[legion]

Most of the problems that ethanol causes are due to the fact that it is a solvent.

The most common is when it partially dissolves varnishes in the fuel system left by non-ethanol fuel. It can push them into the carb, and when the engine is shut off, they can form clogs. This can usually be cleared up with a can of carb cleaner. Sta-bil can help when the engines are sitting.

I have a snow blower, lawn mower, leaf blower, and trimmer that have all been run on nothing but ethanol gasoline without issue. Illinois has had ethanol in its gas for close to 20 years.

The more insidious problem that ethanol causes is that it can break down fuel lines and seals that weren't designed for use with ethanol. This is particularly a problem with older engines. I still think that ethanol contributed to the engine fire in my 944S.