is not covered by warranty, is to properly maintain the equipment and use the right fuel every time. Did you know that using alternative fuels will void your engine warranty over time? And that engine and carburetor problems can still occur when running your equipment on approved 10% or less ethanol content, depending on how your fuel is stored and if the fuel in use is older than 30 days?
Outdoor power equipment is designed to tolerate up to 10% ethanol blended fuel and cannot compensate for higher concentrations of ethanol like today's cars. Most blended fuel on the market today is E10, which contains 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol. But E85, which is readily available for flex-fuel automobiles, will cause havoc on 2-stroke handheld equipment and E15 & E20 are also on the horizon.
Check out an infographic to learn even more about ethanol!
Here are steps you can take to help protect your investment:
PURCHASE ONLY RECOMMENDED FUEL
Use 89 Octane (mid grade or higher) gasoline known to be
good quality and containing no more than 10% ethanol. Gas with NO
ETHANOL is ideal.
SHAKE THE FUEL CONTAINER BEFORE EACH USE
Shaking the container for 30 seconds prior to filling your equipment
ensures the fuel is mixed and helps to suspend any small amounts of
moisture in the mixture.
USE ECHO POWER BLEND X OR ECHO RED ARMOR
2-STROKE OIL
If using a 2-cycle engine, use a quality mix!
These oils contain a small amount of fuel stabilizer which helps extend
the life of the gasoline mixture.
ADD A NAME BRAND FUEL STABILIZER AND MIX AT THE PUMP
Fuel stabilizers are only effective if mixed with fresh fuel and then
properly stored. Remember that nothing will properly rejuvenate old,
stale fuel.
LOOK BEFORE YOU PUMP!
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute is alerting end users that
using any fuel that contains more than 10 percent ethanol is harmful
and illegal to use in outdoor power equipment. Look for this logo in
your operator's manual to help you with the proper fuel choice for your