Ethanol is a type of alcohol that is often added to petrol as a biofuel. It can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. However, it can also cause serious problems for small engines, such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, and boat motors. In this post, we will explain how ethanol can harm your small engines and what you can do to prevent it.
Ethanol and Small Engines = a bad mix!
Ethanol has several properties that make it incompatible with small engines. Here are some of the main issues:
Ethanol is corrosive
Ethanol can eat away at metal parts, such as carburettors, fuel lines, and tanks. It can also damage rubber and plastic components, such as gaskets, hoses, and seals. This can lead to leaks, clogs, and engine failure.
Ethanol alters the fuel mixture
Ethanol has a lower energy content than gasoline, which means it burns faster and leaner. This can affect the air-fuel ratio and the compression ratio of the engine, which can result in overheating, knocking, and reduced performance. Ethanol can also interfere with the oil-petrol mixture in two-stroke engines, which can cause insufficient lubrication and engine wear/failure.
Ethanol attracts water
Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This can increase the amount of water in the fuel, which can cause rust, corrosion, and poor combustion. Over time, phase separation can occur, where the water and ethanol separate from the fuel and form a layer at the bottom of the tank. Fuel filters are at the bottom of fuel tanks, so this water/ethanol mixture can be drawn up into the engine causing poor running in 4-stroke engines and potentially engine failure in 2-stroke engines, as there is no 2-stroke oil in this water/ethanol mixture.
Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This can increase the amount of water in the fuel, which can cause rust, corrosion, and poor combustion. Over time, phase separation can occur, where the water and ethanol separate from the fuel and form a layer at the bottom of the tank. Fuel filters are at the bottom of fuel tanks, so this water/ethanol mixture can be drawn up into the engine causing poor running in 4-stroke engines and potentially engine failure in 2-stroke engines, as there is no 2-stroke oil in this water/ethanol mixture.
How to Protect Your Small Engines from Ethanol
The best way to avoid ethanol damage would be to use ethanol-free fuel for your small engines, however this is no longer possible from petrol forecourts.
You can check the label at the pump and purchase the more expensive E5 unleaded fuel (5% ethanol), or the standard E10 unleaded fuel (10% ethanol). Make sure that the fuel you are buying contains no more than 10% ethanol (the maximum safe level for most small engines).
Alternatively, you can use an alkalyte fuel, which is available for 4-stroke engines or pre-mixed at a 50:1 ratio for 2-stroke engines. Alkylate fuel is a high-quality fuel that does not contain ethanol or other harmful additives. It has a long shelf life and is better for your engine and the environment, however, it is very expensive.
The best way to avoid ethanol damage would be to use ethanol-free fuel for your small engines, however this is no longer possible from petrol forecourts.
You can check the label at the pump and purchase the more expensive E5 unleaded fuel (5% ethanol), or the standard E10 unleaded fuel (10% ethanol). Make sure that the fuel you are buying contains no more than 10% ethanol (the maximum safe level for most small engines).
Alternatively, you can use an alkalyte fuel, which is available for 4-stroke engines or pre-mixed at a 50:1 ratio for 2-stroke engines. Alkylate fuel is a high-quality fuel that does not contain ethanol or other harmful additives. It has a long shelf life and is better for your engine and the environment, however, it is very expensive.
If you are using E5 or E10 fuel, you can use some preventive measures to minimise the effects of ethanol on your small engines:
Use fresh fuel
Ethanol can degrade over time and cause more problems for your engine. Do not store fuel for more than 30 days or use old fuel that has been sitting in your tank or container for a long time.
Use a fuel stabiliser
A fuel stabiliser is a product that you can add to your fuel to extend its shelf life and prevent water absorption and phase separation. Follow the instructions on the label and add the stabiliser to your fuel before storing it or using it in your small engines.
A fuel stabiliser is a product that you can add to your fuel to extend its shelf life and prevent water absorption and phase separation. Follow the instructions on the label and add the stabiliser to your fuel before storing it or using it in your small engines.
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Drain the fuel system
If you are not going to use your small engine for a long time, such as during winter or off-season, you should drain the fuel from the tank and the carburettor. This will prevent water accumulation and corrosion in your fuel system. You can also run your engine dry until it stops to remove any remaining fuel in the lines.
Clean the carburettor
The carburettor is the part of the engine that mixes air and fuel for combustion. Ethanol can cause deposits and gumming in the carburettor, which can affect its performance and efficiency. The carburettor comprises small and delicate parts, so care should be taken when cleaning.
Follow the instructions on the package and make sure to wear gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals
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Conclusion
Ethanol may seem like a good idea for reducing emissions and saving money, but it can be a nightmare for your small engines. Ethanol can cause corrosion, water absorption, phase separation, altered fuel mixture and reduced engine life.
To protect your small engines from ethanol damage, you should use fresh fuel with a fuel stabiliser, drain the fuel system before storage and clean the carburettor regularly.
We hope this post has helped you understand how ethanol can damage your small engines and what you can do to prevent it. If you have any questions or need any help with your small engine maintenance or repair, please visit our website or contact us today.
