Not all premium fuels are non-ethanol. At the time our owners manuals were written alcohol based fuel were basically unheard off at the pump and there was basically no advantage to using anything but regular fuel. With the introduction of alcohol with its adverse affect on rubber fuel system parts, absorption of water from the atmosphere and separation issues. I have also discussed this issue with my local Ariens Dealership whom recommends non alcohol fuel which can only be purchased as premium boat fuel. I have run this in all my lawn equipment for the last 9 months with no ill affects and will continue using it as long as it is available.
Ariens S16H on regular gas, not premium ?
Hi, I've just bought an Ariens S16h 1977 garden tractor. It is based on a Kohler K341 single piston engine. On the page 8 of the user's manual, it is mentionned "Use regular grade gasoline" "Do not use premium gasoline".
I'm quite concerned about using regular unleaded because in 1977 there was no ethanol on regular gas. I suspect gasoline engines and carbs that were built before ethanol was added to gasoline should only be driven with ethanol free gas. Ethanol is a potent solvent for some old fashion gaskets and rubber components not designed for it, not to forget ethanol attacts water and degrades gas into an infamous gummy stuff withing a few months.
I use premium Octane 91 gas on all small and big vintage or newer engines I own (2 and 4 strokes, such as my 1980 400cc Honda motorcycle, Stihl chainsaws, 1985 Evinrude outboard, 1974 Ariens snowblower, 1964 Oliver 550 tractor, Champion 4000W generator, etc) and obviously, they are doing very well. The only problem I had occured when I did use regular gas.
In the specific case of my 1977 Ariens garden tractor, why sould I be concerned about using premium gas (to avoid ethanol) ?
I read most of the topics about the issue, but I feel it may simply be a matter of ajusting carb or timing. What do you think ? I even noticed into the trouble shooting section that "Knocking" could be caused by "Fuel Octane too low". Higher octane leans towards premium, not regular gas.
Thanks
Martin
I'm quite concerned about using regular unleaded because in 1977 there was no ethanol on regular gas. I suspect gasoline engines and carbs that were built before ethanol was added to gasoline should only be driven with ethanol free gas. Ethanol is a potent solvent for some old fashion gaskets and rubber components not designed for it, not to forget ethanol attacts water and degrades gas into an infamous gummy stuff withing a few months.
I use premium Octane 91 gas on all small and big vintage or newer engines I own (2 and 4 strokes, such as my 1980 400cc Honda motorcycle, Stihl chainsaws, 1985 Evinrude outboard, 1974 Ariens snowblower, 1964 Oliver 550 tractor, Champion 4000W generator, etc) and obviously, they are doing very well. The only problem I had occured when I did use regular gas.
In the specific case of my 1977 Ariens garden tractor, why sould I be concerned about using premium gas (to avoid ethanol) ?
I read most of the topics about the issue, but I feel it may simply be a matter of ajusting carb or timing. What do you think ? I even noticed into the trouble shooting section that "Knocking" could be caused by "Fuel Octane too low". Higher octane leans towards premium, not regular gas.
Thanks
Martin
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This is also what I'm doing so far. I feel it is like the least of two evil. Over here in Canada, premium gas rarely contains Ethanol as opposed to lower octane mix. I'm not going for higher octane than 91.Not all premium fuels are non-ethanol. At the time our owners manuals were written alcohol based fuel were basically unheard off at the pump and there was basically no advantage to using anything but regular fuel. With the introduction of alcohol with its adverse affect on rubber fuel system parts, absorption of water from the atmosphere and separation issues. I have also discussed this issue with my local Ariens Dealership whom recommends non alcohol fuel which can only be purchased as premium boat fuel. I have run this in all my lawn equipment for the last 9 months with no ill affects and will continue using it as long as it is available.
I've got 3 Massey fergusons. 2 with K321'sand one K341. I only run premium fuel and when I can find it, non ethanol. I have no issues with spark knock. Don't forget, 1977 and earlier when these engines were designed. Fuel stations were phasing out leaded fuel that was higher octane anyway.
Interesting... I did not realize fuel with lead had higher octane level. I did some research and I found out that tetraethyl lead was indeed the first octane booster (anti knock agent) that allowed for much higher compression and fuel economy than previously. I was surprised to read that that it also prevented valve wear. Apparently, octane rating number went down two grades when leaded gas was phased out, so regular gas back then was about 89 instead of 87. Premium would have been 93 instead of 91. I don't think going from 89 to 91 does has much chances to do anything.I've got 3 Massey fergusons. 2 with K321'sand one K341. I only run premium fuel and when I can find it, non ethanol. I have no issues with spark knock. Don't forget, 1977 and earlier when these engines were designed. Fuel stations were phasing out leaded fuel that was higher octane anyway.
Similarly, I use ZDDP additive to protect flat tappet type valves on my 1964 tractor because that additive concentration has been considerably reduced since 1996 because newer valve lifter technology was introduced. Newer standards of oils and fuels make our vintage engines at risk of failure if we are not careful !
In my humble opinion, I now think a bit higher octane level is no big deal compared to ethanol threat for engines that were manufactured in the 90's or earlier. Using precious arable land to produce ethanol out of corn is a waste of resource and makes total environmental nonsense. In fact, it really looks like a policy to force people to buy newer engines that produce... less pollution and more cash for cars and equipment manufacturers. With oil at an historical low cost, adding ethanol makes less sense than ever.
I'm not collecting vintage equipment, I maintain it to keep USING IT. This whole ethanol additive gimmick is really insane and sad, because the same arable land could feed people and keep food at an affordable cost. Obviously, I've no idea why it is so important to keep a few ever richer at the expense of most people. :banghead3
I have run regular, premium and super I noticed no improvement on a garden tractor.
On a high performance Husqvarna xp saw, my Stihl TS 800 or my Seadoo Challenger 2000 jet boat high octane yes.
I always run Startron all my mechanics use it in any ethanol fuel.
On a high performance Husqvarna xp saw, my Stihl TS 800 or my Seadoo Challenger 2000 jet boat high octane yes.
I always run Startron all my mechanics use it in any ethanol fuel.
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