I noted that several of the posts mentioned small engines. Are these 4
strokes burning straight gas or 2 strokes burning blended gas/oil mixtures?

In my case, it's both. I've got an annoying mix of 2- and 4-stroke
gasoline tools -- but none of them show any kind of problems running
"old" gasoline.

Thanks for the information about your experiences. I'm sure gasoline
EVENTUALLY goes "bad", due to evaporation and water contamination --
but I think it's highly unlikely that "aviation gasoline" is any
different than "auto gasoline" in this regard.

I simply don't believe that the oil companies put any extra money into
production of aviation gasoline, especially when they sell such a
tiny, insignificant amount of it. Does anyone (besides me) think that
oil companies would keep the two formulas as close to identical as
possible, with the exception of lead, in the interest of cost
savings?

Personally, I think this is just another busted aviation myth. But
I'm sure there will always be those who believe that the $4.40/gallon
stuff is better than the $2.89/gallon stuff, just like there are those
who swear by Marvel Mystery Oil, flying on "the step", and fear
stalling when turning the same direction as the wind.

(Hey -- anyone want to debate "shock cooling" now that it's getting
cold out?)

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"