Premix vs gas station 2 stroke

[rickdavis81]

Anyone use the premix store bought ethanol free 2 stroke fuel? Debating if it’s worth the extra cost for the saws and trimmers.

 

[dodge man]

I’d say it’s only worth it if you just use it a little bit. I have a post a few lines down titled “Ethanol free gas?”. I found a source of ethanol free gas that is about a 20 minute drive for me one way. It’s also 93 octane, Stihl says 89 for their saws. I have two chainsaws, a Lawnboy 2 stroke, a pole saw, and 2 leaf blowers that all use it. Even with all that I’d guess I’d only burn maybe 4 to 6 gallons of 2 stroke fuel a year. Depending on the quantity you buy on Amazon and what brand, the premix is about $25 to $50 a gallon.

 

[ning]

The only time I've had fuel "go bad" was when a machine wasn't run for three years. These days I try to remember to use stabil if I don't think I'll run an engine for a while, but usually I forget.

The thing I always do though is turn off the gas and let the residual fuel burn till the engine dies - rototiller, pressure washer. Chain saws get run reasonably often (and have no fuel shutoff, like the trimmer).

I don't think the $20+/gallon gas in a can use worth it at all; it's preying on modern folks' fear of not having *the very best*

 

[rickdavis81]

I didn’t think it was worth it just wanted some reassurance that it wasn’t magically a lot better for the equipment. I can probably go thru 10 gal a year. Which isn’t a lot. But it’s a lot of money for the premixed. Thanks

 

[MossRoad]

I didn’t think it was worth it just wanted some reassurance that it wasn’t magically a lot better for the equipment. I can probably go thru 10 gal a year. Which isn’t a lot. But it’s a lot of money for the premixed. Thanks

At 10 gallons per year, you are rotating it out pretty well. Pump gas mixed to the proper ratio will work just fine and it won't sit around long enough to have any issues the way you go through it.

 

[ning]

Personally if I've got problems with fuel it's more of the "it's loud, stinky, and messy" and the solution there isn't more expensive fuel but to get battery-powered if possible.

We've already gone to a battery powered blower (super good move). I'd like to switch out my small chain saw (14") but I'm not sure if either of the battery lines we're using or likely to use in the future make the right saw (blower is 80v green works - possible, shop tools are 18v ryobi - nope).

 

[CobyRupert]

Using ethanol free gas is definitely worth it. “Premix” is definitely the expensive version of this, but still probably worth it if it saves one service visit and you only burn a little bit.
Especially use it if it’s the last tank fill of the season.

 

[Oaktree]

I guess it depends on what you're planning to do. For a suburbanite/homeowner who's going to maybe run a weed wacker a couple times a month, the pre-mix is a lot more convenient, and one can will probably last the whole season. If you plan to use a lot, yeah, mix your own.
I keep a can of the pre-mix around for those times when I run out of my own mix and don't feel like running to the gas station just to finish a project. Also, some engines seem to run better on the pre-mix...I've got a cheapie Walmart weed wacker like that.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I don't think the $20+/gallon gas in a can use worth it at all; it's preying on modern folks' fear of not having *the very best*

That hasn't been MY experience!

I keep some around for small engines that don't get used much and it keeps me from having the carb problems I "use to have".

My Husky/Stihl dealer says he's averaging 5 carb cleanings/rebuilds a week right now, from E-10 gas.

For those that leave their small engines sit a lot, canned gas saves them money and frustration.

SR

 

[tibadoe]

When I was running only a weed-eater only, one gallon of home brew premix gas would last me a year -- no issues. (And that is using e10 gas) I have gotten into the routine of adding 1 oz of seafoam to the mix and I know for sure there will be no issues with fuel mix getting old. Running the chainsaw as much as I have for the past 6 months, I've been through a two gallons so far.

 

[John0829]

I don't think the $20+/gallon gas in a can use worth it at all; it's preying on modern folks' fear of not having *the very best*

I have to agree, I have not had a bit of issue from using blended gas from the pump after developing a strict regimen of treating all my storage cans with a mix of small amounts of Stabil, MMO and ATF. In fact it has cleaned up a few carbs that were acting up before I started doing it and I have some that sit for many months between uses, always put away with full tanks.

During the summer I go though a gallon of mixed gas every other week, paying for premix would be unthinkable.

