"E85 is an alcohol fuel mixture that typically contains a mixture of up to 85% denatured fuel ethanol and gasoline or other hydrocarbon (HC) by volume. On an undenatured basis, the ethanol component ranges from 70% to 83%. E85 as a fuel is widely used in Sweden and is becoming increasingly common in the United States, mainly in the Midwest where corn is a major crop and is the primary source material for ethanol fuel production; however as yet, there are about 1900 filling stations selling E85 to the public in the US,[1] and, until recently, only three in Canada.[2][3] It is also available across most of the Maxol chain in Ireland.

There are questions about the use of biofuels like E85, ostensibly to reduce carbon emissions, when they may have a large carbon footprint according to one study.[4] This topic is currently under debate."

I suspect that the e85 furor, the engine stickers I've noticed, the pump stickers claiming "10%" and opinionated mechanics are 'manufacturing' a myth that extrapolates damage from 10% alcohol fuels sold in most of the US.

I've not seen it. Last 20 years I've been seeing the same old problems: dirt, water and 'aged' fuel. It does not improve with age... Perhaps the alcohol even helps dissipate some of the water that works its way into our small engines...

E85 is quite another thing and relatively few engines, including automotive engines, are equipped to use it.

Walt Conner

Maybe a change in brand of gasoline is called for in some cases.

Walt Conner

I will admit he knows nothing about pre-ventive maintenance and his storage technique is throw it down where I'm done and no he knows it all and won't take hints. I even seen him leave his weed trimmer, blower, and chain saw in his wheel barrow for a month or more and we had several inches of rain. No it was not inside. So I figured that played a big part with the rusty carb. but I can't explain the fuel line rotted off a tool that was less than 4 years old??? Took me 4 hours and my own parts stock to get it going. won't get suckered into that again.

I always found this interested. I have found that I get about 10% less miles per gallon with 10% alcohol blends. ( I keeps records of everything that goes into both my vehicles.) Chemically you are replacing a molecule that can be complete oxydized gasoline, CH4(CH3)6CH4, with one that is partially oxidized CH3OH.

This does not consider the water problem as a mixture of Gasoline and alcohol will dissolve more water that a neat mixture of gasoline. As more water is dissolved less energy per gallon.

Finally if they are trying to cut the Carbon Dioxide emission. The use of alcohol produces more carbon dioxide than gasoline as, unlike gasoline, Carbon Dioxide is created during the fermentation process (production process)use to create the alcohol. Results alcohol produces higher Carbon dioxide levels than gasoline.

back in the day it paid off big in older aircraft engine designs in B52D's and Kc135A's J57 engines on takeoff for 90 seconds, there turbojet engines can increase thrust up to 50% is some models FYI. Anybody around a SAC 60's heard these screaming down the runway during.

In some instances a few years ago the high octane offering (91-93) did not have ethanol in it. Thus the recommendation. But finding that is pretty much impossible now.

Be VERY afraid of the talk of raising the nationwide ethanol blend to E15. A hell will break loose with your mowers and vehicles.

But, I would still drain any gas that was left in the gas tank and put fresh gas in when spring rolls around when I want to bring the equipment out of storage. IMO alot of fuel related problems are induced with old gas. I sure some will say I never had any problems!!! YET!