What makes oil different

[lawnman_scott]

What is the difference between regular oil and 2 cycle. What is in it that makes it 2 cycle as opposed to just regular oil.

[MowerMedic77]

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Can_you_use_4_cycle_motor_oil_instead_of_more_expensive_2_cycle_in_your_two_cycle_fuel_mix

It basically comes down to additives and formulation. Mixing 4cycle oil to use in 2 cycle is a very old practice that is NOT recommended by any manufacturer that I am aware of.
There are also two different types of 2 cycle oil, (air and water cooled) also both formulated different for specific use. Hope this helps :)

[jkingrph]

Back in the very early 1960's , dad got a 2 cycle lawn boy . All we ever used in that thing was straight 30 wt, did not even know about special 2 cycle oil. That mower lasted through high school and 5 years of college for me. He finally got a small rider when I moved out and could not mow any longer for him. Only maintance ever needed was a few spark plugs and to sharpen the blade.

[jkason]

Tolerances were not that tight in the 60's.
Try that now, and the motor will blow - not covered under warranty. Manual specifically states "2-cycle oil" if they don't recommend their own.

You can do it with older equipment, but not worth a repair when it does go. And it burns more oil than it's worth (mosquito killer).

Most 2-cycle oils also have dye in them (and stabilizer), so you can tell if they're mixed fuel/oil or not. Most regular oils don't.