Really Bad Luck- Started with running out of gas

[mcambrose]

One of my buddies called a couple of days ago. He ran his Walker out of gas. He had trouble getting it back started, because it wouldn't pick up the gas. He tried some ether to start it. It started, but just ran a few seconds. He tried ether again and it started up. He ran a couple of hours and checked the oil. and it was almost out of oil. He tore the engine down and found the oil ring cracked in 3 pieces. He replaced all the rings and gaskets and put it back together. It ran great for about 5 yards, then he stopped to buy gas. On his next yard, the mower lost compression. He then went to get his Crapsman mower to finish. The Crapsman then lost compression. He had also put fresh gas in this mower. He tore the Kohler down and found a hole in the piston. The best he can tell is that there was water in the gas and it caused the hole in the piston. He is having to rebuild again for the 2nd time in less than a week. He thinks that the Crapsmas has the same problem. Now that is really bad luck. This puts a different perspective on my minor mower problems.

[mcambrose]

He called back today and thinks that the problem with the two motors blowing holes in the pistons is due to the ethanol in the gas. He has talked to several mechanics in town who are having lots of similar problems this summer. He has vowed to buy gas at a local place that says it has no ethanol.

[yancylandscape]

Old Yesterday, 12:30 AM
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yancylandscape yancylandscape is online now
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Berlin / Oshkosh WI
Posts: 4
anybody have any problems that are definitely a result of using ethanol? Locally we also have E20. Ive used it in cars, trucks, 2 & 4 stroke lawn equipment, ATVs. SEEMED to have been ok. I just picked up a Husqvarna tractor w/ a Kawasaki V-twin 230hrs. Used some E20 (couple tanks, maybe) now the engine revs up & down (idling or wide open). Filters are clean, spark plugs good. runs better but not great on partial choke. I dont see any jets or screws on outside of carb top blow out, fuel pump workin, so im worried about the E20 now. I drained most of tank & filled w/ 89 octane 10% eth, it still runs the same. Any of this sound familiar?
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