Water-damaged carb, possibly from ethanol blended fuel

Ethanol is gasoline has become a fact of American life, with 10% ethanol blends at just about every station around. While 10% ethanol is a mixture that’s been approved by all automakers and just about all small engine manufacturers, the anecdotal evidence out there shows there are problems in small engines—especially older units. Want to confuse yourself? Just Google up “Small Engines Ethanol,” and the results will show that for every source claiming ethanol blends—even at 10%—are just fine (Renewable Fuels Assn., Minnesota Corn Growers, etc.), there’s another source, generally a local newspaper article, talking with dealers and small engine technicians who say they are seeing engine problems caused by ethanol. For example, here’s a recent article from the Green Bay Press Gazette that was included in the latest Outdoor Power Equipment & Engine Service Assn. “OPE-In-The-Know Newsletter”: