[Altavia]

Originally Posted by mrf0151

Actually, on page 6-2 of the Yamaha owner's manual it only states unleaded fuel. Non-ethanol is smart for sure or if using regular 87 octane recommended fuel then one is wise to use the Star-Tron ethanol additive. Note that these Yamaha engines are LOW compression and that use of octane higher than 87 can leave carbon deposits in the engine. This eventually will lead to a poor power issue.


Since 2017, increasingly more opinions have been expressed that ethanol fuels may not be the best fuel for golf carts. This has come around due to mechanical issues seen in golf carts like stalling, exhaust smoke, clogged carburetors, damaged fuel pumps, and dissolving of rubber components.

Ethanol attracts water, and if your cart doesn’t burn through it within about three months of filling, the ethanol can be corrosive in the engine, and this can cause performance and mechanical issues.

Not only that, but when the water suspended in the gas experiences rapid temperature changes and does separate from the gas, it lowers the octane level by around 4 points, so can 87 octane is now only an 83 octane.

Smaller engines with carburetors like golf carts were not designed to work with the 10% ethanol (E-10) content, reducing fuel efficiency considerably. It affects efficient combustion in the engine, causing stalling and a rough-running engine.

As ethanol in the fuel tank ages, it promotes the build of gum, leading to clogging in the carburetor and fuel filter, which will decrease the power and performance.

Good info, I'll add the Floridian high humidity and temperatures are likey to accelerate degradation of fuel containing ethanol.

So higher risk of you don't refill regularly.