[Joecooool]

Two of my neighbors just bought new Yamaha carts, and their dealer told them they have to use Rec 90 fuel. Now they’re driving 25 minutes just to fill up.

These carts are built to run on regular 87-octane gas with up to 10% ethanol, which is exactly what every gas station in Florida sells.

The only time Rec 90 might make sense is if you’re planning to store the cart for several months without using it. Even then, you can stick with regular gas, just add a fuel stabilizer and you're good to go.

[Topspinmo]

I ran 87 octane gas in my cart for 10 years never had problem, but my cart never sets for over couple weeks. About twice year I get new non ethanol gas for my Yamaha C3 scooter cause I rarely ride it now. And I dump scooters old gas and what left in can in my golf cart.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I tried doing searches for the science behind this, or at least to come up with a summary explanation. There was a lot of science, not much explanation that a non-mechanic would understand.

But what I did find is a general "concept" of the gas needs: using ethanol-free gas may add another year to the life of your engine, assuming you follow up on all the other recommended maintenance, oil changes, belt replacements, tire inflation settings, and so on.

But if you plan on replacing your gas cart in just a dozen years after it was manufactured, then that year won't make any difference to you. These engines are built to last 20 years or more.

[DonH57]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

I ran 87 octane gas in my cart for 10 years never had problem, but my cart never sets for over couple weeks. About twice year I get new non ethanol gas for my Yamaha C3 scooter cause I rarely ride it now. And I dump scooters old gas and what left in can in my golf cart.

Same here, That's all we have ever ran in our carts. Since they both are fuel injected I have on occasion when I drive from the northern villages to the south end and back put about 3 ounces of fuel injector cleaner on the fill up. Both carts still run like new.

[tophcfa]

Much debated topic. My opinion is that if you’re a full timer, and your cart never sits for extended periods of time, 10% ethanol is fine. If you periodically leave your cart for three months or longer, you either need to add a good quality stabilizer or use ethanol free gas. Although a good stabilizer is typically adequate, it’s most definitely not as fool proof as using ethanol free gas. Think about it, fuel stabilizer treats the problems associated with ethanol. It’s always a better option to eliminate the problem rather than treating it.

I will add that modern fuel injected carts are less likely to experience ethanol related problems than older carbureted carts, but they are not totally risk free. Trust me on this, I have torn apart and rebuilt many carburetors on small engines that have been stored for extended periods of time with 10% ethanol gas, some treated with stabilizer. Using ethanol free gas is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your cart will be good to go when returning to your Villages home after being away for an extended period of time.

[Maker]

Ethanol collects moisture. That alone is an issue.
But consider a cart that is used sparingly. Every month it gets down to half a tank, and owner fills the tank with 10% ethanol. That means half of the ethanol remaining in the tank is beginning to get old.
Another month goes by, another half tank fill, and now a quarter of the tank is getting very old.
Next month they go on vacation. Tank sits longer.

Now problems start to fester. They think "I fill it every month"

Now consider if the tank only needs a gallon or two. The old gas is only partially diluted with fresh gas.

Blanket statements of fuel type use often leads to long debates that lack factual reasoning. For the original "it's fine" to use theory, keep in mind that applies to fuel injected carts, getting enough use to significantly turn over the tank contents within a couple months, that is not left sitting for long periods of time, etc.
Every case is different.

[ElDiabloJoe]

100% gas if your cart has any Plowman's parts or kits on it or is otherwise "tuned."

[Bill14564]

Unleaded 87 octane with up to 10% ethanol has worked well in my cart for the 5+ years I've owned it.

It has set three or four months without use a few times with no problems.

The same fuel has set in the tank for over six months with no problems. I filled the tank and used a little, let it set for three months then used a little, and repeated that a couple of times before I had used enough to fill it up again.

I have never experienced problems due to ethanol in the fuel in any vehicle I have owned.

I have had problems with carbureted engines when they have set for over a year without any use but after sitting that long the problem wasn't due to the type of fuel.

[MrChip72]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I tried doing searches for the science behind this, or at least to come up with a summary explanation. There was a lot of science, not much explanation that a non-mechanic would understand.

But what I did find is a general "concept" of the gas needs: using ethanol-free gas may add another year to the life of your engine, assuming you follow up on all the other recommended maintenance, oil changes, belt replacements, tire inflation settings, and so on.

But if you plan on replacing your gas cart in just a dozen years after it was manufactured, then that year won't make any difference to you. These engines are built to last 20 years or more.

The science behind it is that ethanol left in gas residue can clog up your fuel system as it degrades. This applies to all types of engines. If you're using your golf cart or lawnmower frequently enough, the fuel residue will be cycled through with the new fuel so it's less of a problem.

This is a much bigger problem in places where items like lawnmowers and chainsaws are not used year round. Better to completely run your engine out of gas and drain your tank or add fuel stabilizer at least if storing things with an engine.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by MrChip72

The science behind it is that ethanol left in gas residue can clog up your fuel system as it degrades. This applies to all types of engines. If you're using your golf cart or lawnmower frequently enough, the fuel residue will be cycled through with the new fuel so it's less of a problem.

This is a much bigger problem in places where items like lawnmowers and chainsaws are not used year round. Better to completely run your engine out of gas and drain your tank or add fuel stabilizer at least if storing things with an engine.

Every 2-3 months I don't drive my golf cart for 3-5 days in a row. I don't drive it on days when it's raining hard. Other than that, I use my golf cart as my primary form of transportation, and take my car as my secondary form of transportation.

[villagetinker]

Check the owners manual and you will see use Regular (E10) gas, then look in the engine compartment and you will see an E10 sticker on the gas tank, at least this is what is on my Yamaha.

[npwalters]

as others have stated the manufacturer recommends the same gas you put in your car (with ethanol). Why would the dealer recommend ethanol free gas? Well, look at what they sell at the dealership. Then compare the price they charge compared to the same gas at WaWa and others.

[MrFlorida]

Always used regular gas, cars, motorcycles, golf carts, lawn mowers, and gas generators... never had a problem.

[MorTech]

If you aren't filling your tank at least every 2 months then use Rec-90.

[Rwirish]

I used regular gas and had nothing but problems. The dealer said you to use Rec 90. Made the switch years ago and not a problem since.

The recommendation is there for a reason.