rickdavis81
Bronze Member
Anyone use the premix store bought ethanol free 2 stroke fuel? Debating if it’s worth the extra cost for the saws and trimmers.
Premix vs gas station 2 stroke
- Thread starter rickdavis81
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dodge man
Super Star Member
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
Elite Member
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*
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*
OP
rickdavis81
Bronze Member
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
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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
Elite Member
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).
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
Super Member
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.
Especially use it if it’s the last tank fill of the season.
Oaktree
Super Member
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.
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
Super Member
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
Silver Member
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.