What is the best small engine or lawn mower gas?
Fuel for your lawn mower or outdoor power equipment must match the following specifications:
- Fuel may decay in as little as 30 days if it is not kept clean and fresh.
- A minimum of 87 octane/87 AKI (91 RON); see below if operating at high altitude.
- It is permissible to mix gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or up to 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether). Some gas stations currently offer gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol. This E15 product is not certified or recommended for use in small engines.
- It is also possible to utilize a canned gasoline product. To extend the life of the fuel, this fuel blends ethanol-free unleaded gasoline with a fuel stabilizer.
- The RVP rating of a fuel is just as significant as the octane rating. Seasonally, gasoline refineries boost and drop fuel RVP ratings to accommodate for temperature changes.
- Summer Fuel = low RVP rating
- Winter Fuel = high RVP rating
Fuel Recommendation for High Altitude Climates
A minimum of 85 octane / 85 AKI (89 RON) gasoline is permissible at elevations over 5,000 feet (1524 meters). High altitude adjustment is essential to stay emissions compliant. Without this modification, operation will result in lower performance, greater fuel consumption, and increased emissions.
Mixing Oil & Fuel for Small Engines
- Spark Ignited 4 Stroke Cycle Engines: Do not combine oil and gasoline, and do not modify your engine to operate on other fuels. This will cause engine components to be damaged and invalidate the engine warranty.
- Spark Ignited 2 Stroke Cycle Engines: Always mix a good quality 2-cycle oil, such as Briggs & Stratton lawn mower oil, at a 50:1 gas to oil ratio.
You’re not sure what kind of engine you have? Consult your Briggs & Stratton owner’s handbook.
Small Engine Fuel Storage Tips
A gasoline stabilizer is required for a fuel system that is not utilized on a regular basis.Issues that arise as a result of fuel deterioration are not covered by the engine’s warranty guidelines. This will stabilize the fuel for up to 24 months of long-term storage.
Fuel treatment eliminates the need to remove pricey gasoline from your little engine in order to securely store your equipment. Simply follow these procedures to properly store your items:
- Add fuel treatment according to instructions
- Run the engine for 2 minutes to allow the stabilizer to circulate through the fuel system.
- For up to 24 months, keep your lawn mower or equipment in a clean, dry environment.
If the gasoline in the tiny engine has not been stabilized, it must be emptied into an acceptable container. Run the engine until it shuts down due to a shortage of gasoline.
It is advised that a fuel stabilizer be used in the storage container to keep the gasoline fresh. It is also advised to acquire gasoline in amounts that may be utilized within 30 days. This ensures that the gasoline is fresh and that the volatility is appropriate for the season.