Gas/ / Oil Mixture Rate Preference .

[Sodo]

What is the recommended mixture? If recommended is 32:1 then 30 is probably OK. If the jetting screws were set for 50:1 and you're running 30:1 then it's getting less gas and is likely to run lean, = hot, (and seize). In any case, if it was running hot, the mixture screws need to be set for optimum power then a tad rich.

Sorry about the scoring, it might heal. What does the sparkplug look like, any white on it?

How long is each cut? If it can go down to idle after a minute or so (after cutting thru each log) that's enough, you don't have to shut it off.

Probably ought to start a new thread, one specific chainsaw problem is off topic.

 

[Whatswrong]

Thanks Sodo , will mix 40-1 I thought oily would automatically be better ,not understanding jetting settings .

 

[sd455dan]

More oil = less gas, consequently 32:1 needs to be a little richer on the mixture screws. Oil is not a combustible component, if theres too much its getting in the way.

that I am in total agreement with- The fuel mix is also more viscous when more oil is added- which actually makes the engine run leaner- but with more lubrication. As long as the mixture is adjusted -jetting is correct then i think it is fine, I run my saws and string trimmer at 45 to 1 I have a 1954 Johnson Sea Horse that calls for 16 to 1 ( 30 wt engine oil!) I run that at around 36 to 1 outboard oil and had to adjust the jetting leaner.

The one other thing that I do disagree with is the statement that oil (types) make little difference - is when someone uses ANY 2 stroke outboard oil in ANY air cooled 2 stroke engine... the air cooled engine will invariably overheat and in most cases a bunch of compression goes away to if not also scoring the piston /cylinder wall or siezing. Just my :2cents:

 

[TomSeller]

I run mid grade ethanol free gas mixed with Sthl Ultra at the recommended 50:1. I always do this type of thing by the book. I do this with all 5 Stihls and one Homelite 2 stroke engines. No engine issues whatsoever.

Having said that, thank you for starting this discussion. I don't recall seeing this brought up before, but I don't get to the arborist forums enough

 

[PhysAssist]

I run mid grade ethanol free gas mixed with Sthl Ultra at the recommended 50:1. I always do this type of thing by the book. I do this with all 5 Stihls and one Homelite 2 stroke engines. No engine issues whatsoever.

Having said that, thank you for starting this discussion. I don't recall seeing this brought up before, but I don't get to the arborist forums enough

What he said, but while I try to do the same, invariably, I think I probably overshoot just a litte with the oil, agreeing with the premise that a slightly smoky, possibly lightly fouling mixture beat seizing and burning up. I use the same gas I put in my car, but add a measured amount of either stabil or more recently? Optilube or Optiron?

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[FredH]

Harry V : Your Likely right , it is a Oregon Thing !! :thumbsup:

/Pine : Was Not Bashing You by any means , You raise very valid points , Especially your reference to loaning equipment :thumbsup: Rarely loan anything to anybody except my brother , Who is likely better than me at upkeep on tools .

The 2 old 041's that I had were always ran on 32:1 and replaced the intake gasket on oldest one before selling . The piston skirt looked new without any discoloration any were.
Yet my neighbor who bought a new 290 and it seized shortly after 1 year of purchase and maybe 20 hours of use . Used the Stihl oil bottles with a 1 gallon container of gas . This was several years ago ( maybe 5 years ?? ) when this area first started using the ethanol fuel BUT only in the winter months so could that had anything to do with it ??? Could be also that he did something else ????

Plugs in my 041's were not white rather they ended up being more oil fowled by end of year after cutting for 30 hours or so with each saw . Have ran new 441 for 15 or so hours and the plug is looking like the old plugs also after that amount of time . I never used a gas stabilizer , Never Thought of asking that Question , DUH !! :ashamed:. I only mix 1 gallon at a time though and run it in saw , 2 different weed eaters and a gas blower , so it does not sit around for very long .

Again , Sorry /Pine , Did Not mean for my second post to sound like a dig or other , I view the manufacturer's manual's as Recommendation's not something set it stone .

Fred H.

 

[Giles]

Using more oil then recommended by the manufacturer is---in my opinion---a waste! One has to realize that todays oil is MUCH better then what was available years ago. I have used 50-1 ratio in my 1980 model Craftsman saw for years--with no problems!
Some people still change their engine oil every 3,000 miles--to me---that's a waste also.

 

[FredH]

32-1 = 3% oil While 50-1 = 2% oil . One ( 1 ) Percent difference .




Fred H.

 

[sd455dan]

32-1 = 3% oil While 50-1 = 2% oil . One ( 1 ) Percent difference .

View attachment 347280


Fred H.

Not in smoke output :laughing:

 

[Bluegill2]

32-1 = 3% oil While 50-1 = 2% oil . One ( 1 ) Percent difference .