 

[MoKelly]

I don't think the $20+/gallon gas in a can use worth it at all; it's preying on modern folks' fear of not having *the very best*

Ha. All the modern folks I know hire out all that “messy” stuff. Yard work. Tree trimming/removal. Leaves.

Most modern folks don’t even own work clothes.

MoKelly

 

[Leo Rabon]

I use about 2 gallons per year of store bought pre-mix. $50.00 or so. In 2011 I bought a new string trimmer and blower. I have about 1 acre yard and have used the same equipment for the past 10 seasons and they sit up up from the end of October until April with the fuel that remained in them when the season ended. In April of each year I pull the starter cord and they start right up. I have never had to take the trimmer or blower to the repair shop. For me that is the best option. For heavy users, it could be expensive. One repair shop visit will buy more than 2 gallons of store bought pre-mix. It works for me. For my lawn tractor, 100% Gas and Fuel Life Extender (various brands) no repair visits with 450 hours on the mower.
Leo

 

[MossRoad]

I use about 2 gallons per year of store bought pre-mix. $50.00 or so. In 2011 I bought a new string trimmer and blower. I have about 1 acre yard and have used the same equipment for the past 10 seasons and they sit up up from the end of October until April with the fuel that remained in them when the season ended. In April of each year I pull the starter cord and they start right up. I have never had to take the trimmer or blower to the repair shop. For me that is the best option. For heavy users, it could be expensive. One repair shop visit will buy more than 2 gallons of store bought pre-mix. It works for me. For my lawn tractor, 100% Gas and Fuel Life Extender (various brands) no repair visits with 450 hours on the mower.
Leo

For $50 a year in pre-mix fuel costs VS $6 for pump gas, every three years you could by a new Echo string trimmer and throw the old one away.

ECHO 21.2 cc Gas 2-Stroke Curved Shaft String Trimmer with Rapid-Loader Trimmer Head GT-225 - The Home Depot

Easily maneuver while completing your outdoor work with the addition of this excellent ECHO Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Curved Shaft Trimmer. Easy to use.

www.homedepot.com

 

[tradosaurus]

For $50 a year in pre-mix fuel costs VS $6 for pump gas, every three years you could by a new Echo string trimmer and throw the old one away.

ECHO 21.2 cc Gas 2-Stroke Curved Shaft String Trimmer with Rapid-Loader Trimmer Head GT-225 - The Home Depot

Easily maneuver while completing your outdoor work with the addition of this excellent ECHO Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Curved Shaft Trimmer. Easy to use.

www.homedepot.com

That's true. I also use pre-mixed gas (I believe it is also non-ethanol) for my leaf blowers (2) and chain saws. I have a lot more money invested than one trimmer. I think I go through 3-4 cans of gas each year ($80 total)

 

[daman1]

I use the premix cans(95octain) in my STIHL chain saw because I only use it on an occasion and usually only use a tank full when i do so its worth it to me by the great performance i get outa the saw it just screams!! runs outstanding and carburetor is always spotlessly clean.

 

[cqaigy2]

I bought some premix from a Sears store that was closing it's door, so steep discount on it. 6 months later i checked it out, put it in my 30 year old Stihl, OMG! I just sat back and let it go to work.

Nah just joking, ran the same as the pump gas. No better, no worse. I did notice it had an expiration date on it and it was past the date. I could see someone might be convinced the convenience would be worth it.

 

[tradosaurus]

Also from anecdotal evidence, I have had lawn mowers and 2 stroke stuff that crapped out within a few years because of using ethanol gas. When I go to use something I want it to work no matter how long its been sitting.

 

[daman1]

I bought some premix from a Sears store that was closing it's door, so steep discount on it. 6 months later i checked it out, put it in my 30 year old Stihl, OMG! I just sat back and let it go to work.

Nah just joking, ran the same as the pump gas. No better, no worse. I did notice it had an expiration date on it and it was past the date. I could see someone might be convinced the convenience would be worth it.

In my saw I most definitely see a performance gain vs the crap that you get from the pump.

 

[tibadoe]

............Nah just joking, ran the same as the pump gas. No better, no worse. I did notice it had an expiration date on it and it was past the date. I could see someone might be convinced the convenience would be worth it.

Same experience here. When I purchased a new blower they had the canned premix at BOGO plus a rebate. Worked just like my home brew DIY 2 cycle I mixed up at home. Convenient yes, but if I had both cans side by side with no labels - I would not know which was which by a performance difference.