Unleaded or Premium? Choosing Chainsaw Fuel Wisely (Guide)

With chainsaws being powerful yet sensitive pieces of equipment, selecting the right fuel is crucial for performance and longevity. From unleaded gasoline to ethanol blends, diesel, and premium mixes, deciding which one to use in your chainsaw can get confusing.

This comprehensive fuel selection guide aims to cut through the noise and help you make an informed choice. We’ll explore the pros and cons of various fuel options, bust some myths, and provide actionable tips on choosing, handling, and maintaining chainsaw fuel.

Whether you’re a professional logger or a weekend warrior tackling some yard work, unleaded or premium, by the end, you’ll know exactly what gas to put in your chainsaw.

The Importance of Using the Right Fuel

Using the manufacturer recommended fuel is vital for optimal chainsaw functioning and safety. The wrong gasoline can clog the carburetor and fuel lines, cause premature wear of parts, result in a loss of power, and also void the warranty. It may even damage the engine if used extensively over a long period.

On the other hand, the right fuel will provide efficient lubrication, prevent harmful carbon build-up, enable the engine to run cooler, and significantly extend the lifetime of your chainsaw. It’s a fine balance to strike.

This guide discusses all the viable fuel options so you can match the needs of your chainsaw with the ideal gas for hassle-free, safe operation every time.

Decoding Gasoline Types, Grades & Suitability

While gasoline might seem just like any other fuel to the layman, not all gas is created equal. With complex classifications and grading systems, it’s worth understanding the different gasoline variants, additives, and suitability for chainsaw use:

Gasoline Classifications

1. Conventional Unleaded Gasoline

The most common type of automotive fuel without any additives is conventional unleaded gasoline, also known as ‘regular’ grade fuel. Despite the name, it contains traces of lead.

2. Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)

Introduced in 1995 to reduce smog and air pollution, reformulated gas contains oxygenates like ethanol instead of toxic lead and has less sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbons compared to conventional gasoline.

3. Oxygenated Fuel

Oxygenated fuel contains oxygen-bearing fuel additives like ethanol, MTBE, methanol to further reduce emissions. Most gas sold nowadays has some percentage of ethanol added.

Gasoline Grades

1. Regular (87 octane rating)
2. Midgrade (89 octane rating)
3. Premium (91-93 octane rating)

Higher octane ratings indicate increased resistance to engine knocking and pre-ignition. Premium fuels benefit high-performance vehicles and engines.

Ethanol Blends

Blending ethanol with gasoline oxygenates the fuel for cleaner emissions. Some common ethanol-gasoline blends are:

1. E10 – 10% ethanol, 90% gas
2. E15 – 15% ethanol, 85% gas
3. E85 – 85% ethanol, 15% gas

Factors Impacting Chainsaw Fuel Choice

When deciding which fuel grade to use in your chainsaw, consider these aspects:

1. Manufacturer’s recommendations
2. Engine type – 2-stroke or 4-stroke
3. Presence of catalytic converter
4. Operating conditions and environment
5. Ethanol content in fuel

Now let’s explore popular chainsaw fuel options, their pros and cons, and recommendations:

Unleaded Gasoline for Chainsaws – Yay or Nay?

Can you put unleaded gas in a chainsaw? With so many grades available, which one should you choose? Let’s find out if unleaded gas is good for chainsaws:

The Good

1. Conventional unleaded gasoline burns efficiently in 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines.
2. Most chainsaw manufacturers recommend using fresh unleaded 89 to 93 octane fuel for optimal performance.

The Bad

1. Unleaded gasoline has traces of lead which leaves combustion chamber deposits.
2. No ethanol means unleaded gas doesn’t prevent build-up of residues as effectively.

The Verdict

While unleaded 89 to 93 grade gasoline is permitted in most chainsaws, the lack of detergents and ethanol makes it far from the ideal choice. Using unleaded gas exclusively can clog up the chainsaw over time.

For peak performance, it’s better to use fuel stabilizers and ethanol blends like 10% ethanol mixed with premium unleaded gasoline. We’ll get to more suitable fuel options shortly.

