Coleman Fuel works great!

[WheelSpinner]

Recently, there have been a few posts regarding alternative fuels for our old iron. So I did some research in the archives and came across a few saying that coleman fuel made these old engines run better. I decided to give it a shot and can now say that Coleman fuel does indeed seem to make my FM-ZA engine run better. I am not convinced that it started any easier but it did run slower and it didnt have as loud as a bark. It also didnt smell as bad out the exhaust. So if you are inclined to try it, I think you will be pleased.

Joe

[Ackman]

That's great to hear, but Coleman Fuel is at least $5 a gallon...even gas is cheaper!!

[WheelSpinner]

Randy,

Yeah, tell me about it, my gallon cost about $8 but I only run my engine for shows and amusement so I figure if I burn a gallon a year, the extra $ is worth the improvement. (IMHO) Wouldnt use it if I was running the engine for power instead of enjoyment.

Joe

[BDMelon]

. walmart has same stuff , but call Ozark trial latern fuel about 1.50 cheaper i have been using it for 2 years now, & will not put pump gas in my h&m engines any more, Heck of lot less fouled plugs & ignitors , engines does run a tad cooler , but when storing engines for winter , plug off
vents, . or the fuel evaps out, but it does go bad either!! yea i know put
stabil in it if using pump fuel. but have you been around a engine when it runs with stabil in it
wow what a smell just my 2 cent, & this thread has been on before many times. so this is end from here--------lol

BDmelon

[John Newman, Jr.]

How long will a sealed can of Coleman fuel last on the shelf? I inheirited about 20 gals when my father passed away. He went in Oct, '98, but had started stock piling some things in preperation for the predicted Y2K melt down. He didn't even get to see it 'Not Happen'.....

[BDMelon]

run it john should be ok, lol

Brian

[Tom Sampson]

Has anyone tried 100 octane low lead Avgas? We have used it in some engines and a whizzer motor bike. It doesn't go bad and is around $4.00 a Gal.
Tom

[Doug Kimball]

I was using av gas for a while because if in a plane the FAA allows you to store it for up to five years. The regular pump gas was going bad after one winter. I figured if ok in a plane for 5 years should last several in an old engine. Problem was that in hot weather engines could be a bear to start. Since switching to Ozark Trails & a capful of Marvel Mystery oil the starting problem in hot weather is gone.

[Patrick McNallen]

I really like the Coleman-type fuel for old low compression engines. It's overpriced, but what isn't? As for how long it will last in storage, I don't know, but I think it will last a very long time. I have never had any of it go bad, and I've had some around here for over a year in a vented fuel tank. You don't want to store any gasoline or similar hydrocarbon liquids in any kind of container that will allow sunlight into it. I'm sure that leaded Avgas would also be fine for an old engine. I think you could get it in 80 octane, which is way more than enough. I'm not sure if the old low compression, low speed engines would develop enough combustion chamber heat and pressure for the scavenging agents in leaded Avgas to work properly, but I doubt if it would be much of a problem. I have never had a problem with "lead fouling" in any kind of engine. Leaded Avgas would probably be the best fuel you could ever get for an older Briggs-type engine or any of the older Wisconsins. These higher speed, higher compression, air-cooled engines would benefit from the lead and they probably need about 80 + octane fuel if they are running at or near rated load, especially in hot weather and/or at low altitudes.

[Frank Douglas]

I have been using Ozark Trail fuel in my model hit and miss engine for about 4 years. Works great! Course I'm puting a little weed-eater oil in it for the model engine. Think I've had the gallon I'm working on for at least 2 years, maybe more, seems to be good as ever.

Frank

[Terry Beasley]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that the Coleman brand had some type of fiberous trash in it and that the Ozark brand from Wal Mart was a lot cleaner.

[Bill Sherlock]

Terry,

Don't know what you were reading but the orifice in lantern generators is a whole lot smaller than anything found in a carburetor. I've never had problems with Coleman fuel in any of my lanterns or camp stoves.

Bill

[Andrew Mackey]

Only problem with coleman white gas , is it is hydroscopic - it attracts moisture, and it leaves a corrosive residue in the combustion chamber, if you do not shut off fuel when shutting your engine down. When done for the year, run the engine totally out of gas, or fill the tank to tippy top. Run engine, and shut off fuel at the adjustment needle, while engine is coasting down, spray 10W-30 oil into intake. this will coat cylender and valve surfaces with oil, and protect them from corrosion. When engine stops, yun the puston against compression for a few seconds, to make sure both valves are closed. This will ensure that the cylinder is oil coated, and that the valves are shut. it will keep water out of the cylender (mice too!)
Andrew