HoneyBerry
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1216
Joined: Sat Jul 18, 2015 1:10 pm
Location: Zone 8A Western Washington State

weedeater gas - 87 or 89

I have an Echo weed whacker. I have been using 87 octane gas for years, mixed with oil, of course. I was reading the manual recently (ha,ha it's been years and I just started to read the manual) and I noticed that it says to use 89 octane gas mixed with oil. I am wondering if it really makes much difference to use 89. Perhaps my weed whacker would be happier? I like using 87 because it costs less.

j3707
Green Thumb
Posts: 306
Joined: Sun Jul 12, 2009 10:11 pm
Location: Pacific Northwest, Zone 8, 48" annual rainfall, dry summers.

Octane requirements are based on piston compression ratios. If you run too low an octane the fuel can detonate before it is supposed to and your engine doesn't run quite right (you'll get less power and you hear a "pinging" noise). At the least, run a few tanks of 89 and see if you notice a difference.

HoneyBerry
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1216
Joined: Sat Jul 18, 2015 1:10 pm
Location: Zone 8A Western Washington State

Thanks. I will buy 89 the next time I buy gas for my weedeater. Now I'm wondering about the oil. The manual says to use Echo brand but I haven't been doing that.



Return to “What Doesn't Fit Elsewhere”