VP Racing Fuels, Inc. announced the introduction of SEF Small Engine Fuels, designed to combat ethanol-related problems in portable gasoline-powered equipment, including chain saws, generators, blowers, trimmers, lawnmowers and more.
SEF is the only small engine fuel available in three versions to meet virtually any manufacturers’ specifications — a specially formulated gasoline for 4-cycle engines and two versions pre-mixed with oil (40:1 and 50:1) for 2-cycle applications. SEF also is the only fuel available in four container sizes–quart containers, 5-gallon pails, and 30- and 54-gallon drums for high volume users. Each SEF blend is “ready-to-use,” with the 2-cycle pre-mix versions requiring no measuring, mixing or mess—just pour it in!
Recognized throughout the motorsports industry for innovation in race fuel technology, VP started looking at small engine fuel after being approached by several Fire and Rescue units which were experiencing problems with hard starts and breakdowns of chain saws, generators and other emergency equipment, according to Steve Burns, VP’s President and CEO. “In these units were several people involved in racing who were aware of VP’s ability to formulate custom fuel blends, so they sought our help,” Burns said. “After researching the problem, we confirmed that street gas containing ethanol was the culprit.”
As a solvent, ethanol frees up the gunk in fuel tanks and engines that can clog carburetors and fuel lines. The size of a small engine exaggerates this effect, as smaller fuel lines and smaller components are more quickly compromised by these deposits. When equipment is stored for lengthy periods, e.g., lawnmowers during winter or snowblowers during summer, the ethanol absorbs moisture and separates from the gasoline yielding insufficient lubrication for the engine, while also degrading rubber fuel lines and plastic components in the fuel system.
“The net result is hard starts or no start, often requiring expensive rebuilds or replacement,” Burns said. “And the problem will only get worse, as the EPA continues to increase the amount of ethanol allowed in street gas. Many people try to address this issue with fuel stabilizers but they’re inadequate.”
“Our new SEF Small Engine Fuel contains no ethanol,” Burns explained, “making it a much more dependable and cost effective solution. Unlike fuel stabilizers that can’t fix all the problems related to ethanol, SEF prevents ethanol-related problems in the first place. SEF contains other additives with unique properties that keep it stable for extended periods, allowing quick starts even after equipment sits idle for many months. SEF will remain stable indefinitely in its original sealed container and can remain in the fuel tank of gas-powered equipment through the off-season and beyond with no negative impact on fuel systems.”
SEF is the only small engine fuel with a 4-cycle formula as well as the only fuel with volume packaging options. In addition to quarts, SEF is available in 5-gallon pails, as well as 30- and 54-gallon drums, quantities likely to appeal to commercial users including landscapers, golf courses, parks and recreation departments and others.
The oil used in SEF 2-cycle formulas is a top quality synthetic oil that exceeds API TC and JASO FD lubrication standards. The 4-cycle version of SEF can also be used in 2-cycle engines when mixed with oil to manufacturer’s specifications. SEF is not a street legal fuel and may not be used in motor vehicles.
So isn’t this a little off base for a company that normally formulates fuels for race engines? Not at all, according to Burns. “Our competitive advantage lies in our ability to custom formulate fuels for any racing application, from dragsters and stock cars to motorcycles and jet skis. Portable gas-powered tools have a power to size ratio equivalent to the most sophisticated racing engines. And just as we believe that every racing application merits a fuel specifically engineered to optimize its performance, SEF has been engineered specifically to optimize performance in portable gas-powered tools.”
“SEF is the most dependable fuel on the market to help ensure small engines will start when needed,” Burns concluded. “Homeowners, landscapers, outdoorsmen, farmers, construction crews, emergency workers and many others know what it’s like to deal with a tool that won’t work when needed and the inconvenience of costly rebuilds. With SEF, that frustration will be a thing of the past.”
SEF is available from VP direct and a growing number of retailers throughout the U.S. For more information, to find the nearest dealer or to become a dealer, contact VP toll-free at 877-515-1SEF, email SEF@vpracingfuels.com or visit SEFfuels.com.
VP Racing Fuels is best known as the world leader in race fuel technology, fueling winners in virtually every category of motorsports on land, sea and air. VP is the Official Fuel of NHRA Championship Drag Racing, American Le Mans, The Off Road Championship (TORC), World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and Late Models, among more than 50 VP-sponsored racing series and sanctioning bodies. VP’s fuels are distributed throughout North America, Europe, Australia, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East and Russia.