Fuel filter opinion?

[chris]

the inline filters i sell work fine for fuel flow i have never has any problems,

[Merk]

I have 2 tractors that I run all year long. I change the gas filter once a year.

by Mountain Heritage
What kind of gas do you guys normally run in your tractors? Regular or High Test?

Page 1.5 in a Kohler service manual recomends to use clean, fresh unleaded fuel.
Here is s link to a kohler Service Manual:
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/showthread.php?t=38

I use 87 octane fuel in my Cubs.
My old Kohlers don't have any problems on todays gas....as long as it is fresh. I haven't had any fuel related problems since I went to a 30 day gas rule. It is an easy rule to follow. I try to buy enough gas for all ( 2 and 4 cycle) my small motors to last only a month. I will add a fuel stablizer to my gas before I fill my gas container(s) up. Two good fuel stablizers are the one made for Briggs and Stratton and Sta-Bil. I use Sta-Bil because it is cheaper in my area. Any gas (2 and 4 cycle) that is over 30 days old is dump into one of my autos...usually my Suburban or my Monte Carlo.

How you store your fuel containers is important too. The container(s) should be sealed. Watch closely the next time you fill you gas on your Cub. You should see vapors coming out of fuel tank when you fill it. The vapors is the additive package that the gas company puts in the gas. You need all the additive package so your Cub will run at it's best performace. I store my fuel containers in a cool dry place in my shop. All my fuel containers sit on a board. I feel that storing fuel containers on a cool garage/shop floor-ground can attract moisture easier-quicker than placing a fuel container on a piece of wood.

This works on straight gas and ethanol blended gas. The ethanol in the ethanol blended gas will help clean deposits in the combustion chamber (top of piston-valves). I haven't had any problems with ethanol. The key to ethanol blends fuel is how you store it.

Kohler has a FAQ section:
http://review.engines2008.kohler.com...ance/faqs.htm#
There is a question and answer about fuel additives.

Can I use any oil or fuel additive in my KOHLER engine?

Kohler's answer
Kohler does not recommend using additives or cleaners in the oil or fuel system. Air-cooled engines operate at higher temperatures than liquid-cooled automotive engines, and additives developed for automotive use may not perform properly at higher temperatures. Oil additives can prematurely break down, altering the properties of the oil and leading to extensive internal damage or failure. Fuel system cleaning additives have a tendency to separate and turn acidic, causing damage to fuel system components. However, a fuel stabilizer is recommended in the fuel during periods of non-use (one month or more) to retard fuel deterioration.

[papaglide]

The original operator's manual I have for my 169 specifically states that:

"This engine is designed to operate on leaded gasoline with a 93 octane rating or on unleaded or low lead gasoline with a 91 minimum octane rating (Research Method). "

Therefore that's what I have been putting into it since I got it.

[Merk]

This info is from Kohler's web site:

Fuel Type
For best results use only clean, fresh, unleaded
gasoline with a pump sticker octane rating of 87 or
higher. In countries using the Research method, it
should be 90 octane minimum.
Unleaded gasoline is recommended as it leaves less
combustion chamber deposits. Leaded gasoline may
be used in areas where unleaded is not available and
exhaust emissions are not regulated. Be aware
however, that the cylinder head will require more
frequent service.
Gasoline/Alcohol blends
Gasohol (up to 10% ethyl alcohol, 90% unleaded
gasoline by volume) is approved as a fuel for Kohler
engines. Other gasoline/alcohol blends are not
approved.
Gasoline/Ether blends
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) and unleaded
gasoline blends (up to a maximum of 15% MTBE by
volume) are approved as a fuel for Kohler engines.
Other gasoline/ether blends are not approved.


Kohler knows more about their motors than Cub Cadet does. If you want to waste your money... that is your choice. I use 87 octane and haven't had any problems.

[papaglide]

Thanks Merk. That makes sense. I am changing now and going back to regular. Just a question, why do you think that cub put that in their manual?

[gcbailey]

Originally Posted by papaglide

Thanks Merk. That makes sense. I am changing now and going back to regular. Just a question, why do you think that cub put that in their manual?

I've noticed there are a lot of differences between Cub and Kohler manuals... new and old. There's even a lot of differences between Cub owner's manuals and Cub Service manuals....

[aagitch]

When it comes to engine stuff I always use the Kohler manual over the Cub Cadet manual since there are differences once in awhile.

[Merk]

by papaglide
Thanks Merk. That makes sense. I am changing now and going back to regular. Just a question, why do you think that cub put that in their manual?

My guess:
That was the latest and greatest infomation at that time. Fuel technology has improved since the late 60's/early 70's. The small motors manufactures have to be doing some testing so their motors get the best performace. Fuel is one area I would be looking at.

One of the things I've found is that my Cubs don't perform as well on 90 plus octane gas. My 149 has .040 milled off the head. I have been expermenting with gas...trying to get better performace and better fuel ecomony. Some of the better performace from my Cubs comes from using the 30 day gas rule.

Two things I forgot to add to my previous post are the following:
1. I shake the fuel container before I add gas to my small motors.
I notice when I pour 2 cycle gas in my motor's fuel tank the first few ounces look like gas rather than gas/oil mixture. If you shake the gas container before you fill your 2 cycle motor's tank the fuel looks like it should. This way the motor is getting the correct amount of oil and gas each fill up. It doesn't matter if it is 2 or 4 cycle gas...I shake the gas container.

2. I buy my fuel at a gas station that sells a high volume of gas. I like to support my local Mom and Pop gas station....My autos and Cubs run better on the high volume gas stations.
Why?
The only thing I can think of is the gas is fresher.

Some of the infomation that I share came from a high school small motors class that I used to teach. Some came from mentors that put up with all my questions. Some came from trial and error. I am still learning.