“was ifnact not good for small engines”
Since they mandated it in Florida I have had to buy a new string trimmer every year .
My chipper/shredder died in less that a year too.(not replacing that one)
Three things:
1. Use only premium gas in small engines.
2. Use non-ethanol if you can find it.
3. There is a product called STA-BIL which prevents deterioration of gasoline in storage. Put a triple, that's right, triple dose in the premium gas you buy for the string trimmer. Put it in the can before you pump the gas in.
Your small engines will last like a mother-in-law's curse.
too bad there wasn’t a class action lawsuit we could all join against the government mandate
Marinas sell recreational gas which is ethanol free. The higher cost is worth having reliable small engines.
I had to become very proficient at rebuilding small 2-cycle carburetors. Thin film gaskets, fuel lines get eaten up and small fuel inlets and vias get clogged. So got the tools to help rebuild them and got to be able to find carb kits for all of my stuff.
I finally found on Amazon where I can get a whole replacement carburetor for under $15.....beats buying a new trimmer every year.
Living in Florida, you should buy a case of SEA FOAM off Amazon and dose your tanks with it following instructions while you’re using it. When you put it up for the winter, empty out the tank and run it dry until it quits.
On the chipper shredder, that’s likely 4 cycle....you could rebuild the carburetor pretty cheaply.
WAWA sells ethanol-free gas. Look for the blue pumps. It’s good, though I must admit the fact that it’s so much more expensive is disturbing.
You can do what I do, I have purchased exactly one string trimmer, one lawn mower and one show thrower in the last 15 years and I have used 10% ethanol gas the entire time.
I use a product called Quick Shot - made by Amsoil. about an ounce per gallon and I have never had trouble.