Gas with Ethanol Can Make Small Engines Fail

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved gasoline with 15 percent ethanol for use in cars years 2001 or newer, yet it prohibits its use in mowers and other power equipment, stating it may cause damage. A Department of Energy study found that E15 caused hotter operating temperatures, erratic running and engine-part failure. But even gas with the usual 10-percent ethanol (E10) could help destroy small engines.

“Ethanol has inherent properties that can cause corrosion of metal parts, including carburetors, degradation of plastic and rubber components, harder starting and reduced engine life,” says Marv Klowak, global vice president of research and development for Briggs & Stratton. “The higher the ethanol content, the more acute the effects.” Servicing dealers are reporting similar problems, even with E10, according to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).

The OPEI also claims proposed warnings at pumps are insufficient and customers will blame equipment makers should mowers and other outdoor gear fail from being accidentally fueled with E15 gasoline. Using gasoline with more than the usual 10-percent ethanol has long voided most small-engine warranties but, until recently, the chance of doing so has been minimal.

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By Ed Perratore