Running Mowers With 10% Alcohol: Safe Or Not?

It is generally considered safe to use ethanol gas in a lawn mower. Most lawn mowers are designed to run on E10 gasoline, which contains up to 10% ethanol. In fact, many lawn mower manufacturers recommend using ethanol-blended gasoline to improve performance and extend the life of the engine. However, it's important to note that ethanol can absorb moisture from the air, which can cause problems with the fuel system if the gasoline is not used within a certain timeframe. Additionally, ethanol has been known to cause corrosion of metal parts, degradation of plastic and rubber components, harder starting, and reduced engine life. For these reasons, it is always recommended to check with the manufacturer to see what type of gasoline is suitable for your specific model and to follow proper storage and usage guidelines.

Ethanol is a type of alcohol that absorbs water

Ethanol has an affinity for water, and gasoline containing ethanol is not typically transported through pipelines to minimise its exposure to water. This is because ethanol blends are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air. This can lead to "phase separation" in the fuel, where the ethanol attaches itself to water molecules, resulting in two distinct layers in the storage tank. To prevent this, it is crucial to avoid water contamination during the distribution and use of motor fuels containing ethanol.

Despite the potential for phase separation, ethanol-blended fuel (E10) is safe to use in lawn mowers and other small engine equipment. It is important to take precautions to prevent water from entering the fuel tank and to properly maintain and store the equipment. Additionally, ethanol has a higher latent heat of vaporization than gasoline, which can make cold starting more challenging. However, this can be addressed by starting the engine on gasoline and switching to ethanol once it is warmed up, or by installing a higher temperature thermostat.

While it is possible to run a lawn mower on pure alcohol, it may require modifications to the carburetor and adjustments to the mixture control screw. Running a mower on alcohol may result in reduced power, but it can burn more efficiently and at lower temperatures, allowing for higher RPMs or forced induction. It is important to note that alcohol has a higher latent heat of vaporization, which can make cold starting more challenging.

E10 fuel is a blend of 90% petrol and 10% ethanol

E10 fuel is a blend of 90% gasoline (or petrol) and 10% ethanol. It is considered a low-level blend of ethanol and is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in any conventional, gasoline-powered vehicle.

E10 fuel is widely used and sold in every state in the U.S. It is also the standard fuel in the United Kingdom, Thailand, and Sweden. The use of E10 was encouraged by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, which mandated the sale of oxygenated fuels to reduce carbon monoxide levels. E10 fuel can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 20-30% and overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2%.

E10 fuel is generally considered safe for cars, with the Philippine Department of Energy stating that up to a 10% ethanol-gasoline mixture is not harmful to car fuel systems. However, some sources argue that ethanol can be damaging to engines, particularly those with higher RPMs like lawn mowers, chainsaws, and generators. This is because ethanol absorbs water, which can cause issues with starting the engine, especially in cold weather.

For small single-cylinder engines like lawn mowers, it is possible to run them on pure alcohol by adjusting the mixture control screw. However, this may require several trials to find the perfect jet size for the engine and can cause issues with cold starting due to alcohol's higher latent heat of vaporization. Lawn mowers running on alcohol may also experience reduced power and would need to be modified to increase compression and achieve higher RPMs.

Most lawn mowers are designed to run on E10 fuel

Ethanol blends can improve air quality and reduce a country's dependence on foreign oil. They also have a minimum shelf life of six months and can last longer than a year under proper storage conditions. However, one disadvantage is that ethanol absorbs water, which can cause the gasoline to break down and settle at different levels in the tank, making it difficult to start the engine. This can be mitigated by ensuring that the tank is completely full or empty and using a fuel stabilizer.

While E10 fuel is generally safe for lawn mowers, some people choose to run their mowers on pure alcohol or higher concentrations of alcohol blends. This typically requires modifications to the engine, such as adjusting the carburetor and advancing the timing. However, it's important to note that alcohol can harm metals, plastics, and rubber, especially in engines not designed for it, and it may not provide any significant benefits over gasoline.

Overall, while it is possible to run a lawn mower on E10 fuel or even pure alcohol, it is important to consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of each fuel type and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific mower.

Ethanol can cause corrosion of metal parts and degradation of plastic and rubber components

It is safe to use ethanol-blended fuel with up to 10% ethanol (E10) in lawn mowers and other equipment with small engines. In fact, most gasoline sold in the U.S. contains 10% ethanol. Small engine manufacturers develop products with the proper components to run on E10.

However, ethanol in its purer forms, such as E85, is more corrosive to rubber and other engine components than gasoline. This is why carmakers have to develop "Flex-Fuel" engines specifically designed to withstand the effects of fuel that contains a majority of ethanol.

Some older vehicles should not use any ethanol blend above E10. Higher ethanol blends are also not approved for motorcycles, boats, and yard equipment.

Ethanol has been found to cause pitting corrosion of stainless steel. In one test, samples of stainless steel were immersed in solutions with varying concentrations of ethanol. The results showed that the corrosion rates increased with the concentration of ethanol in the solution.

Another study found that out of 19 metals tested, only one experienced pitting when exposed to E10 and E20: unplated Zamak 5, a cast zinc found in some older carburetors. The test also found that ethanol-enriched fuels caused issues with plastics not commonly found in fuel systems: ABS, PVC, PBT, and polyurethane.

To prevent corrosion in bioethanol production, coatings such as epoxy, graphite, alumina, and polyaniline can be used.

TruFuel is an ethanol-free alternative to E10 fuel

It is safe to use ethanol-blended fuel (E10) in lawn mowers and other equipment powered by small engines. E10 blends are widely available and commonly used in the US. However, ethanol-blended fuels can cause issues in small engines over time. This is because ethanol attracts water and can separate from the oil and gas mixture, a process known as phase separation, which can damage or ruin your equipment. In addition, ethanol can wear away the rubber and plastic parts inside the engine.

While TruFuel can be expensive, it is a popular choice for contractors due to its reliability and long shelf life. Some users have reported that TruFuel does not improve fuel economy and can result in reduced performance when used in engines not designed for higher octane fuel. However, others have found it to be effective even after long periods of storage, with one user reporting positive results with a four-year-old bottle.

For those concerned about the potential issues caused by ethanol-blended fuels, TruFuel offers a reliable alternative that can protect small engines from damage and keep them running smoothly for years. It is a convenient option for those seeking an ethanol-free fuel source for their equipment.

Frequently asked questions