tree removal - chaisaw problem, wrog fuel mix

[cqaigy2]

Did a little research. Ethanol is made from grains, and IPA is made from propane.

In theory, IPA should be much better on the rubber components versus ethanol.

Not saying your wrong, and i bet your right about the effect of ipa vs ethanol, but what is your theory based on?

 

[dstig1]

The higher alcohols tend to be less corrosive. Methanol>ethanol>propanol>butanol...etc IPA is a propanol

 

[BigE_]

Propane is a petroleum by-product. So, mixing it with gas should be safer. I've been trying to do some internet searches, but a lot of people use ethanol and IPA interchangeably. So, not a lot of help there.

 

[tractchores]

Glad to hear. More then one recommended that...

Yes, seemed like the likely culprit. It was tough to diagnose. When I blew through the line it was clear and it felt fine to the touch. However a small portion is held in place by the fuel vent on these saws and that is the area that would collapse at high RPMs and isn't visible without taking the tank apart. I'll now keep a spare fuel line and filter on-hand since it's cheap enough.

 

[BukitCase]

Mine softened/collapsed right where the end of the fuel line goes into the filter - maybe it's because that part would tend to flex more as the filter/counterweight finds the lowest point as you move the saw, or maybe just because that part is nearly always submerged in the crap our all-knowing leaders think is OK... Steve