chainsaw fuel questions

[varmint]

Sorry if this topic has been worked to death in earlier threads, but I didn't see it, so here goes: I have a quality chain saw, which I use only rarely. Like maybe 4 times a year, usually after ice storms or some event that caused trees to be where we don't want them, and clean up is required. I have been using regular gas, mixed with Stabil and two stroke oil, as spec'd. I always try to empty the tank, and run the carb dry. It starts and idles fine, but I have to nurse it up to full speed. After messing with it a while, it will run fine with no further difficulties. I don't think I am getting full power now, and I suspect I need to get new fuel and fresh mix. I am asking if anyone with experience thinks adding some Sea Foam to the gas/oil/Stabil mix makes sense. I also am thinking I will spring for a gallon of premium gas. (I don't use much, and everything else is straight fuel, which I can burn in my car when it starts getting old-ish.)
Thanks for any advice!

 

[motownbrowne]

I only use ethanol-free premium gas mixed with the Stihl Ultra (Grey bottle) oil. I also run a gallon of premium into the tank of my car before I fill my can to clear the line. If I was you I would buy the pre-mixed quart bottles. It's more spendy, but it's high quality and has a super long shelf life.

 

[deerseeker001]

I would go with fresh gas and oil mix and see what you have.

 

[DT86]

If I was you I would buy the pre-mixed quart bottles. It's more spendy, but it's high quality and has a super long shelf life.

I agree, for limited use equipment less hassle makes it worth the added cost. When I don't know how long it will be before they get used again I have been running my saws dry on regular mix, add a bit of the premixed Stihl Motomix and run it a bit more before putting them away.

 

[Soundguy]

for limited use mix.. i'd spring for the synthetic 2 cycle.

heck. might even buy the pre mix bottled int he tin can to make it last.

 

[newbury]

It depends on how much you burn. If these quarterly cleanups burn 2 gallons of mix each time the cans get expensive, even from HD or Lowes. I think they run about $6 to $8 a quart. If you use less than a gallon a year the premix might be a good choice.

I run 5 saws, 2 brush cutters and a Stihl FS350 leaf blower frequently. I go thru several gallons a year at the least. I buy 5 gallons of non-ethanol gas in Mississippi and drive it back to Virginia. I add Sta-bil and seafoam routinely.

Since I switched over to non-ethanol about 5 years ago I have not had a two stroke that doesn't run right. When I bring the 5 gallons back I mix only about 1 quart at a time and put it in one of the premix cans, sometime 2 quarts if I'm using my Stihl 088 because it drinks more. If I don't use the 5 gallons up between trips I pour it in a gasser.

 

[amkfken]

I am runing a 30 year old McCullough, I have NEVER drained the gas, use whatever is left from the previous year, starts and runs with about 4 pulls on starter rope, same with my 4 year old Husky, no problems ever, just regular gas and whatever 2 stroke oil on hand.

Colorado at 9800 ft elevation!!

 

[sdef]

Until recently when I started clearing my densely wooded property, my Husqvarna 353 saw use was the same as yours and I would run the tank dry after each use. It is probably 11 - 13 years old and until the last 5 or 6 years when I switched to premium since all of my cars use it, I stored a mid grade gas, which had ethanol added I imagine. I was never picky about the gas I stored.

I store all of my fuels for 16 - 18 months or so, sometimes longer, with Pri-D or Pri-G as a preservative. This year I started storing ethanol free Shell premium gasoline at an additional $.45/.9 gallon as I have come to believe it will probably store better (although I have not noticed any previous storage issues) and I am not too price sensitive for my emergency supplies. I have also started cycling my gasoline differently, so I have various storage dates and do not have one large batch of 18 month old gasoline.

I also use E3 spark plugs in all of my non automotive equipment, 2 cycle or 4 cycle and have never had a plug or gasoline problem. All of my 2 cycle outdoor equipment- Husqvarna: chainsaw, weed wacker/brush trimmer and backpack blower have similar ages and all run as they did when knew. The Craftsman garden tractor (Kohler HD engine) is a few years older and is getting long in the tooth due to having far more operating hours. That said, I am pretty sure that if I could compare the 2 cycle equipment with identical new equipment, there would be a power difference due to wear. But my point is, they all run well and I am comfortable with my procedures.

 

[mrmikey]

I have NEVER drained the gas, use whatever is left from the previous year, starts and runs with about 4 pulls on starter rope

Same here, regular fuel with no ethanol (none here....yet and I hope it never does) and as much as I hate buying brand name oils I do buy the Echo 2 stroke oil. I've got an Echo saw, trimmer and hedge trimmer and treat them all the same way. My theory be it right or wrong, is that the gaskets and such will go bad with the constant drying and soaking.....Mike

 

[lostcreekranch]

When use of equipment slows in the fall I switch to TruFuel. Buy a six pack and get the 17% discount at Lowe's. Six cans usually last 2 winters. http://www.lowes.com/pd_49907-442-6525638_0__?productId=3456454

 

[varmint]

Thanks for the responses... I hadn't thought of buying premixed fuel. I use less than a gallon a year, unless there's a catastrophic storm or something. I think I will give that a try, and next time I go over to Maryland's Eastern shore, buy a couple gallons of straight gas, which is available there, but not around here- population density and air quality issues, I guess.

