7: What are some tips for storing my lawn mower for the winter?
When storing your lawn mower for the winter, it’s important to empty the fuel tank to prevent ethanol from damaging the engine. You can drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stops to use up any remaining fuel.
Alternatively, you can add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank. A fuel stabilizer can help prevent fuel degradation and protect the engine from the corrosive effects of ethanol during storage. It’s also important to change the oil and air filter before storing your lawn mower.