2- cycle multi-ratio oil

aloha · Dec 11, 2004

Pro-Mix 2-Cycle engine oil claims that when mixed at a 50:1 ratio it "Safely replaces all mix ratios" from 50:1 to 16:1. Does anyone have experience with this product in equipment calling for a mix other than 50:1?

My brush cutter calls for 50:1 and chain saw says 40:1; it would be convenient to feed both from the same mix.

DK35vince · Dec 11, 2004

( My brush cutter calls for 50:1 and chain saw says 40:1; it would be convenient to feed both from the same mix. )

It should be fine.
If it were mine, I would mix at 40:1 and run it in both.

riches139 · Dec 14, 2004

I use Amsoil mixed at 80:1 in all my 2 cycle equipment.
No smoke, clean exhaust port and muffler. Plug stays clean also.

rkeyman · Dec 24, 2009

I have used both Pro-Mix and ALCO multi-ratio oil and they have worked fine in all my equipment (Stihl/Husqvarna/Troy-bilt) that uses a gas/oil mix.

WH401 · Dec 24, 2009

I use Amsoil Saber Professional oil mixed at 80:1 w/ 89 gas in all my 2-stroke equipment. From chainsaws to leaf blowers, it all runs excellent on it. Easy starting, great throttle response, and no smoke.

Bird · Dec 25, 2009

DK35vince said:
( My brush cutter calls for 50:1 and chain saw says 40:1; it would be convenient to feed both from the same mix. )

It should be fine.
If it were mine, I would mix at 40:1 and run it in both.

Me, too.

Dmace · Dec 25, 2009

WH401 said:
I use Amsoil Saber Professional oil mixed at 80:1 w/ 89 gas in all my 2-stroke equipment. From chainsaws to leaf blowers, it all runs excellent on it. Easy starting, great throttle response, and no smoke.

No kidding there's no smoke, that's because there is almost no oil in it either.

To the OP, run the oil mix the manufacturer recommends if you plan on using your 2-stroke engine for more then a year or so. Running 40:1 in something recommending 50:1 is no problem, a little extra oil never hurt but do not run some crazy 80:1 or higher in it. They may run good now with that 80:1 mix but that engine will not last as long as it would with the correct ratio.

WH401 · Dec 25, 2009

Dmace said:
No kidding there's no smoke, that's because there is almost no oil in it either.

To the OP, run the oil mix the manufacturer recommends if you plan on using your 2-stroke engine for more then a year or so. Running 40:1 in something recommending 50:1 is no problem, a little extra oil never hurt but do not run some crazy 80:1 or higher in it. They may run good now with that 80:1 mix but that engine will not last as long as it would with the correct ratio.

You have to remember that the lubricating properties of a synthetic oil compared to a dino are different. Synthetic 2-stroke oil's can typically be run at lower amounts than that of dino's, while still being able to lubricate better. I can understand your skepticism though, I was the same way before I used it. I first tried it out in a 10 year old junk Poulan blower that always ran like crap no matter what you did with it. Almost instantly that thing ran better, and has run like a champ ever since I changed the mix. I bought a Stihl BR600 blower last year, $500 new. I've run the mix of Saber and 89 gas at 80:1 in it since the first tank of fuel. It's been run for about 30 full throttle, wide open hours between this year and last, and that thing runs like a raped ape. If it wasn't getting proper lubrication, it would have seized all ready, so that's moot point. I also bought a new Stihl FS90R trimmer last summer. It's had the same mix run though it since day 1 and it runs just as well.

If you want to read up about it then head on over to www.lawnsite.com. Many of the LCO's over there run Saber at 80:1 in all there hand helds and love it.

SunnyJim · Dec 25, 2009

Saber was designed to run at 100:1 so 80:1 is very safe. If you check the specs Saber is roughly double the viscosity of a normal 2 stroke oil.

I would not try and judge performance by smoke. I just finished using my chainsaw with some fresh 40:1 synthetic in it. Not a sign of smoke but it was running much better then the fuel that was in it.

mostly_gas · Dec 26, 2009

In most two-strokes the recommended oil-mix is needed only at max throttle and max RPM. I had a friend race moto-cross for years using 32:1 instead of mfg. rec. 20:1 mix with no problems. Some engines can run lean on a oil rich fuel mix. So if the plug doesn't change color on your brush cutter you should be fine.