[jmichael484]

The standard mix for most equipment that I run (Shindaiwa two stroke trimmers, blowers, etc.) is 50:1. How come I keep hearing about people running higher octane fuel in them and higher mix ratio's like 80:1? What exactly should I be running? Is more oil mix better...? Help

 

[AOD]

Guys running higher ratios than 50:1 are running Amsoil or another very high quality full synthetic lubricant. Personally I still do not trust anything running that lean of oil, no matter how good the oil is, but if it works for other guys I can't knock their decision.

More oil than recommended and using low quality oil will give you problems, carbon buildup, fouled plugs, smoke and clogged exhaust screens. I'd stick with a high quality oil meant for air cooled engines at 50:1, such as Stihl HP Ultra. Don't even think of using marine oil, which is meant for water cooled engines.

 

[jmichael484]

Sounds good, and what about higher octane gas? Should I be filling my cans up with premium at the pump?

 

[splitwindow]

Always go by the manufacture suggestions on the ratio
However if you are not useing their brand of oil then you may want to add a little extra oil
Some 2 cycle oils are thicker than others and could cause problems down the road
Example
I use stihl equipment with a 50:1 ratio
Stihl oil is noticibly thicker than a cheaper oil from my local hardware store

 

[ALC-GregH]

If you're not using a synthetic 2 cycle oil then you'll want to stick with 50:1. I wouldn't go any higher without using synthetic. Ideally you want the least amount of oil as possible without loosing any protection. You'll get the most power other of the equipment and less fuel consumption. A heavy oil ratio will rob power and use more fuel in comparison to a lighter oil ratio. What oil are you using?

 

[AOD]

Sounds good, and what about higher octane gas? Should I be filling my cans up with premium at the pump?

Higher octane gas runs a lot better in 2-strokes because they run at a lot higher RPM's and compression ratios than car engines do. Premium also leaves the fuel system cleaner. It's not unheard of for some chainsaw guys to run their saws on 100 octane aviation fuel.

As for oil, I've found the Stihl oil and the high end Husqvarna oil to be about the same. Stay away from the cheap oil at gas stations and hardware stores.

 

[ALC-GregH]

Always go by the manufacture suggestions on the ratio
However if you are not using their brand of oil then you may want to add a little extra oil
Some 2 cycle oils are thicker than others and could cause problems down the road
Example
I use stihl equipment with a 50:1 ratio
Stihl oil is noticeably thicker than a cheaper oil from my local hardware store

Viscosity don't have anything to do with actual protection. Too much oil IS NOT a good thing.

 

[jmichael484]

I either use the echo oil or shindaiwa oil, whichever has in stock

 

[Alan0354]

Higher octane gas runs a lot better in 2-strokes because they run at a lot higher RPM's and compression ratios than car engines do. Premium also leaves the fuel system cleaner. It's not unheard of for some chainsaw guys to run their saws on 100 octane aviation fuel.

As for oil, I've found the Stihl oil and the high end Husqvarna oil to be about the same. Stay away from the cheap oil at gas stations and hardware stores.

The lawn equip engine are lower compression ratio than cars. They usually just 8:1 vs car around 10:1.

In doubt, use 89 octane. Go with synthetic oil like Amsoil or Ultra.