2 cycle oil - one mix fits all?

[troberts]

I saw a 2 cycle oil today - "Pro" something or other. It claimed that it was a special oil that could be used in 50:1, 40:1, and 32:1 engines.

It literally claimed that one mix (i.e. dump contents in 2.5 gallons of gas) could be safely used for all three mix ratios.

Is this true?
Would you recommend it?

I would like to get away from separate gas cans for my different 2 cycle equipment, but don't want to damage the equipment.

Thanks,

TMR

[awm]

i do the same thing with echo ,stihl or husquevarna mix.
no matter what machine its 50-1 .no problems,no fouled plugs,no dirty exhaust ports.i do use 90 or above gas.

[Richard Martin]

Myself and a lot of people here use Amsoil (www.amsoil.com (http://www.amsoil.com)) synthetic 2 stroke oil. You just dump a 8 oz bottle into a 5 gallon can of gas and go with it. It eliminates those pesky clogged spark arrestors and exhaust ports. It also reduces the need to change the spark plug so often.

[Premo Services]

[Richard Martin] Myself and a lot of people here use Amsoil (www.amsoil.com) synthetic 2 stroke oil. You just dump a 8 oz bottle into a 5 gallon can of gas and go with it. It eliminates those pesky clogged spark arrestors and exhaust ports. It also reduces the need to change the spark plug so often.

I would have to agree with Richard, I was interested in this type of oil last summer, and the subject came up. I read all the posts on this subject. I ordered some amsoil for my 2 cycle equiptment, and started using the oil. What a difference it made, the equiptment seemed to run better, and the best part, no fouled plugs or clogged exaust ports. :D

[David Haggerty]

I think it was on the Amsoil web site I read that the percentage of mix is determined by the oil not the motor.

So if it's a modern 2 cycle engine, it'll be OK with 100/1 mix.

A lot of people complain about Stihls being hard to start.
I have nothing but Stihl everything. (it's what my dealer sells)
All have Amsoil at 80/1 mix and all are easy to start.
Even with last year's plugs and last year's gas!
Even the BR400 backpack blower which doesn't have a priming bulb!

Dave

[walker-talker]

I use a John Deere brand oil mix that I bought at Home Depot and it work fine. I used it all last season and had no problems. Although, Amsoil has a reputation for being a suberb product.

MATT

[joed]

I agree with everyone regarding the synthetic 2 stroke oil. I just switched over to a synthetic brand that my dealer here in Canada got. It's not Amsoil but some other brand. All my 2 cycle equipment seems to start easier, run stronger and is more fuel efficient now.

[odin]

amsoil 2 cycle is great we buy it direct from amsoil by the case .
We use all amsoil in everything 2 cycle, truck oil, ztr engines.
Its a great product.

[Albemarle Lawn]

Everything I own gets 50:1 synthec. I ususally buy the stuff labelled "Marine" in the 1 gallon or even 5 quart containers.

My equipment is Redmax, Stihl, Husqvarna, Crapsman hand blower and John Deere stick edger. Never any trouble, same redmax machines for 6 years now.

I used to have trouble with 32:1 fouling plugs and exhuast.

Ken

[jeffyr]

Originally posted by Albemarle Lawn
Everything I own gets 50:1 synthec. I ususally buy the stuff labelled "Marine" in the 1 gallon or even 5 quart containers.
Ken

I realize that you have not had any problems with the marine 2 stroke, but I have been cautioned against it. A marine engine is water cooled and runs at a lower temp than a backpack or trimmer. I was told by the Echo rep that marine 2 stroke should not be used and may lead to seizing. I also had a few bottle of Bel-Ray MC-1 for 2 stroke dirt bikes that he said should not be used because of the temp differences.

jeffyr

[SLS]

Opti-2!

Enviro Formula SMOKELESS

It exceeds the highest worldwide performance standard E-GD+ and is fully compatible with oxygenated fuels.

Contains FUEL STABILIZER too. 3 month old fuel runs like the fresh stuff...and carbs stay clean.

One mix fits all. 1.8 oz. per gallon.

3 years of heavy use in Homelite :eek: string trimmers and blowers with NO problems (easy starts, good power, clean spark plugs, no carbon buildup, ect.) is testimony to it's effectiveness.

I've been waiting for those string trimmers and blowers to wear out so I can justify replacing them with Redmax (to go with my hedge trimmers) but the Opti-2 keeps 'em running on...and on......and on....unbelievable.

Did I mention that it really is smokeless?

