Engineered Fuel FAIL! Your Small Engine Is Not Running Right, Even if You Think It Is!

Is your chainsaw, string trimmer or blower bogging out? Will it not restart once it gets hot? Don't take it to the repair shop until you try this first!
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My name is Bre. I took two years of small engine repair at the local college. When I left school, I fell into a wonderful job at a local small engine shop where I worked the counter for a couple years. In 2010 my husband and I opened up our own small engine shop in central Arkansas where I am able to work alongside my family and best friends. We see over 2,000 pieces of small engine equipment every year, and answer 1,000's of small engine questions. We specialize in brands such as Briggs and Stratton, Kohler, Echo and Shindaiwa, but work everyday on MANY other brands like Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Craftsman, Remington, Red Max, Troy Bilt, Scag, Bad Boy, Hustler, World Lawn, Poulan, Mantis, Etc.. Hopefully, my experience I share, will save you Time, Money and Frustration in the future!
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
Although very informative, these videos are for entertainment purposes. Please use all possible safety precautions when repairing and operating your small engine equipment.

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@jeffreygraf3358]

Box store gas cut short my wood cutting up at my deer hunting land. Was about ready to throw my chainsaw into the brush when my friend (who watches you) told me to try some fresh, non-canned gas. Chainsaw ran great, work got done, and you gained a loyal subscriber. Thank you!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for letting me know! Comments like these are what I'm here for.

[@snakeboren4814]

Major Big Difference...That Echo Chainsaw IZ Running 100 Times ..Better !!!! Wat...A...Difference The Right Fuel makes...Bre !!!!

[@DCS026]

Steve at Steve's Small engine saloon is smiling around the 6:02 mark. 🙂 Great video.

[@reddog-ex4dx]

Endoscope. Yea, over 50 and that makes me say: RUN! Love your videos. I started watching them a couple of months ago. I bought a one acre place 3 years ago that has 4 sheds and a two car garage on it that was full of tools and stuff the previous owner left behind. I felt like a kid in a candy store! One thing he left was a two stroke ECHO GT 200 weed eater that I have ignored. (I'm not used to having landscaping stuff. Never needed to use them before.) I now feel ready to take that weed eater on thanks to watching your videos. Thanks Brie!

[@haneyoakie14]

I said Butt Light!

[@ericarachel55]

before I found and watched your videos, I had never heard of canned fuel, I've always mixed my own

[@Slane583]

I used to use it every now and then when I wasn't using my chainsaw often enough to buy a big batch of fuel. It's perfect for intermittent use, but there are better quality brands than the one Chickanic tries not to speak of in her video. Sadly I used the one Chickanic is trying not to say and it gummed up my saw. So I've just been sticking to ethanol free high-octane fuel and storing it in a 100% sealed can for when I need it. I've also been adding in some MMO and Star-Brite Fuel Enzyme cleaner into the batch for longevity. :)

[@leonardh8269]

Cub cadet dealers recommend their caned fuel....

[@ericarachel55]

if you like mtd stuff, go for it @@leonardh8269

[@davidkettell1073]

@@leonardh8269 of course because like everything they make it is a ripoff.

[@robcole332]

I’m a Chickanic addict. You are so good to us. Keeping us informed with honest opinions, great tips on repairs and easy on the eyes 💜💜💜💜💜

[@MrBlackdragon1230]

I grew up watching my uncle run a small engine repair shop and learned so much from him. I started to follow the same when I got old enough, but as lawn mower engines changed from points and condenser to electronic ignition, carb's became cheap plastic non adjustable crap, and engines went to overhead valve i lost all desire to be a small engine mechanic. I still work on all my own stuff and some that friends bring me but wont do it commercially. I really appreciate your channel as it teaches others how to deal with the smaller things that can be kept out of the mechanic shop and save money. I also enjoy your channel as I still learn new things from you. Thank you.

[@ohiofarmer5918]

Just bought some red oil today. What am I gonna do with the synthetic Stihl stuff?

[@grifonks]

I'm so glad that someone has the courage to tell the truth about big box engineered fuel and that's why I joined your channel Bree. Many of the cheapo non-ethanol pump gas sellers have similar issues with that gas in the spring, the winter epa mandated or suggested mixes don't burn well on hot days. That's why I buy non-e MO gas from an airport. 91 octane mixed with Red Armor!

