See I don't get this. I use ethanol in everything. 4 wheeler, weed eater, chain saws their entire lives. Hell my saw and weedeater are 8 to 10 years old and my 4 wheeler is a 2001 model I believe. I have never had a single problem carberatuer wise. And they fire up and run just fine when they haven't been used in a while. What gives?
I am going to quote from an article on the debil brew called ethanol.
There are four problems with ethanol:
1.) It is corrosive when in contact with certain materials in fuel storage and delivery systems, including some rubber compounds and the zinc and aluminum alloys used in carburetors.
2.) Because it is an alcohol, ethanol dries out the rubber components in a fuel system. This leads to cracking and brittle fuel lines, floats, seals and diaphragms.
3.) Ethanol is hygroscopic – it likes water. Water enters fuel containers when they are filled up. Once in the gasoline, it forms a chemical mix that causes corrosion of internal parts. As the fuel level in a tank or container drops, water condenses on the cool surfaces of the vessel, drops and runs down into the fuel where the ethanol welcomes it.
4.) It acts as a solvent in older engines, dissolving the varnish and other deposits in tanks and lines. These then are carried to the carburetor or injection system where they can clog the small orifices involved.
Actually there are five the fifth is it carries less energy which means it takes more of it.
The biggest problem I have seen is the water absorption which leaves a big gump of green crud which can clog/corrode the carbs.
Consider your self lucky or maybe you use it up quicker than most which I think may be the case. I know personally it cost me three carbs.