Can You Use Premium Gas in a Chainsaw?

With higher octane ratings resisting knocks and pre-ignition, can you put premium gas in a chainsaw? Let’s analyze the pros and cons:

The Good

1. Premium fuel ensures efficient combustion and maintains HP.
2. It’s mandatory for high-performance chainsaws.
3. Resists pre-ignition better thanks to higher octane levels.

The Bad

1. No detergent additives to prevent residue build-up over time.
2. More expensive compared to regular gas.
3. Offered mostly at select gas stations making it trickier to procure.

The Verdict

Using premium gasoline in chainsaws enables the engine to run cooler and maximize its horsepower output without risking detonation.

Combine it with fuel stabilizers for enhanced performance and equipment longevity. We recommend using 89 octane and above fuel for most chainsaw models. More details ahead.

And now, for the million-dollar question – can you use diesel fuel in a chainsaw? Let’s analyze if and when it might work:

Putting Diesel in a Chainsaw – Yay or Nay?

With diesel being cheaper and more lubricating than gasoline, can you substitute diesel for chainsaw fuel instead?

The Good

1. Diesel is 15-20% cheaper than gasoline per gallon.
2. Its higher viscosity provides more lubrication for the fuel system.
3. Has higher cetane content improving combustion.

The Bad

1. Diesel is oilier and doesn’t vaporize well in small engines.
2. Chainsaw engines aren’t designed for thicker diesel.
3. No spark plugs cause ignition issues in diesel-run saws.

The Verdict

Diesel is too thick for a chainsaw’s small engine and can cause starting and running issues. Gasoline has exactly the right volatility and viscosity for atomization and mixing with air in carbs.

While a diesel-flavored fuel named kerosene is permitted in small amounts for lubrication, chainsaws cannot run reliably on pure diesel fuel. Stick to good quality gasoline instead.

E10, E15, E85 – Which Ethanol Blend is Best?

Ethanol blended fuels burn cleaner with fewer emissions compared to pure gasoline. But with varying mixes like E10, E15 or E85 available, which one should you choose for your chainsaw?

The Good

1. Ethanol effectively prevents build-up of sticky residues in the engine and fuel system by keeping them dissolved and moving. Hence, reducing maintenance.
2. Blends under E15 provide satisfactory combustion performance akin to gasoline, along with reduced environmental impact.

The Bad

1. Too much ethanol as in E85 corrodes plastic and rubber components in the fuel system and engine.
2. E15 and higher attract water easily leading to phase separation and performance issues.
3. Can be tricky sourcing fuel with ideal ethanol percentage suitable for small engines.

The Verdict

E10 fuels with 10% ethanol strikes the right balance for chainsaw use. It manages moisture absorption better than E15+, reduces deposits compared to no ethanol, while limiting corrosion risks versus too much ethanol as in E85. For best results, check manufacturer guide.

Some Key Fuel Recommendations based on Engine & Model

Now that we’ve compared the different fuel options, let’s consolidate some specific gas recommendations for chainsaw engines and models to pick the right gasoline effortlessly:

2-Stroke Engine Chainsaws

What gas is best for a 2-stroke chainsaw?

1. Use 89 to 93 octane ethanol-blended fuel
2. Ideal ethanol content – 10% or lower
3. Mix fuel stabilizers to enhance shelf-life
4. Avoid E15+ fuels not clearing from carbs fully

2-stroke engines lubricate themselves by mixing oil with fuel. Hence quality gas avoids undue wear and residue build-up.

4-Stroke Engine Chainsaws

What gas is best for a 4-stroke chainsaw?

1. Use 87 to 93 octane ethanol-blended fuel
2. Ideal ethanol content – 10% or lower
3. Can use E15 fuel in select newer models
4. Add fuel stabilizer to maintain freshness

4-stroke engines with separate oil make them less susceptible to ethanol and knocks. Follow manufacturer guide though.

Catalytic Converter Chainsaws

Can you put regular gas in a catalytic converter chainsaw?

