Discussion: Fighting Ethanol
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,001
Likes: 11,441
Power went out here today my portable generator has not been used in over 1 and a half years 87 octane 10% fuel in it fired right up ran 5 hours.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,422
From: USA
Marvel Mystery Oil is basically mineral oil and kerosene. Both gum and varnish as they evaporate.
Neither ethanol nor water will mix with mineral oil nor kerosene.
So, a lot of the problems being described are often the result of having mineral oil or kerosene introduced to a fuel system.
Neither ethanol nor water will mix with mineral oil nor kerosene.
So, a lot of the problems being described are often the result of having mineral oil or kerosene introduced to a fuel system.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 658
From: Eastpointe, MI
Nothing will "remove" the ethanol, but I also use the Startron Starbrite ethanol neutralizer. Mostly to avoid the hardening of the plastic and rubber hoses that ethanol can harden. I don't think it affects carburetors so much but the little plastic hoses that are inside my chain saws gas tanks will harden crack and shatter in a very short time without the ethanal neutralizer. i figure if it works there I should use it in my motorcycles, lawnmowers and generator. Then of course Stabil for the winter
Last edited by Robertbc3141; Jun 21, 2025 at 09:21 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,772
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From: Newnan, GA
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,900
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From: NE Ohio
I've never used any additives
the only time I've had troubles on engines bigger than weed eaters/hedge trimmers, was when they sat for "years", not 6 months like between summer and winter season tools
KTF
the only time I've had troubles on engines bigger than weed eaters/hedge trimmers, was when they sat for "years", not 6 months like between summer and winter season tools
KTF
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,464
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
I do run lots of ethanol in my bikes in the summer.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,900
Likes: 11,342
From: NE Ohio
I've never had a need.
My tillers, mowers, snow blowers, pressure washers, etc all start every season
and truth is I'm lazy
they never get "prep'd"The last time I used them is how they get parked or put away for the season
The only times I've had to replace carbs, was a snow blower and generator.
Both sat for over two years
I don't know if ethanol was to blame or the same would happened after years with no alcohol gas
I have my suspicions tho..
it's pretty much all that's available here.
been that way for over generation
the rare stations that do have non alcohol (only 3 within 30 miles of me) are a buck more (Meijers) to $2 bukz (the one closest) more per gal.
Never having a problem with 10% alcohol, I've never had a need or want to pay more or spend on additives
if it ain't broke, it don't make cents to overthink it, right?
KTF
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,464
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
Run seafom in all my small engines. Cause gas sits in can, and in machines. Maybe it is a waste. I have known a few people to have issues on season items. But you are right not all the time. I just dump some in the can when I fill it. I don't measure it. My small engines do not use ethanol. Only thing that does is bikes and trucks. I fill cans in areas that have no ethanol.
Do I need to? Dunno. But I will keep doing it.
Do I need to? Dunno. But I will keep doing it.