A couple questions about winter blend gasoline

I want to fill up my Strikemaster Lazermag with fresh winter blend gas.

1. When do Minnesota gas stations switch over to winter blend? I know they can legally start on September 16.

2. Does the non-ethanol 91 octane switch to winter blend? I only use 91.

1. I think it’s late Octobrt usually. They change blends 12-15 times during the winter. The amount of butane in gas is essentially constantly changing through the winter season.

2. I don’t think it changes. If it does it’s going to be very minimal. I read somewhere in CA their 91 non-oxygenated, non-ethanol goes from a 7 RVP to a 6.9

3. I don’t think it matters on something like a 2-stroke auger, especially if you’re using 91 non-oxygenated, non-ethanol gas. I wouldn’t worry about it. I’ve got a strikemaster with the Solo engine and I’ve never had any issues starting it in eight years and I’ve ran some absolutely horrid gas through it. It still started on the first or second pull and ran great.

Just get non-oxy (no ethanol) and don’t worry about it.

If you’re only getting a gallon or two, make sure to buy it from a place that has a dedicated hose/nozzle for it.

A lot of gas dispensers use one hose for all grades of gas. That means you could have up to a quart of 87 w/ethanol in your one gallon of non-oxy.

Put in TruFuel and never have a gas concern again.
Container won’t leak and fuel is stable for many years.
My strikemaster has never seen any fuel except TruFuel. I ran it hard for 3-5 years and then retired it to the garage the last 5 years. I start it 2x a year and it starts right up. TruFuel – It is worth the extra $/Gal.
I should add, i’m still using the fuel purchased many years ago when i still ice fished.

B-man wrote:

A lot of gas dispensers use one hose for all grades of gas. That means you could have up to a quart of 87 w/ethanol in your one gallon of non-oxy.

Great point, I never thought of that. The station I buy ethanol free premium from has a dedicated pump for it but now that you mention this, I’m sure a lot don’t.

I put this fuel in my outboard motor, snow blower, and lawn mower (seasonal use engines).

FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:

Put in TruFuel and never have a gas concern again.

I can’t answer your questions but this would be my answer.

ClownColor wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:</div>
Put in TruFuel and never have a gas concern again.

I can’t answer your questions but this would be my answer.

Love the fuel and container. They roll around my truck all winter and have never leaked.
DT

deertracker wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>ClownColor wrote:</div>

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:</div>
Put in TruFuel and never have a gas concern again.

I can’t answer your questions but this would be my answer.

Love the fuel and container. They roll around my truck all winter and have never leaked.
DT

I keep two in my boat, non mixed, just “in case” I run out of fuel… never have, but first time for anything I figure

gimruis wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>B-man wrote:</div>
A lot of gas dispensers use one hose for all grades of gas. That means you could have up to a quart of 87 w/ethanol in your one gallon of non-oxy.

Great point, I never thought of that. The station I buy ethanol free premium from has a dedicated pump for it but now that you mention this, I’m sure a lot don’t.

I put this fuel in my outboard motor, snow blower, and lawn mower (seasonal use engines).

In these situations, I usually top off the pickup with premium and then fill my gas can to make sure it is premium fuel going into my lawn mower, boat, etc.

Thanks for all the responses. I will just get the 91 and forget about it.

Bromel wrote:

Thanks for all the responses. I will just get the 91 and forget about it.

If the station doesn’t have a separate nozzle for the non-ethanol, pump a gallon into your vehicle first to get the leftover crap gas out of the hose, and then fill your one gallon can. Good idea to also add Sea Foam.