Catalytic converters reduce toxic emissions but don’t tolerate leaded and heavy fuels well. Hence,

1. Use minimum 89 octane unleaded gasoline
2. Ensure fuel has detergent additives
3. Maintain proper air-fuel ratios for catcon longevity
4. No diesel or kerosene

If in doubt, confirm recommended fuel grade with manufacturer. Don’t risk damaging the catcon.

Professional Grade Chainsaws

Professional-grade petrol chainsaws built for demanding conditions need peaked precision fuel for delivering max, sustained power.

Use –

1. High octane unleaded gasoline – 93 octane and above
2. Low ethanol content – 10% or below
3. Synthetic lubricants fortified fuel for extra protection
4. Fuel stabilizers to extend storage life

Cheap Gas in Chainsaws – Should You Risk It?

With professional chainsaws guzzling gallons of fuel daily, some users try saving costs by using lower quality or old pump gasoline. But doing so seriously impacts performance and equipment health.

Here’s why bargain hunting for gas isn’t wise in the long run:

1. Old fuel causes vapour lock, needs constant choking and makes starting difficult – wasting precious logging time.
2. Contaminants in poor quality gas – sulphur, lead deposits rapidly build up needing frequent costly servicing.
3. Insufficient octane leads to bearing failures from engine knocking under heavy loads.

Stick to fresh ethanol blended high-octane gas recommended by the manufacturer. The small upfront savings don’t justify the headaches, loss of productivity and equipment damage cheap gas or diesel causes.

Fuel Storage & Handling Best Practices

Even with the right fuel choice as per chainsaw model, improper handling during transport, storage and refueling can result in a number of issues:

1. Accidental spills and ignition risks require safe storage away from heat and ignition sources.
2. Exposure to air and moisture degrades gasoline rapidly by oxidation and water contamination leading to failed starts.
3. Incorrectly mixed 2-stroke fuel ratios impact lubrication and combustion.
4. Dirt entering tanks causes accelerated wear of precision components.

Follow these essential fuel storage protocols for maximum shelf life and safety:

1. Use original chainsaw fuel containers for transport and decanting carefully to prevent spills. Portable fuel cans help.
2. Fill tanks to only 75-80% capacity for allowing expansion by heat and movement.
3. Add stabilizer products like Stabil® as per directions to keep fuel fresh for 12+ months.
4. Store cans and filled chainsaws away from direct sun, heat sources or sparks in cool, dry spot.
5. Prevent dirt and debris entry by using clean funnel while refueling. Wipe surfaces clean before opening caps.
6. Maintain accurate 2-stroke oil-fuel ratios between 25:1 to 50:1 as advised by manufacturer to protect the engine.

Proper fuel handling minimizes deterioration in transit and storage while keeping flammable gasoline safe at all times.

Troubleshooting Common Fuel Related Issues

Despite the right fuel choice and careful handling, some persisting chainsaw problems typically stem from fuel-related issues.

Here’s troubleshooting the most widespread ones:

Difficulty Starting

1. Check fuel quality and presence in the tank/carburetor. Refill fresh mix if required.
2. Confirm spark plug electrode gap is within 0.5 to 0.8mm range. Reset gap if required.
3. Remove and clean spark plug of fouling or replace plug.
4. Ensure air filter is cleaned out and choke lever moves freely.

Flooding

1. Shift choke to ‘Open’ position immediately upon starting instead of keeping engaged.
2. Don’t pump throttle excessively which overloads engine.
3. Clean/replace fuel filter and check carburetor jets if flooding persists.

Dieseling Effect

1. Use fuel with ethanol content to prevent carbon build-up causing dieseling.
2. Adjust carburetor low speed needles correctly.
3. Replace spark arrestors/mufflers clogged with soot periodically.

Solving fuel system issues promptly prevents extensive damage and safety hazards. Investing in preventive maintenance saves more costs long term.

Conclusion

With engine technology and fuel formulations continually evolving, there’s no one size fits all chainsaw fuel. Finding the optimum gas grade and additives matching your model, operating style and environmental needs is key for hassle-free performance.

Careful refueling and storage habits further protect your investment and equipment longevity. We hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview to pick, handle and maintain chainsaw fuel wisely. Stay safe as you saw!