AV fuel in Honda generator

Any thoughts on the pros and cons of using AV fuel in my Honda Generator?

I use nothing but non-oxy in every gas powered critter I own except the van. No exceptions and I have ZERO fuel related issues, mixed with oil or straight up for 4 strokes.

It’s a bit overkill. You’re paying for the extra octane you won’t be using. Also you probably won’t like the smell of the exhaust, it’s significantly different, especially when it doesn’t burn as efficiently in an engine that’s not designed to run it. I’ve also heard it burns hotter and can burn up a piston but no hard facts to support that.

Just get non-oxy for half the price.

as Munchy stated,its overkill and almost twice the price.
unless for some reason an engine of any sort is already running lean or has a vacuum leak,it will not burn a piston.

you should also note that 100 LL (low lead) still has a small amount of lead in it,and it will lead up the exhaust ports,valves,and spark plug shortening their life span.
other than for aviation use and some racing engines,leaded fuels are illegal for the most part in general use of any kind including road fuel.

one other thing,small engines do not see a benefit of the higher octane unless they are of high compression or a long stroke,why?? the fuel/air charge is still burning at the bottom of the stroke and it will raise exhaust temperatures significantly.

use good non-oxy gas and stabil or lucas fuel treatment or something similiar and you will be fine.

Why? Are you stuck in the middle of Alaska where it’s the only fuel available? That’d be the only reason I can think of to even consider it.

As Iowa says, there is no benefit. Higher octane does now equal higher performance, cleaner running, or anything else.

Aviation engines are completely different animals compared to a Honda generator. AV gas solves problems that a little Honda never had. One of the main reasons for higher octane fuel is linked to the fact that high-performance engines have very high compression ratios that, in turn, are very prone to detonation. Your Honda doesn’t even have half that much compression.

Grouse

One more thing to consider is that 100LL does not go bad for a long time. I know of individuals who have stored their airplanes in excess of one year and have no fuel issues. I use it in carbureted engines when they will be stored for extended periods of time. A couple gallons of 100LL is far cheaper and less hassle than bad gas and a carb rebuild.

On a side note, I buy aviation gas for use in my column appliances. At 4.50/gal, it is far cheaper than Coleman fuel. (Yes, I am one of the last dinosaurs that uses old school Coleman stuff when camping). There is something that’s just “better” when pumping up a 50yr old lantern for camp light as opposed to screwing on another 1lb cylinder…..

Timmy wrote:

(Yes, I am one of the last dinosaurs that uses old school Coleman stuff when camping)

I’m with you! I’m old-school with my lanterns and stoves! I’d never thought of using aviation gas in them, though.

I like the old school Coleman stuff too, but something to be aware of regarding running AV gas in them. It works, and works well, but what most people are using when they say “AV gas/fuel” is 110LL. It’s blue in color.

The LL in 110LL is “Low Lead”. The most common AV gas still contains lead as an anti-knock additive and lubricant. So when you’re burning it in a Coleman appliance, just be aware it has lead in it. It isn’t much, not as much as old gasoline that was leaded, but it is there.

For small engine use, it just doesn’t make sense to me to be burning AV gas. The only way would be if you were in the middle of nowhere where AV gas was all you could get.

Grouse