*Need Parts for a Generator? Click here to go to our Generator Division*

E15 Fuel Damage in Small Engines | Unleaded 88 Warning | Attention US Customers

E15 Fuel Damage in Small Engines | Unleaded 88 Warning | Attention US Customers

Published by Get Her Going Engineers on 19th Jun 2026

E15 Fuel Damage in Small Engines (Unleaded 88 Warning for US Equipment Owners)

Published for equipment owners across the United States

Short Answer: No. E15 gasoline (often labeled Unleaded 88) is NOT safe for pressure washers, log splitters, plate compactors, trenchers, portable generators, or most small engines. It can cause carburetor corrosion, fuel system damage, hard starting, and engine failure. Use ethanol‑free gasoline (E0) or E10 gasoline only.

⚠️ Fuel Safety Warning

Gasoline is highly flammable. Always refuel outdoors. Never refuel a hot or running engine. Store fuel in approved containers only. Never operate small engine equipment indoors — carbon monoxide can be fatal.

What Is E15 Gasoline?

E15 gasoline contains 15% ethanol. It is commonly marketed as Unleaded 88 due to its octane rating.

  • E0 — 0% ethanol (best choice)
  • E10 — 10% ethanol (maximum recommended)
  • E15 — 15% ethanol (NOT safe for small engines)
  • E85 — 85% ethanol (flex-fuel vehicles only)

Many US fuel pumps emphasize “88 Octane” instead of ethanol percentage, leading equipment owners to accidentally select E15.

Is Unleaded 88 Safe for Small Engines?

No. Most manufacturers approve a maximum of 10% ethanol.

Never use E15 in:

  • Pressure washers
  • Log splitters
  • Plate compactors
  • Trenchers
  • Portable generators
  • Lawn mowers
  • Construction small engines

Why E15 Causes Small Engine Damage

1️⃣ Phase Separation

Ethanol absorbs moisture. This leads to phase separation, where water separates from fuel and settles in the carburetor, causing corrosion and hard starting.

2️⃣ Carburetor Corrosion

E15 fuel damage often appears as clogged jets, surging, and engines that only run on choke.

3️⃣ Fuel Line & Seal Deterioration

Ethanol breaks down rubber components, causing leaks and debris contamination.

4️⃣ Lean Running & Overheating

Higher ethanol blends reduce energy content, increasing heat and long‑term wear.

Signs You Used the Wrong Fuel

  • Engine won’t start after refueling
  • Surging or hunting RPM
  • Only runs on choke
  • Fuel leaking from carburetor
  • Strong fuel smell
  • Loss of power under load

Stop running the machine immediately to prevent further damage.

✅ Get FREE small engine repair advice from Get Her Going.

Best Fuel for Small Engines in the United States

✅ Ethanol-Free Gasoline (E0)

  • No moisture absorption
  • No phase separation
  • Best long-term protection

✅ E10 Gasoline (Maximum 10%)

  • Use fresh fuel
  • Add stabilizer if storing
  • Do not store untreated fuel over 30 days

❌ Never Use

  • E15
  • Unleaded 88
  • E85

See Small Engine parts here.

What To Do If You Accidentally Used E15

  1. Stop running the equipment
  2. Drain the fuel tank
  3. Drain the carburetor bowl
  4. Refill with fresh E0 or E10
  5. Inspect fuel lines & carburetor

Not sure how? Contact Get Her Going for FREE diagnosis and step‑by‑step help.

We Stock Parts For:

  • Pressure washers
  • Log splitters
  • Plate compactors
  • Trenchers
  • Portable generators
  • Honda GX‑style engines
  • 168F, 170F, 188F, 190F engines

Common replacement parts for fuel damage include:

  • Carburetors
  • Fuel lines
  • Fuel filters
  • Spark plugs
  • Gaskets & seals

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use E15 in small engines?

No. E15 contains 15% ethanol and is not approved for small engine machinery.

Is Unleaded 88 the same as E15?

Yes. Unleaded 88 is a marketing name for E15 gasoline.

Will one tank of E15 ruin my engine?

Not always — but it can cause carburetor damage quickly.

Where can I get help?

Get Her Going offers FREE troubleshooting support across the USA.

Final Advice for US Equipment Owners

  • ✅ Use E0 whenever possible
  • ✅ E10 is acceptable
  • ❌ Never use E15

Contact Get Her Going Today for FREE Expert Advice.
Keeping America’s Small Engines Running.

Petrol Engine Machinery

Q. Why does my engine need the choke on to stay running?

A. Requiring the Choke to stay on to run is usually a fuel delivery problem and you should clean or replace the Air Filter and Carburetor. For further info on this, please Click Here:

Q. How do I fix a fuel leak from my Carburetor?

A. There are broadly two reasons for fuel leaking from the Carburetor. Either failed Seals or Gaskets. Or there is a Float Needle problem. We go into more if you Click Here:

Q. Why is my engine backfiring through the Carburetor?

A. On this type of engine, backfiring through the Carburetor is usually caused by problems in the Cylinder Head. Most commonly, the Valve Clearances need to be reset, or a Valve is stuck but this could also be other problems within the Cylinder Head so the parts need to be examined carefully. You can find a guide to resetting your Valve Clearances and more info, Click Here:

Q. I have no spark, what do I do?

A. There are initially three things to check, the low oil circuit, then the spark plug and ignition coil. For detailed instructions, Click Here:

Diesel Engine Machinery

Q. Why is my engine backfiring?

A. On this type of engine, backfiring is usually caused by problems in the Cylinder Head. Most commonly, the Valve Clearances need to be reset, or a Valve is stuck but this could also be other problems within the Cylinder Head so the parts need to be examined carefully. You can find a guide to resetting your Valve Clearances and further instructions, please Click Here:

Q. My starter motor is spinning but the engine will not fire?

A. These engines do not have a spark so this is often a fuel issue, for diagnostic steps, please Click Here:

Q. Why is my generator producing excess smoke?

A. This can depend on the colour of the smoke: black smoke is too much fuel/not enough air, so clean or replace the air filter then examine the injector; white smoke is usually water in the fuel, change the fuel and filters; blue smoke is a sign of burning oil, usually this is caused by failed valve seals or piston rings.

Electric Start Device

Q. Why does my generator battery keep going flat?

A. Generators recharge their own battery and the part that is responsible for this is called the Battery Charging Rectifier or Regulator and provides a steady voltage back to the battery while it is running, these parts are prone to overheating and failure, for please Click Here:

Q. Why doesn’t my electric start work?

A. Firstly, whether this is an engine problem or electric start problem needs to be established. If the generator starts with the pull start, please see the link below, it will describe the different electric start circumstances and what to do. Click Here:

Back To Homepage