The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing 100 small engine, utility vehicle and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, is alerting owners and users of small engine and power equipment to be aware of new fuels that can destroy or damage the engine.
The national ethanol education and consumer protection campaign, called "Look Before You Pump" is cautioning that it is harmful and illegal to use higher than 10% ethanol gas when fueling up a range of gas-powered equipment.
OPEI Warns Against Using Gas-Ethanol Blends Greater than E10
The urgency of the industry’s campaign comes from research that shows high-ethanol blends of gasoline can damage or destroy small engines not designed to handle it. A recent OPEI/Harris Interactive study shows the vast majority of Americans (71%) are “not at all sure” if it is illegal or legal to put high level ethanol gas (i.e., anything higher than 10% ethanol) into engines such as those in boats, mowers, chain saws, snow mobiles, generators and other engine products.
“Although there is continued uncertainty in the renewable fuels market, one thing for certain is that the way consumers select and use fuel will be changing in the coming years,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI.
According to Kiser, “It is incumbent upon our industry to be proactive. We are cautioning American consumers and business owners whose livelihood depends on our equipment to be more mindful at the gas pump. Don’t assume that the gas you put in your car can still go in your mower, chain saw or generator.”
OPEI urges consumers to read their equipment operating manual before filling with gasoline to ensure they use the right fuel for that engine.
