Is it true that ethanol gas is bad for lawnmowers?

Question

It's a push mower and it acts like it's out of gas. I heard that using gas w/ ethanol is bad. I changed plugs and everything is clean. It's only 2 yrs. old. Sometimes it will start, but not very often.

Answer 1

If you are using standard E10 fuel, it won't harm or cause adverse effects on your lawnmower. E85 is another story.



You probably have a different problem, check whatever air/fuel system is on the lawnmower, be it a carbuerator or what have you.

Answer 2

First off make sure that you didn't suck any dirt into you carb. A very small grain of sand can make the carb go nuts. As far as ethanol, Briggs and Strattons stand is the E10 is not recommended, but it can run on it. E85 is a no. Ethanol burns hotter and is an alcohol. Alcohol and the older plastics and rubbers don't get along very well. I have seen this a lot in chain saws and weed trimmers.

Answer 3

You can use 10% ethanol gasoline (E-10) in a lawn mower, or 10% gasohol. Anything more than 10% and you could have problems. Do not use E-85.