Fuel Problems- How to treat today's fuel?

Why do I need pay attention to the fuel?

If you buy your gas at a gas station in North America  then more than likely what you are buying contains corn-based ethanol. 

Because today’s gasoline contains ethanol and alcohol, it absorbs water if exposed to air. In many cases the operator is unaware that their gasoline has become contaminated with water and unintentionally pours it into their unit. This is because your fuel mixture will separate into layers if it contains a high enough percentage of water. If you don’t shake your mixture, you may unintentionally pour a damaging concentration of water into your unit. Always vigorously shake the fuel mixture immediately before pouring. Always stabilize your fuel to minimize this problem.

Ethanol fuel or ethyl alcohol is an alcohol additive that is commonly used in nearly all gasoline. It is derived from renewable resources such as corn, sugarcane and wheat. We recommend using at least 89- octane which is the mid-grade between medium and premium gasoline. Fuel that is labelled E-15, E-20, E-85 and Diesel fuel are not acceptable fuels and will cause significant damage to outdoor power equipment.

Possible Symptoms related to fuel:
> engine is difficult to start
> engine starts but doesn't run smooth
> gas is leaking from carburetor
> Cracked/damaged fuel line


If any of these symptoms apply to your equipment, it may require a carburetor overhaul. After carburetor has been overhauled, follow the following preventative steps to avoid the problem in the future.


PREVENTATIVE ACTION STEPS RECOMMENDED:

1. DO NOT use any old gas sitting in your fuel container for more than 30 days.

2. Get some premium (at least 89 octane) fresh fuel. Only get enough for the season.

3. Add fuel stabilizer into the fuel container as soon as you get the gas.
(use stabilizer with advanced formula that can treat ethanol blend)

4. Storage procedure:
        a.  Fill up gas tank to the top
        b. Add some more fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. 
        c. Run machine for 2-3 minutes to circulate fuel. Store machine safely.