 

[sdef]

When use of equipment slows in the fall I switch to TruFuel. Buy a six pack and get the 17% discount at Lowe's. Six cans usually last 2 winters. Shop TRUFUEL Power Equipment Fuel at Lowes.com

I have heard anecdotal evidence from a few others about this also. But I mix mine 1 - 2 gallons at a time and this premix is far too expensive for my use. Plus my fuel use/storage is universal for everything (prepper here ), including a 8 kw generator. I have tried synthetic and regular 2 cycle oils and not noticed any difference.

For years I have pretty much standardized on synthetics (including grease for vehicles and weapons) for everything I own, except for the tractor as I can't find a 15w40 synthetic in anything I can afford and the tractor is under warranty. I just received 2 quarts of Royal Purple 2 cycle for this year's usage. May have to purchase a new Husqvarna 562 XP... at this rate.

 

[Ken45101]

If I have a small engine not running right (e.g. harder to start or doesn't run at full power) I try running some Seafoam through it. Often it helps, sometimes it doesn't.

 

[EMB5530]

If you have it available I HIGHLY suggest using Renegade Pro 110+ and then a quality 2-stroke like Bel-Ray synthetic.

I have left this combo setting in equipment and have started it after 2 years of setting w/ no problem.
I usually buy about 5 gal. in small containers and it lasts me years.

I first found this fuel while riding dirtbikes. I could be down in the woods working the bike hard while others I rode w/ were setting watching there bikes boil over due to heat. So I religously bought this fuel and mixed in Bel-Ray H1R. Though long after I stopped riding and sold my bikes(funny things happen to your head when you start a family. get rid of bikes crazy right!)I still had fuel setting so I tried it in my Huskie and at first it had a hard time idling but after 2 tanks it runs and idles perfectly. I think the AutoTune feature probably helped w/ that as sometimes it helps to re-jet your carb to work w/ such a high octane fuel.

Here is the brand Automotive Fuels : Renegade Racing Fuels

 

[Monster5601]

Sorry if this topic has been worked to death in earlier threads, but I didn't see it, so here goes: I have a quality chain saw, which I use only rarely. Like maybe 4 times a year, usually after ice storms or some event that caused trees to be where we don't want them, and clean up is required. I have been using regular gas, mixed with Stabil and two stroke oil, as spec'd. I always try to empty the tank, and run the carb dry.

I will share with you my personal experiences. I had on-going issues with my two cycle engine equipment trying to get them started keeping in mind the chain saws (4) and trimmers (2) were occasionally used and sat idle most of the winter. Several years ago there was a discussion here about Seafoam and treating two cycle fuel. I bought a can of Seafoam and added one ounce of Seafoam to each gallon of my 50:1 two cycle fuel mix.

Starting and engine idling issues went away and never returned. My experiences are by no means unique and if you search back you will find several Seafoam threads discussing two cycle fuels. There are Seafoam haters, doubters, and lovers but regardless of that, it does fix the problems ethanol causes in the gasoline for two cycle engines.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks for the responses... I hadn't thought of buying premixed fuel. I use less than a gallon a year, unless there's a catastrophic storm or something. I think I will give that a try, and next time I go over to Maryland's Eastern shore, buy a couple gallons of straight gas, which is available there, but not around here- population density and air quality issues, I guess.

For as much as you are using get the pre mix. My father does and no issues now. I on the other hand us 10 gallons a year or so and run Aviation 100LL in mine. Cost more but no issues. Its my only option since all fuel within 100 miles of me has ethanol crap in it.

Chris

 

[varmint]

Quick update: a buddy visited me, and brought 5 gallons of plain gas. Over on the Eastern Shore of Merryland, it's widely available. Seems the farmers demand ethanol free gas. Go figure? Plus, I have been told that adding two cycle oil works to help store the E-10 gas that is everywhere. Didn't do much for me, but then, some of my two cycle fuel might be 2 years old. I will just mix less, in the future, after I run the pre-mix thru.

 

[corl]

Can't get non ethanol gas in SE Pa so I started using Startron 5 years ago when it all happened. It keeps me from having problems Says it will stabilize gas 1-2 years. I don't need more than a year. Mostly it is the gas for my outboard motor as the 2 cycle gas gets mixed 1 gallon at a time and I use that much in a month or two.

 

[jel1988]

I bought a couple of Stihl trimmers this year, couldn't believe the require high test (premium) gas. We use the Stihl oil recommended of the dealer. The also sell premixed fuel by Stihl for the amount you use you might give it a try. I have over 20 small engines both 2 and 4 stroke some may only be used one a year. I run them dry and even after a couple years of storage they roar back to life with some fresh fuel.

 

[Ken45101]

I bought a couple of Stihl trimmers this year, couldn't believe the require high test (premium) gas.

Ouch! Hopefully that's a Canadian thing?

Thanks for the head's up though. I've been thinking about a new Stihl chainsaw and I will have to watch out for that.