7
Handling Fuel
DANGER
Fuel is VERY flammable. Use extreme care when mixing, storing or handling or serious personal injury may result.
• Use an approved fuel container.
• DO NOT smoke near fuel.
• DO NOT allow flames or sparks near fuel.
• Fuel tanks/cans may be under pressure. Always loosen fuel caps slowly allowing pressure to equalize.
• NEVER refuel a unit when the engine is HOT or RUNNING!
• DO NOT fill fuel tanks indoors. ALWAYS fill fuel tanks outdoors over bare ground.
• DO NOT overfill fuel tank. Wipe up spills immediately.
• Securely tighten fuel tank cap and close fuel container after refueling.
• Inspect for fuel leakage. If fuel leakage is found, do not start or operate unit until leakage is repaired.
• Move at least 3 m (10 ft.) from refueling location before starting the engine.
Mixing Fuel
IMPORTANT!
Shindaiwa Red Armor
TM
2-Stroke oil engine oil may be mixed at 50:1 ratio for application in all Shindaiwa engines sold in the
past, regardless of ratio specified in those manuals.
IMPORTANT!
Stored fuel ages. Do not mix more fuel than you expect to use in thirty (30) days, ninety (90) days when a fuel stabilizer
is added. Use of unmixed, improperly mixed, or stale fuel, may cause hard starting, poor performance, or severe engine
damage and void the product warranty. Read and follow instructions in the Long Term Storage section of this manual.
WARNING!
Alternative fuels, such as E15 (15% ethanol), E85 (85% ethanol) or any fuels not meeting Shindaiwa
requirements are NOT approved for use in Shindaiwa gasoline engines.
Use of alternative fuels may cause
performance problems, loss of power, overheating, fuel vapor lock, and unintended machine operation, including, but not
limited to, improper clutch engagement. Alternative fuels may also cause premature deterioration of fuel lines, gaskets,
carburetors and other engine components.
Fuel Requirements
Gasoline
- Use 89 Octane [R+M/2] (mid grade or higher) gasoline known to be good quality. Gasoline may contain up to
10% Ethanol (grain alcohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether). Gasoline containing methanol (wood alcohol) is
NOT
approved. ECHO brand Power Fuel™ is 93 octane, ethanol-free fuel premixed with ECHO Red Armor
®
engine oil at
50:1 ratio. Use of ECHO Power Fuel™ is recommended to extend engine life in all air-cooled 2-stroke and 2/4-stroke hybrid
engines.
2 Stroke Mixture Oil
- A 2-stroke engine oil meeting ISO-L-EGD (ISO/CD 13738) and J.A.S.O. M345/FD standards must be
used. Shindaiwa Red Armor
TM
2-Stroke Oil is strongly recommended as it meets this standard and is specifically formulated
for use in all Shindaiwa 2-stroke engines. Engine problems due to inadequate lubrication caused by failure to use an
ISO-L-EGD (ISO/CD 13738) and J.A.S.O. M345/FD certified oil will void the engine warranty.