high octane fuel concern

[jgayman]

FWIW, Stihl sells an ethanol-free 92 octane premixed fuel (50:1).

Steve

Yep - it's close to $30 per gallon. You can also get TruFuel at places like Home Depot for a around $20/gallon.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I can mix a lot of fresh fuel for the difference in cost per gallon of the canned stuff. Even if I pour out 13 gallons of stale fuel, I will still be ahead of the game. The most mixed gas I have ever used in a year is 2 gallons, now it is less than a gallon per year with my occasional saw and weedeater use. If it starts to get stale, I just pour it into my trucks fuel tank and mix up another half-gallon.

 

[Garandman]

Just wondering if high octane fuel (91 and 94 octane) will damage the 2 and 4 cycle motors. We live in a cold climate and was suggested to run high octane fuel in the winter so the motors will start easier.

If you posted your location in your profile you would get more appropriate advice.

We have relatives in S FL who believe Jacksonville is a “cold climate.”

 

[buickanddeere]

Just wondering if high octane fuel (91 and 94 octane) will damage the 2 and 4 cycle motors. We live in a cold climate and was suggested to run high octane fuel in the winter so the motors will start easier.

Not going to damage the engines, in fact is required to prevent detonation, ping and knock. Those holes burned through pistons, burned plug electrodes , broken rings, crushed ring lands, bent rods and failed bearings ain't from a lack of lube oil.
Old fuel that has been sitting looses octane and mixing lube oil with gasoline also lowers the octane rating.
Using premium also avoids ethanol in some regions. Otherwise non ethanol can be sourced at marinas, speciality fuel depots and airports.
For all the little bit of small engine fuel used per year, any "savings" by using the lowest octane fuel is false economy. If another $5-$25 is going to bankrupt your operation, there are other more serious issues to address.

 

[oosik]

A lot of people will believe just about anything - if its said often enough or has slick advertising or both.

 

[Billrog]

A service station here sells premium marked gas for the price of regular and I've been using it in all my small engines for over 10 years now with no ill effects.

 

[Gator6x4]

Stihl recommends a minimum of 89 octane for their 2 Cycles. Or they do on the chainsaw and leaf blower I own.

Gasoline Guidelines for STIHL Outdoor Power Equipment | STIHL USA

 

[Kish318420]

Cold Climate?!? I think you need to come North (Up to the Great Lakes and Plains, or even our Canadian Friends) if you want Cold Climate. Battery Tenders, Block Heaters and Personal heating equipment are required/needed here.:shocked: We just set new low temps for the month of Dec (-16 degrees) that is not wind chill either. We still have Jan and Feb coming up.

 

[fried1765]

Yep - it's close to $30 per gallon. You can also get TruFuel at places like Home Depot for a around $20/gallon.

You can buy 100LL (low lead) gasoline at your local airport for around $6 per gallon.

 

[buickanddeere]

You can buy 100LL (low lead) gasoline at your local airport for around $6 per gallon.

That 100LL is wonderful stuff. Never goes stale from age . Never deteriates plastic, rubber or metal.