(non chevelle) - what grade fuel do you use in your small engines?

Bow_Tied · Dec 13, 2005

Just curious if you all use cheap fuel, mid-grade or get hi-test for your small engine items like lawn mowers, weed-eaters, chain saws and snowblowers etc.? While I was thinking mainly of 4 strokes, comments on 2 strokes are welcome. Curious to see if anyone thinks there is any advantage for performance, reliability/longevity or fuel storage (considering these items can be seasonal usage -yes, I use stabilizer off-season).
Thanks.

cobra2411 · Dec 13, 2005

87 if I'm just getting gas for the mowers, otherwise whatever I'm getting...

David

Cam · Dec 13, 2005

I say to read the owner's manual and follow what it says. My Sears lawn mower specifically says to NOT use high octane gas. Perhaps it is more than just a caution against wasting money on needlessly high octane where not required, but also it may be due to the easier starting made possible by the 'more ready to detonate' low octane stuff.

If I can detect any pinging under load or under certain conditions then I will up the octane in a small engine (assuming the carb is set right and the plug gap is as it should be). Some pinging can go undetected though, and after getting enough carbon deposited the octane requirements may actually rise.

77 cruiser · Dec 13, 2005

Use whatever doesn't have Ethanol in it.

Bow_Tied · Dec 14, 2005

I would follow the OE manuals, but I am not fortunate enough to purchase new items and previous owners always through them out!

Ethanol is the only choice here.

Why do you believe it is bad?

Related question:
Anyone use additives like STP or the like in your small engines?
thanks

DG · Dec 14, 2005

I use regular unleaded in everything but the Chevelle, which gets premium. I use a oil mix for the weedeater (heavy on the oil mix), and the only additive I use is Stabil (stabilizer). Usually the gas can in the summer goes fast so I don't use stabilizer. But once it gets cooler, I start adding it to every gas can.e guys that swear by "Sea Foam" as a fuel treatment, but I have never tried it.

bisjoe · Dec 14, 2005

DG said:
I use regular unleaded in everything but the Chevelle, which gets premium.

Same as above for me, I fill the 5 gallon can for the mower, generator and the rest when I fill one of those cars so they get regular. Only the El Camino gets a higher grade, all per manufacturer recommendations.

(non chevelle) - what grade fuel do you use in your small engines?

Bow_Tied

cobra2411

Cam

77 cruiser

Bow_Tied

DG

bisjoe

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