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⛽ The #1 Cause of Engine Failure: Ethanol

Did you know that 95% of the fuel-related issues we fix at American Small Engine are caused by ethanol?

Standard gasoline in our area contains 10% ethanol, which attracts moisture and creates a corrosive "gunk" in your fuel system. To protect your investment and ensure your engine starts every season, follow this simple 3-step storage guide.

🛠️ 3 Steps to Protect Your Fuel System

Follow these steps before storing your equipment for more than 30 days:

Step 1: Drain the System

Run your machine until it is completely dry and the engine stalls. This ensures no old ethanol-blended fuel is left sitting in the carburetor or fuel lines.

Step 2: Add Non-Ethanol Fuel

Refill the tank with a high-quality Non-Ethanol Gasoline.

Where to buy: You can typically find non-ethanol fuel in quart-sized cans at local retailers such as:

• Bill’s True Value

• Cherrydale Hardware

• McLean Hardware

Step 3: Circulate and Store

Run the engine for 4–5 minutes. This allows the stabilized, non-ethanol fuel to coat the internal components. You can now safely store your machine for 6–8 months knowing the fuel system is protected.

Why this works:

Unlike standard pump gas, non-ethanol fuel does not absorb moisture or degrade into varnish. By leaving the system "wet" with the right kind of fuel, you prevent seals from drying out and jets from clogging.