“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