What Are The Benefits Of Ethanol-Free Gas For Small Engines?
Small engines, such as those found in tractors, generators, and similar equipment, are a critical tool for many homeowners and small-business owners. These engines share plenty of features with the larger internal combustion engines found in cars and trucks, but many differences exist. Anyone who has worked with these engines knows that they require their specialized care and feeding.
Unsurprisingly, the fuel requirements for small engines aren't necessarily the same as those for large vehicles. In many cases, especially when dealing with older machines, using the 10 or 15-percent ethanol gasoline (E10 and E15, respectively) found at many gas stations can even cause harm. Keep reading to learn three reasons why ethanol-free might be the way to go for your small engines.
1. Better Storage Properties
You probably don't worry much about storing the gas in your car's fuel tank unless you have a classic car that you rarely take onto the road. The typical driver will burn through an entire gas tank long before storage becomes an issue, but small engine owners often keep at least some gas on hand. Even typical homeowners often keep a can in the shed for a generator or gasoline lawnmower.
Unfortunately, ethanol-gasoline blends typically go "stale" before pure gasoline. This spoilage occurs because ethanol absorbs water from the environment, separating the fuel and potentially causing problems when you try to run it in your engine. Ethanol-free gasoline doesn't have this problem, allowing it to last longer, even if you're storing it in a can in your shed.
2. Improved Fuel Efficiency
The difference in fuel efficiency between typical ethanol-gasoline blends and ethanol-free gasoline isn't necessarily stark, but it does exist. Gasoline is essentially an energy-storage medium, and your fuel efficiency depends on the amount of energy carried by each gallon of gas. Since ethanol has a lower energy content, it produces less energy for each gallon you burn.
The real-world difference in fuel economy will depend on the quantity of ethanol in your gasoline. Higher ethanol blends will reduce fuel economy more drastically than lower ethanol blends, but there will always be some effect. If you want the best possible fuel economy, ethanol-free fuels will provide it.
3. Increased Longevity
Many small engines are highly vulnerable to carbon build-up, which can occur due to incomplete combustion. Since ethanol doesn't burn as cleanly as pure gasoline, it can leave carbon deposits in the combustion chamber. These deposits will reduce your engine's efficiency and reliability, potentially even resulting in costly repairs.
While there are mitigation strategies for using ethanol blends in your small engines, the best option is often to select ethanol-free gasoline. This approach will help you get the best efficiency and reliability from any small engine.
Contact a local ethanol-free gas provider to learn more.