So.... you are paying extra to deal with the fact that ethanol and water produce a chemical that will destroy fuel lines, gaskets, and seals. Many of these small engines I am fixing were given to me, so I couldn't control what 'fuel' was used in them.
The fact is that ethanol is a problem, especially for older engines (not specifically made for ethanol).
Why do we even have to have ETHANOL ? It is not as energy efficient (so to speak) as gasoline. You get worse MILEAGE while using it.
So you don't really know what screwed them up. I really do know what has been used as fuel in my small engines, and how that fuel has been handled, and how long it has been in storage, and how long it has been in the engines.
Are these screwed up engines you're fixing 2-cycle or 4-cycle?
This is an entirely separate question. For the most part, we need something as an octane booster. Ethanol performs that function. Tetra-ethyl lead and MTBE have been used in the past, but rejected for various reasons. Gasoline has been a blend of chemicals, not just straight petroleum distillate, for far longer than either of us has been alive.
Yes, that "chemical" is called "water", don't let it get in there. The gas cap has a hole in it. You don't really need to buy stabil if you keep the water out.
Many of these small engines I am fixing were given to me, so I couldn't control what 'fuel' was used in them.
You're "fixing" the carburetors (mostly cleaning) Don't let them sit with water in the bowl, they'll actually freeze into an ice cube in the winter time.
The fact is that ethanol is a problem, especially for older engines (not specifically made for ethanol).
They haven't used rubber parts in decades. The gum is likely varnish from the fuel tank, dissolved by the alcohol. It will be fine once the tank is clean and the filter changed. Run the carb dry when you're done. Put a piece of plastic bag over the fuel tank opening and screw the cap on....take it off before you use it again.
Why do we even have to have ETHANOL ?
Answer #1. You don't, you can buy AVGAS, or boat gas at the marina.
Answer #2. Because the RATs/RINOs, and the ethanol lobby politicized and mandated it.
Answer #3. Because MTBE and lead was very toxic.
Now they've screwed up diesel and diesel engines.
It is not as energy efficient (so to speak) as gasoline. You get worse MILEAGE while using it.
That's because there's too much of it, as a percentage, in the pump gas.