[@Rolog21]

I have been watching your videos for awhile now. This video really saved me a trip to the repair shop. I don't have the funds to what they charge and the time to wait till fixed. SO in fairness I feel like I should contribute to your professional help. Thank you. Apologies for not able to doing more at this moment.

[@zzschulzz]

Thank you! Love learning from you!

[@spencerh2860]

Love your channel. Much love and respect from across the pond 🇬🇧

[@skyepilotte11]

Thx Bre...very helpful an informative as usual.

[@kencurtis228]

TY for Sharing

[@walterchapin33]

Always great info that is easily understood

[@Mike40M]

I've used Aspen 2-stroke for decades in my chain saws. More healthy exhausts, nice when surrounded by two feet of snow. Here in Sweden I can buy it from local farm/forest shops from pump in any quantity. As we have winter half of the year, lawn movers, motorcycles and other engines hibernate. I use Aspen 4-stroke last 2 fillings in autumn. Never have an issue with starting in spring. Even had an old motorcycle that after 6 years sleeping filled with Aspen started first kick. Here we can also buy Aspen high octane racing fuel.

[@richardjames4632]

I also use Aspen in all my chainsaws and strimmers at the end of the season; clearly this issue that Chickanic has (repeatedly) with Trufuel (I think that may be the one) is simply not the same as Aspen Fuel. Aspen Fuel is a European product made in Sweden and it is available at numerous outlets in the UK and elsewhere.

[@jimcabaniss8483]

great information

[@victorpayne6586]

You have helped me more than once. Thanks for what you do.

[@hickorystx]

Always a learning experience with you and your wisdom. Thanks for the tips as usual! Stay well!!!😊

[@Randy245850]

You rock Bri...thank you

[@wallebo]

Congratulations on all of your hard work on our behalf.

[@danpags7023]

Amazon uses dynamic pricing. When they see a demand for an item, they raise the price. They lower it as the demand lowers. It may even have something to do with shopping hours. Depends on the item

[@ronpon1975]

Awesome video, I always learn something!!!

[@rod1931]

Outstanding videos and beverage choice! 👏

[@wilfor03]

Quite an eye opener about that fuel, and thank you for sharing

[@user-mc4hs4mn7j]

I think your very very great and honest Thank You.

[@bryanhebert9328]

I love your videos. I always mix my own fuel

[@Lambert_Life]

Thanks to you & your videos. I only use engineered fuel to store equipment. I've learned so much from your videos

[@terryraymond7984]

your welcome I have learned so much from you about chainsaws, trimmers

[@cb62benson30]

Thanks!

[@user-zt3cj2yz9u]

Thanks saved me lots of time and money

[@kennethkarlsson6796]

Thanks😊

[@user-ik7rz4gg8u]

I'm just starting a lawn maintenance business and I am grateful that you are sharing your knowledge. Thank you!

[@lesliedickinson198]

Im a UK subscriber and have been there from your early days and your information on small engines has been of great help as i do all my own repairs so saves me a LOT of money. I have a small garden maintenance business these days as im now 70 but your channel gives REAL information on engines and not just BS. You keep up the good work as your such a good mechanic 🙂🙂🙂

[@robertsmith7580]

Awesome video

[@waltergrady2501]

Very good lesson thanks

[@Upnorthof48]

Love your channel, I have saved a lot of money by listening to you expertise! Thanks !!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for watching!

[@TsYahoo143]

You rock....thank you ,you have helped me keep my baby engines out of the shop. Your awesome 😊

[@arm_luvr1002]

Great video

[@toddmacdowall4924]

Thank you for your complete content in order to help us keep our small engines running great. I no longer buy the box stores two stoke premix fuel. All of my saws and leaf blowers thank you. keep up the great work!!!

[@berndm9743]

Great information in this video. BTW that is a superb BIER from an almost 1000 year old German monastery brewery. I love it.

[@rbedwar12]

That's awesome...alot of people can't afford alot.. that makes me happy..glad you think of us little people...thanks

[@tonym6920]

Your videos are a great learning experience, thanks! 👍👍

[@IsaiahBrownwood]

That’s helpful

[@coltontucker6705]

I love your videos with out you I couldn't fix my john deer lawn mower and you have inspired me to be a small engine macanic

[@Greg-pt7ur]

Thanks for the heads up for the borescope. I have use it a bunch on my several toys to assure they are really clean.

