Fuel additive

[Refueler]

OK .. it is true that some engines are a bit sensitive to old fuel ... especially if a bit of the light ends has evaporated off ... so in those cases - I suggest mixing in fresh fuel to the tank BEFORE opening the fuel valve and trying to start it.

 

[Momac]

.... But in reality - those additives are not needed for modern day engines.

Which perhaps explsins why the Mercedes car copes with variability in fuel quality while the lawnmower is less tolerant.

 

[Refueler]

Which perhaps explsins why the Mercedes car copes with variability in fuel quality while the lawnmower is less tolerant.

I have three Lawn tractors with typical 4 stroke Briggs and Stratton engines ... 11Hp .. 13.5HP and 15HP ...

I have a 3KW Briggs and Stratton 4 stroke engine generator ...

Two HD strimmers with 2T engines ...

A Briggs and Stratton 4str Stump grinder ....

Six 2str Outboard motors from 2HP up to 30HP ...

VP AQ170 6cyl mobo engine of vintage years !

They all run fine on E10 fuel ...

As to variable Fuel Quality .... ?? Each grade (95 .. 97 ... etc) is strict quality specs.

 

[ss2016]

I have never had problems with OLD fuel in the chainsaw or outboard but this year in view of several negative comments about 2 year old Tesco stuff I thought I would try Aspen. Any thoughts on it? It's a bit expensive but I use so little and if the outboard let me down it might be quite inconvenient.

 

[Baddox]

And please don't get me started on Aspen !! Lets just say Marketing !!

That really depends on what you want it to do.

In a two stroke engine, where the exhaust comprises of a proportion of unburnt fuel, it matters. Petrol from the pumps contains a high level of benzene, a carcinogen. Aspen is straight chain non-aromatic compounds which are much safer. Avoiding a lungful of benzene from is a very sensible reason to use Aspen if you're likely to be exposed to the exhaust fumes.