Ameer Randolph
E10 fuel is a mixture of conventional unleaded petrol and ethanol, with up to 10% ethanol content. Introduced across the EU to preserve crude oil stocks and combat climate change, E10 fuel is suitable for all STIHL chainsaws and power tools driven by engines from Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, and Kohler. While STIHL products can use gasoline blends with up to 10% ethanol, there are concerns about ethanol causing issues in fuel systems and potentially damaging the engine. To avoid these issues, some recommend using STIHL's MotoMix, which is completely ethanol-free and has a longer shelf life.
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What You'll Learn
Stihl's official position on E10 fuel
Stihl has acknowledged that there is some concern about using E10 fuel in their power tools, and they have received many questions about it on their social media channels. The company has also noticed an increase in queries about their patented Stihl fuel, MotoMix, as a result of the introduction of E10 fuel.
Stihl has also noted that while E10 fuel has been introduced to preserve crude oil stocks and combat climate change, it may cause a reduction in fuel efficiency, particularly in older machines. This is because ethanol contains oxygen, so a higher ethanol content results in higher oxygen content, requiring more fuel to be burned. Additionally, Stihl recommends that users do not store their machines with E10 petrol to avoid any blockages in the fuel delivery parts of the tool.
For those who are concerned about the use of ethanol in their machines, Stihl offers their premium, patented fuel formula, MotoMix, which is completely free from ethanol and has a five-year shelf life. MotoMix is available in various quantities, including 1L, 5L, 55L, and 200L, and can be purchased from Stihl dealers or online.
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The impact of ethanol on small engines
Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel produced from the fermentation of plants such as sugar cane, wheat, corn, sorghum, and barley. It is blended with gasoline to improve air quality and reduce a country's dependence on foreign oil. E10, a blend of 90% unleaded petrol and 10% ethanol, is approved for use in small engines such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, and other landscaping machinery.
However, there are concerns about the impact of ethanol on small engines. Ethanol is hydroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture. If left in the fuel tank for a few weeks or months, the ethanol content can absorb moisture, leading to engine clogging and reduced performance. This is particularly true for carbureted engines, where ethanol can cause corrosion and damage to plastic and rubber components.
To mitigate these issues, it is recommended to use ethanol-free fuels or fuel stabilizers in small engines. Storing equipment with fresh fuel and ensuring tanks are full and sealed can also prevent air and moisture from entering. Storing equipment with E10 petrol is not recommended to avoid blockages in the fuel delivery parts.
STIHL, a manufacturer of chainsaws and power tools, states that their products are compatible with E10 fuel. However, they recommend adjusting the carburetor to compensate for the altered fuel composition and storing the fuel for no more than 30 days to minimize fuel segregation. They also offer STIHL MotoMix, an ethanol-free fuel option with a five-year shelf life.
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The pros and cons of Tru-fuel
TruFuel is a pre-mixed, ethanol-free canned fuel that can be used in chainsaws. It is generally well-regarded by users, although some have reported issues with starting their chainsaws when using TruFuel.
Pros of TruFuel
- It is a pre-mixed fuel, which means there is no need to mix it yourself, reducing the risk of mix-ups.
- It has a long shelf life, which is convenient for those who don't use their chainsaws frequently.
- It does not absorb water as it contains no ethanol.
- It does not break down as quickly as automotive gas as it doesn't contain the same additives.
- It is a trusted, name-brand fuel.
Cons of TruFuel
- It is relatively expensive, costing around $20 per gallon.
- Some users have reported issues with starting their chainsaws when using TruFuel, even after trying the usual methods to address the problem.
- It may not be readily available in all locations.
- It has been reported to have variable quality.
- It is not the cleanest-burning canned fuel.
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Storing E10 fuel
E10 fuel is best stored in a plastic portable container or a metal jerry can with a tight-fitting cap, specifically designed for use with petrol. The container should be sealed to maintain the quality of the fuel, which will last for around six months when stored at 20°C, or three months at 30°C. The more the fuel is exposed to heat, the quicker its quality will deteriorate, and there is also an increased fire risk due to flammable vapours escaping.
E10 fuel is hydroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture from the atmosphere, which can lead to condensation in fuel tanks, fuel lines, and carburettors, and cause corrosion in some metal components. This can cause running problems, and it may be necessary to readjust the carburettor to compensate for the changed fuel composition. To avoid this, STIHL recommends storing E10 fuel for no longer than 30 days.
If you are storing a vehicle with E10 fuel for a long period, it is best to drain the tank and dispose of the waste fuel properly, or use a fuel stabiliser. You can also add anti-corrosion additives to the fuel to reduce the risk of damage to the fuel tank.
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Storing ethanol-free fuel
Ethanol-free fuel can go bad, but it lasts longer than ethanol-based fuel. It is suitable for use for around six months if correctly stored and sealed. To extend its shelf life, you can add a fuel stabiliser, which will keep the moisture away from the fuel and prevent it from evaporating. Fuel stabilisers can extend the shelf life of ethanol-free fuel to up to two years. If you plan to use the equipment within six months, you can store ethanol-free fuel safely without a stabiliser, as long as it is stored correctly in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, 15 metres away from any potential spark sources, and at room temperature.
If you are using a Stihl chainsaw, you can use their MotoMix fuel, which is completely free from ethanol and has a shelf life of up to five years. This can be a more convenient option than mixing your own fuel, as it already includes Stihl's highest-quality two-stroke oil.
It is important to note that, while the fuel may still be usable after six months, the oil will lose viscosity and lubrication power over time, so the mix will not be as efficient. Therefore, it is recommended to blend the oil and gas only two weeks before the date you plan to use your equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Stihl chainsaws are compatible with E10 fuel. E10 fuel is a mixture of 90% petrol and 10% ethanol. Stihl recommends that two-stroke fuel with E10 is stored for no longer than 30 days.
Ethanol is hydroscopic, meaning it attracts moisture. This can cause issues in petrol machines if left for a few months, or even a few weeks. It can also gum up the cylinder and cause further issues.
Stihl offers MotoMix, a premium, patented fuel formula that is completely free from ethanol and has a storage life of up to two years. It can be purchased in quantities of 1L, 5L, 55L or 200L.
Stihl chainsaws are designed to be run on 2-stroke fuel in a 50:1 fuel-to-oil ratio if used with their own 2-stroke oil.
It is recommended that you adjust your carburettor to compensate for the altered composition of the fuel. Stihl also recommends that you store E10 fuel for no longer than 30 days to minimise fuel segregation, where the moisture in the air binds with the ethanol and settles at the bottom of the canister.