[@donfrank4429]

this happen to me a few months back, Stihl 17 ft pole saw would not run, Checked the PRM, high and low hard to start. after a few hours thinking about it. I decided to change out the fuel mix. Guess what it started right up and ran great . The fuel was just 2 month old. Fresh fuel . learn something everyday even when you think you checked everything

[@Chickanic]

Glad you got it figured out! Tossing "fresh" fuel to try more is always a tough one to figure out. You would think it isn't the problem.

[@raymondrobinson5251]

​@Chickanic, I just remember my dad's saying! Three common issues on engines! Fuel! Fire! Timing!

[@1HonestAbe]

@@ChickanicQuick question ( I hope ) Bre. Picked up a 21" Craftsman 6.5 Hp Mower I found in a storage unit. Looked really clean, nice shape. Looked underneath and blade was really bent. Bought a new one. Whatever it hit to bent it appears to have sheared off the two pins that hold the blade along with the nut. It won't tighten down. I did a google search and the online Craftsman parts assembly called it the " Blade Adapter ". Is it easy to remove the Blade adapter to replace it? Do I need any special tools or is there like an allen wrench nut under there holding it on? Hate to drag it to a shop if a very simple fix with some wrench. Thanks.

[@Slim1423]

​@@1HonestAbeYou might be able to fix yourself , but check out this problem on the web. Had a similar problem with a pushmower, bought a new updated blade adapter. The old blade adapter was held on engine shaft with metal key and i lightly tapped it and it came off. Push the new blade adapter on engine shaft with metal key in place, and installed blade and torque tightened the blade retainer bolt. Problem was fixed.

[@whynot16384]

great video...

[@TIREDOFEVIL]

Ok girl, you convinced me, going to try the Red Armor oil, thanks.

[@czechmate6916]

I had the same problem with my Echo leaf blower and weed eater and lots of times they would give off a hot plastic smell and they wouldn’t start until they cooled down enough. They both would sound like they were miss firing and would die as you let off the gas. This happened several years ago before I found your channel and the technician said quit using T fuel he introduced me to Echos brand so I switched to Echos brand and never had the problem again. I even leave the fuel in them and they start every time the following year. I’m glad I found your channel a few years ago you have schooled me and saved me money.

[@liljoeii6091]

YOU HAVE AWESOME CHANNEL I THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO

[@TomSchmidt-vu2vi]

You have the best videos.

[@bradharfman4052]

I have just found this channel. I am fairly new into working on 2 stroke chainsaws so looking forward to your videos. I have my father in-laws saws, 1979 Emerson Beard Countervibe 3400, McCulloch Mac 10-10A Automatic, Homelite XL-1 and a Poulan 3818. I’ll be going through them all for use at the cottage he built the family.

[@pirep777]

Changed to your mix 2 years ago. Equipment is running great!!!

[@LawpickingLocksmith]

One thing I learned new in this video: Bree runs at peak performance with a good bottle of beer!

[@skysurfer9655]

Dark beer at that, she's hardcore!

[@bogan4859]

Thats a good beer. Give it a try

[@woodrowwilliams1812]

Like Steve’s Small Engine Saloon.

[@user-gc2iz5qs7x]

another fine informative presentation; gives everyone something to think about. Have an Echo CS 400 for about 7 years now. Best saw ever, for me, after I dumped stihl, their MS 390 was a SUPER Dud. I feel that all saws have to be adjusted for their area and fuel, Echo realized this with the 30 day carb adjustment warranty. Keep the quality presentations going, appreciate you doing this!

[@OutdoorswithJRonnie]

You have definitely diagnosed this problem many times

[@donfrank4429]

just bought the mix and fuel add. thanks for the infor

[@user-um3rq9sg3k]

Finally got a new speed 400 head, for my echo trimmer. I also greased it up way over due, thanks for the great advice.

[@Flies2FLL]

I use Chevron REC 90 in my boat and my pressure washer. Never had any problems. Great video!

[@danahorton8616]

As I syphoned some pretty nasty fuel out of my wife's old John Deere I was thinking you're the best. I've learned more from you than anyone else so I thought the least I could do is buy you a beer. Thanks.

