Found out that Sheetz gas has ethanol free gas. Question is, my Honda mower is ok to run on 10% ethanol but would it be better to run on pure gas?

It’ll be fine as long as you don’t store it with ethanol gas in it.

I found out the hard way.

I don’t believe there’s any problem running it on real 90 octane gasoline, and that it is actually preferable in some ways.

Yes, it’s more of a storage issue. If using routinely I’d do regular fuel. With stuff used periodically, then sits(chainsaws) I’d do non-ethanol all the time. The next step up is 100LL aviation fuel, great for sitting.

I use canned (and in some cases premixed) non ethanol fuel in my weed eaters, chain saws, blowers, etc. They use so little that I don't mind paying the premium to avoid all of the problems.

I use regular pump gas with ethanol in my mowers. I just make sure to run them almost empty before winter, then add a treatment for storage.

I bought a Honda mower 2 years ago and will only put the non-ethanol gas in it. It’s around here but you have to go looking for it, found it at one local gas station and one Wawa within 10 miles of me.

It always a good idea to use ethanol free gas in all outdoor power equipment that use a carburetor.

Non-oxygenated pump gas sta-bil treated at time of purchase. You just use it and don’t worry.

Yes, it's better than ethanol gas for small engines.

My situation:

Last mowing season, the only places that had ethanol free gasoline were marinas on the huge man made lakes. Inconvenient plus marina prices meant I used regular pump gas. One thing I've done for years is the empty gas can has Stabil added to it before I go to the gas station so all of my gas in cans are protected even if something happens.

This year, a new QT opened up with a separate nozzle on every pump for ethanol free. It's right by two stores I regularly visit so not out of my way and way better prices than marina prices. Still did the Stabil routine.

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Ego is the anesthesia that deadens the pain of stupidity

DISCLAIMER: These are the author's own personal views and do not represent the views of the author's employer.

We burned the ethanol trash out of the ZTR mowers when I was in the grass business every day and it still caused carburetor issues by the end of the season. I use nothing but ethanol free in my small engines. My Stihl leaf blower finally needed a new carb after somewhere around 12-14 years. Everything else is still running strong. That speaks volumes IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:
I use canned (and in some cases premixed) non ethanol fuel in my weed eaters, chain saws, blowers, etc. They use so little that I don't mind paying the premium to avoid all of the problems.

I use regular pump gas with ethanol in my mowers. I just make sure to run them almost empty before winter, then add a treatment for storage.

That's pretty much what I do. Get the little cans pre-mix at Lowes for the 2 cycle stuff, but also the small engine repair shop I use sells E0 90 octane by the gal. About 5~ a gal the last time I bought it and the only 4 cycle engine I have now is my power washer. Gal lasts way over a year so I don't sweat the price.

Since using the small pre-mixed gas in my small yard tools I have not had any problems. Chain saws, weed wackers, blowers etc. For the riding mower I use the 87 but always put stable in as soon as I purchase it.

I buy 87 octane ethanol free for my small engines. Seems fine to me

IMO 90 octane ethanol free gas, a.k.a. 'real gas' should be your preferred fuel for use in small engines...

quote:

Originally posted by ThankGod4Sig:
Question is, my Honda mower is ok to run on 10% ethanol but would it be better to run on pure gas?

The problem with ethanol-polluted gasoline is it's way more likely to go bad than real gasoline. So, yes: It would be better to run your mower on real gas, IMO.

I now use nothing but pure gas in all my small-engine equipment: Snow blower, lawn mowers, string trimmer and so-on, and chain saws.

Find a small general aviation airport and buy 100 Low Lead.
No ethanol and has exceptional storage additives.
Costs about the same as non-ethanol at gas stations.

Honda engines are well built and last many years. We've run mowers on regular gas with ethanol for an untold number of years. That said, it's better for any small engine to burn gas that has no ethanol. This is especially true when the engine is used irregularly, or it sits for months at a time without use. Gas/ethanol mix contains a crap load of chemicals and these separate over time.

Non-ethanol gas has a much simpler chemistry. The mix won't separate as quickly over time. And there's less chance of damage to carburetor parts over time.

The best gas I've used in small engines is alkylate fuel. It's expensive, but it works.

quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:
I use canned (and in some cases premixed) non ethanol fuel in my weed eaters, chain saws, blowers, etc. They use so little that I don't mind paying the premium to avoid all of the problems.

^^^This. I replaced carbs on a semi-repetitive basis on my small two stroke tools until I started using non-ethanol fuel. Once I started using it exclusively in these small engines, I've never had to replace another carb, and these tools have run flawlessly. Ethanol fuel will 'never' make it into these tools again.

Ethanol free gas is I believe also better for the environment. In a way you can do your part to care about not only the longevity of your lawn mower but also be slightly more eco friendly by using real gas in your mower and avoiding the ethanol mess.

Ethanol gas is worse pure gasoline for climate change & saving the chirruns

I’ve only put gluten free organic and 100% sustainable non ethanol gas into my lawn mower and motorcycles. It ain’t much but it’s one way I can do my part to protect my engines and this beautiful planet.

quote:

Originally posted by 220-9er:

Find a small general aviation airport and buy 100 Low Lead.
No ethanol and has exceptional storage additives.
Costs about the same as non-ethanol at gas stations.

$5.69 currently, at Our Little Airport. Buc-ees in Daytona has E0-87 for $4.29 and E0-90 for $4.39. I haven't checked the local WaWas for their E0 prices.