Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
Can Ethanol Hurt Lawnmower Engines?
Can Ethanol Hurt Lawnmower Engines?. Whether or not ethanol harms lawnmower engines depends on who you ask. Ethanol manufacturers claim that it does not. However, many consumers report more engine problems since ethanol has been added to gasoline, and mechanics report an increase in small engine repairs.
Whether or not ethanol harms lawnmower engines depends on who you ask. Ethanol manufacturers claim that it does not. However, many consumers report more engine problems since ethanol has been added to gasoline, and mechanics report an increase in small engine repairs.
Ethanol Basics
Ethanol is an alcohol which burns at a higher temperature than gasoline, attracts and holds water, and separates in use. It burns cleaner than gasoline with fewer dangerous emissions.
The Problems
Some mechanics say they are seeing more lawnmower engines with rusted metal parts, probably from the additional water; and plastic parts that are melted, possibly from ethanol's higher burn temperature. Consumers have reported more operating problems since the addition of ethanol.
Studies
Government studies show that adding 10 percent ethanol does not seem to cause any problems. However, when 15 or 20 percent ethanol is added, motors seem to hesitate, stall or have problems starting. These problems tend to increase with the mower's age.
Warning
Since studies showed problems only with higher additions of ethanol, experts say it's possible gasoline companies are adding over 10 percent ethanol. You can buy a test kit to find out the level of ethanol in your gasoline.