[@MrDaniel3105]

It happened to me but I didn't take my blower to the repair shop thanks to your videos. Thanks again

[@johnwilliams9298]

Thank you so much for your content. I have seen a lot of equipment that they use boxed fuel on and it's no bueno

[@tomessary4099]

Super troubleshooting!!!!!! Your help with a stiff diaphragm -- keep revving it -- worked great with my Stihl Kombi head first used after a long time!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ironhorse7588]

As a small engine mechanic myself. I still learn better easier cheaper ways of getting it done from people like you. Thank you for posting what you do. You're Appreciated. 👍😎👍

[@TheRobSmith69]

You rock!! Thanks again Chick….❤Ya and yours..YALL. DO SO MUCH FOR THE WORKING WORLD. Seeya

[@GiantRiderRob]

Aspen fuel is awesome! I only run that in my Saw now. And I'm off to mix up a fresh gallon of 50-1 with the ethshield for the next few weeks of leaf and crud duty. Keep up the awesome videos!

[@Kenneth-qf9dl]

Hey I enjoy your videos I'm 62 and had to fix my stuff all my life I enjoyed it seems like it was so much simpler we are making things more complicated than the need to be all about money wish wish you luck

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

I learned how to fix my snow thrower from something you mentioned in one of your videos..... the cable for the throttle handle was super loose.... so there was no air/fiel delivery..... after tightening the turnbuckle up to the point where there was a slight pull on the cable at rest, all fixed. That and a shear pin, and good to go!

[@donalddrapeau5028]

I was lucky I ran tru fuel for three years no problem ever. Then I heard you talking about the problem,next time I bought a can of fuel had problems with all my two cycle equipment. Changed back to regular fuel and oil mix,problems solved. Thank you so much for your time doing videos!!!!

[@leeellison8175]

Absolutely love your videos! Would love to see a video of what you’d choose to but if you we’re trying to start a small lawn care business! Would’ve really helped me when I started!

[@brianworley7705]

Hello Bre, Thank you for the link to the endoscope. My wife and i purchased one here a few months back and it has been used a lot. Not so much on small engines, but lots of things to have visibility into places my eye can't get to to see. I likely don't use it as often as you, but for an experienced homeowner, it is used quite often. I have been pleasantly surprised at how useful it is. Thank you again for the tips and the tools you use.

[@chadhenwood6007]

We all love you and love this vid helps alot

[@nathanwhite5602]

Cool video

[@brianlewke9692]

another great video

[@BudTheDrummer]

Bre, I'm enjoying being a Member and watching the extra content. In 2002 i bought a Husquvarna 55 from my local Dealer who I'd done business with for 30 years and I grew up with the Owners. I bought my saw in at the required Carb adjustment period and a professional sharpening. It was running great and I'm expert at sharpening. Whenever I had them sharpen my chain they'd take off alot of tooth. I got the saw back after 2 weeks! They said after the 4th day (when promised) the Mechanic had a death in the Family. After a week I inquired what was taking so long. I know the owners were capable of turning a screwdriver and making the adjustment. When I got it back 2 weeks later I went out to cut some trees and as always, I tested the saw before I went out to the woods. ( I had this saw, 2 Poulan Wild Things and two Homelite Super 2's. I ran them all regularly and sharpened them after every use. I also used a log roller to cant the logs. The saw was running at 3/4 throttle at best and the chain wouldn't bite at all. Disgusted, I bought it back and demanded my money back as it was apparent they were not capable of providing me with the Service I expected. I'm a Mechanic so I repaired all my own equipment and vehicles. I got banned from the store. There was another Dealer 8 miles from the Farm I worked on 35 miles from home which I began using as my go to shop.

[@ultrasteve9031]

Thanks for that. I was wondering about Aspen 2 and 4 as i have started using it and both my saws are having probs, but it might be just a coincidence. Glad you're having no issues with it.

[@robertpiontkowski2164]

My favorite channel ♥️♥️

[@christophershoe9642]

Dang! After that easy start, maybe I should get an Echo.🤔 .... Nah, I'll just stick to my completely rebuilt Poulan Wood Shark 1950 that my dad bought for $5 at a yard sale, and gave to me, not working. The only way that chainsaw is running today is because of you, Chickanic. You explain and show information in an understanding way that is helpful and functional. Great job! And, thank you😀

[@rterry731]

As an add to the end of some video or other.. if you would I woudl like to see you work bench area .. the bench etc.. I'm setting a new one up and ideas are always good. The layout of you work area and maybe talk through why it is organized that way.. like the bins .. tool organization... if it makes things easier for you maybe it will make it easier for us .. I'll never be a full timer but there seems to be a lot of engine work on the farm.. generators, saws, mowers and on and on... Thanks .. great content as always

[@rickharper1497]

I had the same experience with the box store fuel, I mix my own. KZbinr Richard Flagg did a good show and tell on the premix oils that he would recommend.

