2 Stroke oil Mix question

[284 International]

Oils have gotten much better over the years, and less may be required to properly lubricate the engine. As Hizoot said, though, changing the amount of oil in the mixture affects the carburetor jetting. Running more oil than recommended makes the machine run lean on fuel. Running less oil makes the engine run rich.

So, if we restructure the question to ask "Is it ok to run my chainsaw rich on fuel?" (Less oil in the mixture) we would tend to say it won't hurt anything. If we were to ask "Is it acceptable to run my weed eater lean on fuel?" we would tend to say no.

To me, it seems less dangerous to use a better oil in lower amounts per volume of gasoline than it does to use a leaner mixture of fuel in my engine.

 

[roamerr]

The Mix % is only part of the equation. I had a KX250 years ago and the big no-no was mixing too much oil and gas. I was taught that it is stable for only a month or so. Eventually the gas takes the lubricity from the oil.

I use Mobil 1 2T (no longer made I don't think). I called Mobil 1 and they would only say that it is stable for a month. They did not recommend long-term storage of mixed oil and gas. I understand that Stihl recommends 3 month maximum mixed storage....

 

[JB4310]

I've got 10 different 2 smokes, from chainsaws to moped. I just do what Bird mentioned get a high quality one mix, one bottle per gallon, everything runs great, no smoke, no overheating.

How much can there be to discuss with mixing 2 stroke fuel

JB

 

[Bird]

The Mix % is only part of the equation. I had a KX250 years ago and the big no-no was mixing too much oil and gas. I was taught that it is stable for only a month or so. Eventually the gas takes the lubricity from the oil.

I use Mobil 1 2T (no longer made I don't think). I called Mobil 1 and they would only say that it is stable for a month. They did not recommend long-term storage of mixed oil and gas. I understand that Stihl recommends 3 month maximum mixed storage....

I'm certainly no expert myself, but the Stihl HP Ultra oil I'm using says it contains fuel stabilizers. However, I also add Stabil to my fuel and it says it keeps fuel fresh for 12 months. So, right or wrong, I just don't worry about it.

 

[ultrarunner]

I've got 10 different 2 smokes, from chainsaws to moped. I just do what Bird mentioned get a high quality one mix, one bottle per gallon, everything runs great, no smoke, no overheating.

How much can there be to discuss with mixing 2 stroke fuel

JB

Are any 16 to 1 and really old like 75 years?

 

[JB4310]

Are any 16 to 1 and really old like 75 years?

I don't pay attention to the ratios any more, but if that (16/1) is way off on the spectrum then probably not and no, none are 75 years old.
One is a 40+ year old homelite farm saw, seems to run perfectly, just a little loud

Are you saying the modern one mix's would not work in those examples?

JB

 

[oldyellr]

Are any 16 to 1 and really old like 75 years?

Good point. I remember having outboards that specified 16 to 1. Two-strokes have come a long way and I remember when ordinary ones were plain bearings while Mercury had needles, rollers and balls. I doubt if some of the antiques from the 1950s would survive running a 100:1 mix.

 

[ultrarunner]

I don't pay attention to the ratios any more, but if that (16/1) is way off on the spectrum then probably not and no, none are 75 years old.
One is a 40+ year old homelite farm saw, seems to run perfectly, just a little loud

Are you saying the modern one mix's would not work in those examples?

JB

I don't know... it a 1939 98cc motorcycle with a Sachs motor

I've never considered anything other than 16 to 1.

Just wouldn't want to risk it unless it was a sure thing.

 

[Furu]

I am a big fan of STIHL HP Ultra fully synthetic 2-Cycle Engine Oil. All my Stihl equipment calls for 50:1. I remember the old Homelite we had growing up (1960's) had a different ratio (40:1 I think) but can't recall exactly what it was. As far as stabilizers I think the HP Ultra does have stabilizers in it but I buy the HP Ultra in 1 gal jugs and mix 2 gals at a time. That will normally last me 2-3 days so I don't worry about it going stale. I definitely would not mix more than I thought I could use in a couple of weeks. The equipment will perform better and last longer with less maintenance if taken care of well.

 

[JB4310]

I don't know... it a 1939 98cc motorcycle with a Sachs motor

I've never considered anything other than 16 to 1.

Just wouldn't want to risk it unless it was a sure thing.

I understand your concern, with an antique like that. A modern mix would probably be to hot.

But 16/1 with what oil? I wonder if you could just richen up the mix by using more of the synthetic, say 2 bottles to a gallon. I would think that should cover the spectrum of any machine requiring more oil. still without excessive smoking.
Unless there is some reason those older machines would be negatively affected by synthetic.

JB.