If it can do that for 'cheap' homeowner 2-cycle equipment I can hardly imagine what it will do for the longevity of good commercial-grade 2-cycle units.

[Brickman]

For all the bad stuff I have heard about "one mix" for all, there has been some thing good about it said here. I may have to try the Amsoil stuff out. I have always used the Redmax brand of 2 cycle oil. And use it in my Husky saw which calls for 50:1. I usually buy the Redmax oil by the case, so have enough oil to last most of the summer with what is left from the last case I bought.
With using Redmax oil my one trimmer that is starting its 4th season of serious trimming, is still running strong. In fact I won't let any of my employees touch it, that one is my trimmer.

[lamblawnscaping]

I was going to start using amsoil last year, but my dealer told me that since my equipment had been used for so long without it that there would be carbon buildups that the amsoil may break loose. This could cause damage to the engines.

Is this true? If so, I had all of my 2 cycle stuff decarboned last month, so would it be ok to start using amsoil now?

I guess it's a little late now, I just bought 2 cases of kawisaki mix from lesco, maybe next year.

[ronslawncare]

i use echo 50 to 1 .dont ever use outboard engine oil .i did my first year i had more repairs than ever.

[darryl gesner]

I use The Pro Mix multi-ration oil by Pure Lube in all my 2 cycle equipment. One 3.2 oz tube per gallon for all. My dealer says they've been using it for ever with no problems.

[grassyfras]

I use the stuff at walmart that comes in a gallon container. Anyone tired that or is there anything wrong with it. It says it meets all standards. IT was about $19.00. You can make your own ratios with it by just adding alittle or less oil to it.

[morturf]

I am with SLS. I use Opti-2 also. Have for the last few years. It does all he says. I have not replaced a plug in a that time. All the plugs are in good condition and have not needed it. I also don't miss all the different cans of mix. One mix can do it. I have Echo, Stihl, Kawasaki, Shindawa, Homelite(don't tell anybody, lol), Toro, and all want a different mix. I use the Opti-2 for all and what a difference.
As for the comment about the carbon build up in an old machine, I used it in a few of mine that were older and it has had no ill effects. They all run better. Give it a try and see what you think.

I had some leftover bottles of oil when i was making the change, it was worth it to me to give them to a friend. He only had one engine and I no longer had the hassel
mike

[SCAPEASAURUSREX]

Yup... AMSOIL 2 cycle mix ROCKS.... the 100/1 ... I have been using it for 4 years or so... Great stuff, Very little smoke, if any... Runs smoother, queiter, and definatly has extended the life of my equipment....

[wxmn6]

I uses Opti-2 mix. Being using it for many years and never have any problem with the machines running with it.

[TLS]

Just started my first tankfull of Amsoil mixed at 80:1. Seems to run a lot better with less smoke. Time will tell. Just wish the bottles were smaller. Had to use a big 5 gal can to mix and then into the smaller 2 gal to make it easier to pour into the small stuff. Got a good deal last fall from a distributor. Got a case of synthetic grease from him as well.

[mowahman]

Been using Opti-2 in all 2 cycle machines (6 echo trimmers, 3 BR 400's, Poulan & Stihl saws, hedgetrimmers, Shindiawa PB 270's) for many years. Oldest BR400 is over 6 yrs old and NEVER has has plug out of it. The threaded end cap stripped out, found one from a snowmobile plug that was slightly larger, threaded it on, it is still going strong. I want to see just how long the original plug will last. We typically go through 70-75 gallons of mixed gas for
Fall Clean ups alone. Rest of the year, about 45 gallons in mix gas. Not one machine has given us any problems with carbs, spark arrestors, or plugs.

[troberts]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Sounds like Opti-2 and Amsoil sound pritty good.

So, let me make sure I have this straight. I could by one of these, and mix ONE ratio according to the instructions on the bottle, and use that ONE mix ratio in all of the following equipment even though they all call for different mix ratios.

Trimmer - 32:1
Blower - 40:1
snowblower - 50:1

Is this correct?

Thanks,

TMR

[SLS]

Yep! At least with the Opt1-2.

1.8 oz. per gallon and away you go! :)



Haven't used Amsoil myself (though trusted sources assure me that it is great) so one of those guys would have to answer that for sure.

[danzig]

I use Silver Streak 2 cycle oil. I dont think it is synthetic but it works well. It smokes only at start up and i have had no problems with it so far(2 years). What does ISO-L-EGD and JACO FC stand for? I was told to only buy 2 cycle oil that has this on it.