Ethanol-free gas vs. pump gas for saws which one do you prefer?

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Pinnacle

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If you’ve been using chainsaws or other small engines for a while you know that the choice of fuel is a hot topic. Some folks are die-hard fans of ethanol-free gas, while others are loyal to regular pump gas, and each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

What’s your opinion on using ethanol-free gas compared to pump gas in saws? If this has already been discussed just let me know, but I’m really interested in hearing about your experiences and what you prefer!
 
IF you can find ethanol free without water in it from the pump, sure it is better. In my area, it does not exist.
I find more water in it than I do 10% ethanol.
Use it up and don't store it for long periods in a closed container.
I always buy 89 octane.
A quart glass jar is one of my best tools.
 
And that is where I find the most water in fuel. Just occasionally put some in a glass jar and check it. You do not know how long it has been in the tank.
Again, not knocking the actual fuel. The storage is where the problem starts
And in the shop, it is over 50% of the time I find it.
This is why we will dump the fuel first.
 
STIHLTECH said:
IF you can find ethanol free without water in it from the pump, sure it is better. In my area, it does not exist.
I find more water in it than I do 10% ethanol.
Use it up and don't store it for long periods in a closed container.
I always buy 89 octane.
A quart glass jar is one of my best tools.
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I do not know where you are but in Michigan we can still buy what they call rec fuel or ethanol free gas.

Since switching to that several years back my issues with fuel lines and carbs have pretty much gone away.

I also agree with you about finding water in small equipment. I normally look into the can after buying to check for water but have not found water in fresh fuel in years.
 
Pinnacle said:
If you’ve been using chainsaws or other small engines for a while you know that the choice of fuel is a hot topic. Some folks are die-hard fans of ethanol-free gas, while others are loyal to regular pump gas, and each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

What’s your opinion on using ethanol-free gas compared to pump gas in saws? If this has already been discussed just let me know, but I’m really interested in hearing about your experiences and what you prefer!
Click to expand...
I began using ethanol free gas 8-9 years ago, and have had no fuel related problems ever since. I’m in far north California, and have only found one source of ethanol free gas within 150 miles of my location. It happens to be 30 miles away. What they have is 93 octane, and I add stabilizer to it when I get home. It is sold out of a warehouse, not a public pump with underground tank. I use it in mowers, splitter, generator, power washer, ATV, and (mixed) in chainsaws and weed whackers.
 
kevinj54 said:
I do not know where you are but in Michigan we can still buy what they call rec fuel or ethanol free gas.

Since switching to that several years back my issues with fuel lines and carbs have pretty much gone away.

I also agree with you about finding water in small equipment. I normally look into the can after buying to check for water but have not found water in fresh fuel in years.
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That is exactly what I am talking about.Ethanol free. More water than ethanol.
 
Great insights all around! It looks like ethanol-free fuel performs really well when it's available, but the challenges with storage and water can significantly affect its reliability.
 
I have had great luck with avoiding problems by always adding marine grade Stabil when I get gas for all OPE. The small equipment dealer that I've been going to swears by Startron! A dose of Srartron has been added to the gas, also. I don't know if it helps, but I trust this giy! Perhaps it's a waste of money but the cost is nominal.
 
Yep, that makes sense, a bit of fuel treatment doesn't cost much and it's a smart move to keep everything humming along nicely.
 
STIHLTECH said:
That is exactly what I am talking about.Ethanol free. More water than ethanol.
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I have never found water in any rec fuel here.

Most all tanks here are double wall with monitors in them.

Even 50 years back when I was on a fuel transport we would stick the tanks with a water finder paste to be sure no water reached the pumps.

About the only way I can see to get water is if the drivers leave the lids open in the rain. I suppose the bulk plant could have water in the storage systems.
 
That’s awesome to hear. It seems like fuel handling has been really effective in your area both now and in the past. It’s nice to know that the storage systems and processes are so reliable that water contamination is rarely a concern.
 
kevinj54 said:
I have never found water in any rec fuel here.

Most all tanks here are double wall with monitors in them.

Even 50 years back when I was on a fuel transport we would stick the tanks with a water finder paste to be sure no water reached the pumps.

About the only way I can see to get water is if the drivers leave the lids open in the rain. I suppose the bulk plant could have water in the storage systems.
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Not necessarily so here. Tank sits above ground like the old farm tanks. I have had it come to the shop directly from the customer buying it at the station. 1/4 to 1/3 of water in the tank.
Tough to recommend it under those circumstances. Ehtanol will have a lot less issues because more of it is sold.
Just a sideline and not real popular here.
Cure? Buy only what you can use up quickly.
 
Curious,...where is here?

I will say that many people are very lax about how they store fuel.

The old saying when I worked for IH was "buy clean fuel, keep it clean.
 
Western NY.
If I work on 4 saws, 3 will have water and 2 of them will be non ethanol.
Fact of life here.

Ain't no additive that will remove a 1/4 tank of water from a saw.
Glass jar. Check it.
Prove it.
 
STIHLTECH said:
Western NY.
If I work on 4 saws, 3 will have water and 2 of them will be non ethanol.
Fact of life here.

Ain't no additive that will remove a 1/4 tank of water from a saw.
Glass jar. Check it.
Prove it.
Click to expand...
That is strange how different fuel is in your area.

I totally agree about additives & water removal. Best to dump it and clean it all out.
 
So you can see, when non ethanol is touted as the cure for all fuel issues, I tend to get a little riled.
It is the condition of the fuel. Whatever fuel it is.
 
STIHLTECH said:
Western NY.
If I work on 4 saws, 3 will have water and 2 of them will be non ethanol.
Fact of life here.

Ain't no additive that will remove a 1/4 tank of water from a saw.
Glass jar. Check it.
Prove it.
Click to expand...
Eau Claire Wisconsin doesn’t seem to have that issue with recreational pump fuel.

However, if I did have your problem, I think I would fabricate a 5 gallon gas container with a spring operated water drain valve similar to the type used on small aircraft, located at the bottom of your container.

That way, you can remove the water without having it remix within the container. Easier than a siphon.
 
Gee Willikers said:
Eau Claire Wisconsin doesn’t seem to have that issue with recreational pump fuel.

However, if I did have your problem, I think I would fabricate a 5 gallon gas container with a spring operated water drain valve similar to the type used on small aircraft, located at the bottom of your container.

That way, you can remove the water without having it remix within the container. Easier than a siphon.
Click to expand...
Well, I don't have the issue. All the operators that bring saws in do.
Does anybody clean out the can before the next batch. Nope.
Is it all fresh. Nope.
Can I prove some of it came right from the pump? Yup.
So are these customers better off with ethanol around here. Yes. Why? Less water.
Use it up. Problem solved.
If it ain't in the unit, it won't go bad.
 
Makes sense, keeping your fuel fresh and cans clean can save you a lot of trouble.
 

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