BEFORE MOWING
Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or
an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to
as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of
the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help
reduce emissions.
If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets
the minimum octane rating requirement.
Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s
contents. Some states/provinces require this information to be
posted on the pump.
The following are the EPA approved percentages of oxygenates:
ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol) 10% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 10%
ethanol by volume. Gasoline containing
ethanol may be marketed under the name
“Gasohol”.
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) 15% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 15%
MTBE by volume.
METHANOL (methyl or wood alcohol) 5% by volume
You may use gasoline containing up to 5%
methanol by volume, as long as it also
contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors
to protect the fuel system. Gasoline
containing more than 5% methanol by volume
may cause starting and/or performance
problems. It may also damage metal, rubber,
and plastic parts of your fuel system.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another
service station, or switch to another brand of gasoline.
Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the
use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages
of oxygenates mentioned above are not covered under warranty.
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