View attachment 347280


Fred H.

Fred, that's a dang good way to look at it!

Guys, a tiny bit more oil wont hurt and can help...

 

[Gary Fowler]

Fred,
I am unfamiliar with the "Explorer" issues...it was not mentioned in the OP...if it was as bad as it gets I'm surprised I do not remember any major news about class action law suits as I'm sure there would have been...?
QUOTE]
Way off topic but some might need to know: I am sure you could Google it and get the whole story. This was big news several years ago and did involve lots of lawsuits against Ford. The reason was high speed rollovers caused by underflated tires which was what Ford specified. I don't recall the exact pressures Ford was recommending but it was like 26 PSI or thereabouts which caused so much side wall flex that many of their Explorers were involved in roll over accidents. NTSB finally figured it out and Ford PAID. Someone may recall the reason for the low pressure required by Ford, but it escapes me at the moment.

 

[FredH]

Correct Gary : People were Following The Vehicle Manufacturers recommendations for tire pressure rather than the Tire makers recommendations thus serious issue's arose . I view Manufacturer's recommendations as Starting point , Not set in Stone and then throw in some common sense . Something Critical like tire pressure in Vehicles , I read what is on the side of the tire not what the car maker puts in their owner's manual .

My Old saw's and my new 441 smoke no more using 32/1 than when I have used my brother's mix of 50/1 for his Husky . The 041's I mentioned before were 20+ years old when I sold them and other than replacing the intake gasket on the older one , They ran like champs , ***** to start with no compression release like the new 441 has , but would start on 3rd or 4th pull regardless . New plug every year , ( Which I do every year for everything from log splitter to lawn mower , chainsaw , weed eater , etc..... ) , maybe wasting a few $$$ , but when I have wanted to use or needed to use any of my power equipment , it has been there and stood up to the task .

The Whole point of me starting this thread was just curious " How " everyone is dealing with the Ethanol gas on 2 cycle equipment and adjustments or additives that others may be using . No pi$$ing match with anybody , Whatever works for You , Great , More Power to You . I Know What Has Worked for me for 35+ years now since I graduated High School Thus I keep trucking down the road of Life .

Fred H.

 

[Sodo]

32-1 = 3% oil While 50-1 = 2% oil . One ( 1 ) Percent difference .
Fred H.

Fred, that's a dang good way to look at it!
Guys, a tiny bit more oil wont hurt and can help...

FYI: 3% - 2% = 1% difference is wrong way to look at it.
3% is 50% MORE OIL than 2%, its a half again MORE more oil!

 

[sd455dan]

FYI: 3% - 2% = 1% difference is wrong way to look at it.
3% is 50% MORE OIL than 2%, its a half again MORE more oil!

Exactly

 

[Bluegill2]

FYI: 3% - 2% = 1% difference is wrong way to look at it.
3% is 50% MORE OIL than 2%, its a half again MORE more oil!

Yeah 50% of 2% is a LOT more oil.

 

[Egbert]

I know several lawncare folks who just mix everything at 32:1. It's such a hassle to keep separate fuel cans for 16:1 32:1 and 50:1. For me, I try to limit my 2-stroke gear and now only my chainsaw needs a mix.

 

[mikehaugen]

I know several lawncare folks who just mix everything at 32:1. It's such a hassle to keep separate fuel cans for 16:1 32:1 and 50:1. For me, I try to limit my 2-stroke gear and now only my chainsaw needs a mix.

Is this still an issue? I thought 50:1 was pretty standard now, at least for pro-level machines.

 

[Sodo]

Yeah 50% of 2% is a LOT more oil.

True there's not much real much difference between 32 and 50 except your oil jug empties 50% faster. People have more money to burn these days not like the old days, and oil was 97c for a quart now its $9.00/qt and nobody cares. For most that's a quart every other spring, not much to worry about.

Environmentally it doesn't make much difference because most people probably follow mfr recommendation 50:1

I'd use 32:1 in old eqpt, if I wasn't sure if it had modern nikasil cylinder or needle bearings. But I don't have that old stuff anymore. Which is odd, I keep a lot of old stuff - actually too much - but my 2-strokes are all modern.

But 32 is a good deal for the oil store especially at $6 - $9 per quart !

 

[Bluegill2]

Folks should run what ever mix ratio they want to. I've run 32:1 - 50:1 and have settled on 40:1. Most of my saws are ported and turn more rpm than stock. I like a little more oil... I also use chainsaws more than the average guy, logging, thinning and cutting 15-20 cords of firewood a year.

I know several saw builders that say 32:1 in their ported saws make more power than 50:1 and that's what they recommend...

 

[LD1]

40:1 is what I run.