Our range of petrol generators from manufacturers like Yamaha, Honda etc are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel and for good performance and efficient operation using fuel containing from 0 to 10% ethanol. E85 is an alternative fuel. It is made by combining 85% ethanol with 15% fuel. Most petrol generators on the market today are not currently certified or designed to run on E85.

Tips to prevent fuel related problems with your petrol generator

1. Do not use fuel containing more than 10% ethanol in your petrol generator.. Ethanol is corrosive and also quickly attracts water from the air into the fuel. This can cause starting or running problems or, in some cases, damage to your engine’s fuel system.
2. Add fuel stabilizer to your portable fuel container. Since you don’t know how long fuel will remain in your portable fuel container, it is recommended that you always add fuel stabilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions when you fill the container with fresh fuel.
3. When the generator is not in use. Always close the fuel cap vent. Store the generator away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry area if possible fuel will deteriorate faster when exposed to air and the heat from sunlight.
4. If you do not plan to operate the generator frequently (less than once a month), drain the carburetor following the directions shown in the owner’s manual. The properties of fuel can quickly lead to stale fuel, causing starting or running problems.
   The fuel in the carburetor float bowl will deteriorate faster than fuel in the tank due to small fuel volume, proximity to engine heat, or being open to the atmosphere.
5. If you do not plan to use your petrol generator for more than 12 months drain the fuel tank and carburetor following the storage procedure in your owner’s manual. Even treated fuel (with fuel stabilizer) left in the engine’s fuel system can deteriorate during long term storage, causing starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system.

What problems can occur from old fuel.?

In storage, fuel immediately starts to naturally oxidize and deteriorate. The older it gets the more it deteriorates and the more likely it will cause hard starting and other performance issues that result from sticky deposits that clog the tiny passages in the fuel system.

In addition, ethanol in the fuel attracts water. Initially it mixes with the ethanol, but at higher concentrations it separates and settles to the lowest point, which leads to corrosion and starting and running problems. The lower the fuel level in the tank, the more likely you will experience water contamination. If the fuel in your fuel tank and carburetor has significantly deteriorated during storage, you may need to have the carburetor and other fuel system components serviced or replaced.