Rising Ethanol Content Threatens Small Engines
Readers may have noticed an ethanol warning with my article in the Christmas issue of this magazine. Since then, we’ve made numerous national powersports and industry associations, and all manufacturers of motorsports products, aware of the looming threat. Plus, every provincial recreational trail group and the Federation of Ontario Cottagers Associations (FOCA).
Meanwhile, initial contacts are underway with both federal and provincial politicians to urge remedial action. But nothing’s occurred yet, so as of this writing, here’s what you need to know.
What’s Happening?
Snowmobilers must beware of increased ethanol content at the pumps this winter. But riders aren’t the only ones at risk. Yes, a multitude of other gas-powered, 2-stroke, small engines used daily in the Kawarthas-Haliburton-Bancroft area are also in danger.
As of 2023, gasoline contained up to 10% ethanol content (E10), which most small engines can handle. However, that content is now increasing to reach to E15 by 2030.
In fact, without much notice or fanfare, the increase has already started in Ontario & Quebec with ethanol increases already exceeding 10% in both regular and mid-grade gas; 15% ethanol warnings are also being posted at some gas stations. Even though anything over E10 is dangerous to small engines.
So, anyone who relies on gas-powered small engines (see sidebar list) could be affected. And that includes usage at cottages, homes, farms, workplaces, and for recreational trails and emergency services.
What’s The Problem?
Overall, our gas-powered, 2-stroke, small engines can handle E10 fuel. Sure, E10 gasoline already causes ongoing small engine concerns, notably corrosiveness and storage issues. But higher ethanol content ups the threat dramatically.
Why? Because higher ethanol-induced oxygenation of the combustible mixture results in a more damaging chemical reaction in a small engine’s combustion chamber. Specifically, the ethanol-related oxygen atoms cause the temperature of the combustion event to rise higher than before. This can cause either carbureted or fuel injected small engines to overheat (an effect similar to leaning out the jetting too much) – and lead to sudden engine seizure. Or over time, internal damage that can compromise its reliability and longevity (the likely outcome for most 4-stroke small engines).
To date, no one has come up with an engine fix to handle more ethanol. Nor can any existing additive compensate for the sheer numbers of oxygen atoms now added to the reaction.
Are There Any Other Considerations?
So far, it looks like the ethanol content increase is happening only in regular (87 octane) and mid-grade (89 octane) fuels. So, we can avoid small engine ethanol damage by going premium, but at a greater cost with each fill-up.
It’s also a relief to know that increased ethanol content does not affect automobiles. Their sophisticated closed loop fuel injection systems have built in safeguards. However, small engines, with their carburetors or open-loop injection systems don’t have the same protection.
What’s The Bottomline?
If allowed to go unchecked, increased ethanol content could make every existing gas-powered, 2-stroke, small engine obsolete. So, get your axes, saws and shovels ready, folks!
How Can Snowmobilers Avoid Engine Damage?
From a snowmobiling perspective, riders should start using premium gas exclusively, if not doing so already. Also, be more aware of planning fuel stops to access premium fuel. And carry extra premium in a gas caddy on your sled just in case. Crazy as it may seem, on tours through remote areas, maybe even consider calling ahead to make sure a planned gas stop has premium.
Regardless, good luck getting your ethanol-damaged small engine covered by any sled manufacturer or extended warranty, so buyer beware at the pumps!
This article prepared in collaboration with Michel Garneau, Tech Editor of Motoneige Quebec Magazine, and John Sharrard of Accelerated Technologies in Buckhorn.
Craig Nicholson, The Intrepid Snowmobiler, is an International Snowmobile Hall of Fame journalist and a long-time Kawarthas cottager who also provides tips and tour info for snowmobilers at intrepidsnowmobiler.com and for PWC riders at intrepidcottager.com.
Sponsored by: HB Cycle www.hbcycle.com
Small Engines Endangered By Ethanol Include:
• Snowmobiles
• ATV’s
• SXS’s
• Motorcycles
• Boat motors
• Snow Blowers
• Generators
• Chain Saws
• Pressure Washers
• Lawn Mowers
• Weed Wackers
• Leaf Blowers
• Brush Cutters
• Hedge Trimmers
• Tillers & cultivators
• Stump grinders
• Log splitters
• Mini Excavators
