Posted by Mike Hernke (MO) [108.162.216.235] on Sunday, June 24, 2018 at 12:00:04 :
In Reply to: avation gas posted by junkyardog [162.158.62.108] on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 15:18:56 :
In Missouri we have had 10 percent ethanol for 30 years. With a little stabilizer I have never had an issue with it. Deposits and gum in carburetors are caused by a longer chain heavier hydrocarbons which do not exist in ethanol. Think of it this way in a carb the lighter more volatile hydrocarbons evaporate during storage leaving behind the heavier component and waxes. Even if ethanol does cause problems, and I don't believe it does, is a little occasional maintenance not worth it to support domestic fuel? Around here ethanol helps corn prices and the plant provides good paying jobs.
As a side note, all my small engines other than two stroke have a fuel shutoff. It is very easy to add one on a vehicle. If you run the carb empty before long storage it will help also.
Follow Ups: