Another Ethanol Testament
- Thread starter Jack Straw
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firebroad
Minister of Fire
firebroad
Minister of Fire
Certainly looks to be constructed by someone intelligent enough to tear down an engine and do a thorough root cause analysis. I'd say it looks more like a monument to stupidity IMHO.
Though (coincidentally) - I had my first 'ethanol' failure just tonight. After running my non-FFV car on essentially straight E85 for the past 5 years and ~100,000 miles, the turbo blow off valve blew right off the charge pipe! How's this due to ethanol? Well, it was the 105 octane which allowed me to crank up the turbo boost in the first place! Though with cheaper E85 offsetting the very slight loss in MPG to the tune of about ~$300 in savings per year, I suppose I can afford 29 cents for a new set-screw!
Though (coincidentally) - I had my first 'ethanol' failure just tonight. After running my non-FFV car on essentially straight E85 for the past 5 years and ~100,000 miles, the turbo blow off valve blew right off the charge pipe! How's this due to ethanol? Well, it was the 105 octane which allowed me to crank up the turbo boost in the first place! Though with cheaper E85 offsetting the very slight loss in MPG to the tune of about ~$300 in savings per year, I suppose I can afford 29 cents for a new set-screw!
There's nothing that can be blamed on Ethanol that would render a mower "un-fixable" . Worst case, complete carb replacement. If the mower ain't worth that then it's got far bigger problems than Ethanol in the fuel.
Although I do like the picture.
Although I do like the picture.
I got a great Honda mower for 40 bucks because of ethanol. I cleaned the carb and it runs like a champ. I see them on CL all of the time. I think you could make some good money buying them, cleaning the carbs and reselling them.
btuser
Minister of Fire
I picked up an $800 plate compactor for 225 bucks, then split the cost with a friend so we've both got unlimited use for $112. It was in perfect condition other than not starting. An hour later I had it figured out and I'm by no means an expert. Somebody who knew what they were doing would have taken 10 minutes. You'd figure people would pay someone to fix these things rather than taking the hit. I always put in a squirt of fuel stabil, and if its an occasional use engine (pressure washer, generator) I shut off the fuel valve and run my equipment dry.
firebroad
Minister of Fire
I love my Honda Harmony. Had it for close to ten years, only had to change the carb out once, and change the plug. Even a gimpy like me can get it started on one feeble pull. Wish my chainsaw was that accommodating. Stabil is the best thing ever invented.
SmokeyTheBear
Minister of Fire
I have a 1986 Honda mower that has been treated to only a new used spark plug (I rotate the snow blower one to the lawn mower and toss the one from the mower every year, the snow blower gets the new one), a yearly air filter cleaning, a new blade when needed (it is on its third one) and a new lower portion of the handle (the first one cracked after 20 years) it hasn't seen any difference between the old and new formulations of gas. It still starts on first pull. I also have a 1976 Toro Snowblower that is my backup unit and that has had a few minor parts replaced and still turns over fine. I wouldn't want to try keep my driveway clear with it (small path width and only 5 horse) but it could do it if push came to shove. The 2007 Ariens snowblower seems to be holding up well also.
firebroad
Minister of Fire
I wonder how many lawnmowers are discarded because the owner never changed the oil. I can't tell you how many people I have met who never clean the filters, just add oil to the dirty muck already in there, etc. Seems to be folks who only have a postage stamp to mow, so don't really think about it.
jharkin
Minister of Fire
Not just oil. Most folks never change the plugs or air filters in their mowers either. They run them till they wont start then throw away. We live in a throw away society 
Ever notice that new mowers sometimes ship with oil in the case already? The manufacturers found that if you put an oil container in the box, a certain percentage of buyers are dumb enough to try starting it without reading the directions and filling the oil. But not to dumb to return.
Heck i lent my weed wacker to the neighbor and he almost ruined it by refilling it with straight gas... Luckily he remembered to ask me if it needed oil mix ......
Ever notice that new mowers sometimes ship with oil in the case already? The manufacturers found that if you put an oil container in the box, a certain percentage of buyers are dumb enough to try starting it without reading the directions and filling the oil. But not to dumb to return.
Heck i lent my weed wacker to the neighbor and he almost ruined it by refilling it with straight gas... Luckily he remembered to ask me if it needed oil mix ......
semipro
Minister of Fire
SmokeyTheBear
Minister of Fire
They are just like pellet stoves, keep them clean and do the maintenance on them and they perform like the Energizer Bunny.
A great reason to encourage folks to buy from a dealer that takes the time to prep the machine before turning it over to the user. Retail giants don't give a flying fornication about what they're selling (outside of the price tag that is) and returns are just a another thing their employees have to dredge through before they finish their shift. That's why the majority of what they offer is "disposable".
And another great reason to be discriminate about whom you loan your tools too. If anybody.
firebroad
Minister of Fire
I try not to buy from the big box boys for that very reason. Last chainsaw I got from an authorized dealer, they took the time to go over everything for me, and even showed me "secret combination" of how to choke the thing properly without treating me like an idiot woman(which I can be at times)
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