Tecumseh Engine Fuel Recommendations

Today’s fuels have a short shelf life and it is recommended you buy no more than a two month supply unless using a suitable fuel stabilizer.

GASOLINE

Tecumseh Power strongly recommends the use of fresh, clean, unleaded regular gasoline in all Tecumseh Power engines. Unleaded gasoline burns cleaner, extends engine life, and promotes good starting by reducing the build-up of combustion chamber deposits. Leaded gasoline, gasohol containing no more than 10% ethanol, premium gasoline, or unleaded gasoline containing no more than 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether), 15% ETBE (Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) or 10% ethanol, can be used if unleaded regular gasoline is not available.  

Reformulated gasoline that is now required in several areas of the United States is also acceptable.

NEVER USE gasoline, fuel conditioners, additives or stabilizers containing methanol, gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol, unleaded regular gasoline containing more than 15% MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether), 15% ETBE (Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) or 10% ethanol, gasoline additives, or white gas because engine/fuel system damage could result.

SPECIALTY FUELS Fuels being marketed for use on small engines can have a significant effect on starting and engine performance. Prior to using any specialty fuel, the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) must be determined. Fuels with a rating of less than 50kPa (7psi) should not be used in summer, and fuel with a rating of 85kPa (12psi) should not be used during winter.

SHORT TERM STORAGE NEVER store the engine with fuel in the fuel tank inside a building with potential sources of ignition such as hot water and space heaters, clothes dryers, electric motors, etc.

If engine fuel stored in the gas tank and/or an approved gas container is to be unused without gasoline stabilizer for more than 15-30 days, prepare it for short term/seasonal storage.

Always follow mix ratio found on stabilizer container. Failure to do so may result in equipment damage.

It is not necessary to drain stabilized gas from carburetor.

FUEL TREATMENT 

1. Add fuel stabilizer according to manufacturer’s instructions. 

2. Run engine at least 10 minutes after adding stabilizer to allow it to reach carburetor. 

3. Instead of using a fuel preservative/stabilizer, you can empty the fuel tank as described under "Extended Storage”.

EXTENDED STORAGE 

NOTE: Clean debris from engine before draining fuel from carburetor. If you have prepared your fuel for short term storage it is not necessary to drain fuel that contains stabilizer from your carburetor.

To avoid severe injury or death, DO NOT pour fuel from engine or siphon fuel by mouth.

1. To prevent serious injury from fuel fires, empty fuel tank by running engine until it stops from lack of fuel. DO NOT attempt to pour fuel from engine.

2. Run the engine while waiting until the remaining fuel is consumed.

NEVER leave the engine unattended when it is running and NEVER run engine in enclosed areas.

FUEL ADDITIVES 

 Only fuel additives such as Tecumseh Power’s fuel stabilizer Part No. 730245A or liquid varieties can be used when mixed properly. For winter applications, Isopropyl alcohol fuel dryers may be used in the fuel system but must be mixed at the proper ratio recommended by the manufacturer. NEVER USE METHANOL BASED FUEL DRYERS.