[@KMcF]

Thanks for the Aspen comment. I was going to ask your thoughts on it.

[@davepatti2296]

Been lucky here (NY) there is a popular convenience store (Stewart's) that sells real non-ethanol gas at the pumps. Became super popular after ethanol gas was pushed on us over 10 yrs ago. More expensive, I think 91 octane, but have had no issues in my Stihl saws, my old JD tractors, even my 1984 Squarebody original 350 V8. All the Harley guys like it too. Knock on wood (tap, tap) works. The ethanol gas wrecked my Q-jet in that truck, wrecked the Mikuni carb in a Polaris ATV, numerous other machines. Water globules in the bowls, either corrodes parts, separates from fuel, or the ethanol directly wrecks the original rubber parts. Thank you for all the tips and tricks, love all the useful gadgets!

[@keithliermann692]

Love your vids. You always talk down to earth. Have got mostly electric now because I got tired of gas always needing work to get started. I had two push mowers. If one didn’t work the other usually would. A 8hp sears chipper. & a gas chainsaw now. But it was seat of the pants diagnostic & repair so thank you for doing this. I haven’t started the chainsaw for 6yrs so we’ll see how that works. I’d take it to you but you’re on the wrong side of the country

[@kb9ndb]

love my cs400, run red armor in it and always drain the fuel when im using it

[@Homer19521]

I'm 72 years old (not young) & I have never had bad gas like you keep talking about. I've lived all my life in Michigan. I do treat the fuel with Stabil 360 & a touch of seafoam over the last 10 years. So Chick, I am just lucky, living right or what?

[@thatairplaneguy]

You have a lot less humidity than most of us in the south and Midwest. I, too, have not had bad fuel in my equipment and I don’t even treat my ethanol fuel BUT I have found my experience on customers engines to usually be bad fuel. Either too lean and burned up or bad fuel. Literally 50/50 between those two issues or a mechanical problem. Am I lucky like you and half my customers not so lucky? I don’t know but all I can go by is my personal experience like her and this video. In 2 strokes oil and gas are everything. If you use crap oil or crap fuel or crap ratio your engine will suffer. Apparently you and I have found the good balance and so many people just haven’t.

[@kenbrown2808]

you need to adjust the chain on that one. I can see daylight between the chain and bar while it is sitting.

[@donnybrown4747]

Great info. I think every small engine I own has or has fuel related problems. Thanks again

[@MCTeck]

My local home depot has stopped selling engineered fuel, Huntington Beach California. They stopped selling 4 stroke fuel first ,then the 2 stroke fuel. The last of what they had, was for sale on the clearance shelf.

[@nicolabooth6075]

I use Aspen 2 all the time and I find it works great and burns cleaner and I also use Aspen 4, thank you so much Bree for all your videos, you have helped me so much my friend, sending love from England

[@BearE9090]

Great simple fix. I stay away from premixed because of all the problems I've heard.

[@leethompson7290]

Congratulations on your amount of viewers, wow that's a lot!

[@scottprimrose6966]

It's amazing the price difference of the tachometer in Canada. It goes for $155 Canadian which is about $115 US so we do get ripped off big time here.

[@gregritter5883]

I’m here over and over and over again

[@deanmsimpson]

Bre, it would be excellent if you could show us the actual video footage your endoscope captures by recording the video images. I know it would take some more editing but it would be great. Keep up the great work. Thank-you 👍

[@TheKrayusKorianis]

I use Sten Mix in 93 octane ethanol free guzzoline.

[@caseih-pz9vp]

I bought a new ECHO chainsaw and trimmer 8 years ago from a dealer and introduced me to RED ARMOR and I have not had a fuel issue. 3 years ago I bought a blower from the same dealer and only run RED ARMOR in it. I am sold on ECHO products.

[@Wootangtw]

Thanks lady…

[@jasonearl_mapp7955]

Hi you I love all the videos and keep the good work in ❤

[@richardstewart2680]

YOU DO A GREAT JOB 👍 😊😊KEEP THESE COMMING!!!!!😊😊😊😊❤❤

[@markk3652]

I appreciate this video. I switched over to the canned fuel for off season storage upon Steve’s small engine saloon recommendation. I’ve noticed that my weed trimmer just doesn’t want to sing at the top of its voice anymore. I’ll give the red armor a try, I’ve been using the cheap super tech two cycle oil during mowing season and it seems to have made no difference.