Octane rating or ethanol. Which is more

[Basilhayden]

important? My dealer has told me to use 89 octane gas in my mower and handhelds. On the other hand, I can get ethanol free gas in 87 octane. Would the ethanol free/lower octane be better to run? Thanks

[cgaengineer]

89 in handhelds and 87 in mowers is fine...

That being said, I have not experienced but one problem that I could even relate to ethanol...I think sometimes its used as a thing to blame for crap equipment and poor mechanic work...I'm not saying this is the case all of the time.
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[32vld]

Octane of 87 without alcohol and octane of 87 with alcohol is the same as far as octane rating.

[kawakx125]

ethanol can and has been proven to be harder on seals and stuff in fuel systems of vehicles. it can eat certain rubbers pretty quickly. newer ones are designed with this in mind but older engines can have problems related to it. it's pretty standard around here to have at least 10% ethanol. the other issue i have with ethanol is there is less energy per gallon than straight gasoline, so you need more ethanol to make the same power. this translates to lower fuel mileage. granted at 10% its not a huge difference but it's still there all the same.

[cgaengineer]

Originally Posted by kawakx125

ethanol can and has been proven to be harder on seals and stuff in fuel systems of vehicles. it can eat certain rubbers pretty quickly. newer ones are designed with this in mind but older engines can have problems related to it. it's pretty standard around here to have at least 10% ethanol. the other issue i have with ethanol is there is less energy per gallon than straight gasoline, so you need more ethanol to make the same power. this translates to lower fuel mileage. granted at 10% its not a huge difference but it's still there all the same.

You've opened a can of worms now! I've said ethanol produces less energy on here before and was ridiculed.
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[greendoctor]

Ethanol has less carbon per pound versus petroleum because of the oxygen in its molecule. The lower percentage of carbon is why there are fewer BTUs, therefore less energy released when it is burned or used in an engine. That oxygen in its molecule is what contributes to its corrosive properties above and beyond what is caused by its tendency to absorb water. In terms of fuel value: ethanol<gasoline<biodiesel<diesel.

[kawakx125]

another thing i don't understand is why diesel is more expensive now, it's a less refined ''dirtier'' product

[cgaengineer]

Originally Posted by kawakx125

another thing i don't understand is why diesel is more expensive now, it's a less refined ''dirtier'' product

No joke...it's because we depend on it so much for transportation of food.
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[MWLawnService]

Originally Posted by kawakx125

another thing i don't understand is why diesel is more expensive now, it's a less refined ''dirtier'' product

Tell me about it. It makes absolutely no sense.

[easy-lift guy]

Originally Posted by MWLawnService

Tell me about it. It makes absolutely no sense.

Diesel cost more becuse we are exporting all excess supplies and the balance for domestic consumption pays the difference. Just returned from the UK on a business trip Two weeks ago and Diesel was $9.00 per gal. If anyone wants to complain abouit the fuel cost here in the US, you and everyone else have no idea how good you have it.
easy-lift guy