Gas Blowers

[CHDinCT]

Man I guess I should read the manuals...I have two Stihl chain saws and on my second tank of fuel in my new blower and I have been running 87 octane...with no problems (that I am aware of) or starting issues.

Same here, except I have been running 87 octane in my Echo PB-4600 backpack blower for over 10 years only to notice this year the manual spec's 89 octane. I probably read that when it was new and just forgot it over one winter. As long as I use fresh gas and fuel stabilzer, it starts on the first or second pull and runs strong. My only complaint is it's smokes so much. The newer equipment runs much cleaner, so much so, I'm thinking of selling the Echo and buying a Stihl BP-550 or 600, just for my lungs.

 

[Bird]

I, too, used the 87 octane in my Stihl string trimmer the first year or two with no problems. I'm no mechanic, so I don't really know how much difference it makes, but what I've read is that the lower octane gas may allow the machine to run hotter, perhaps overheat, and be damaged. Maybe if you're not working it at maximum capacity and speed, that would never happen????? I don't know, but for the amount of gas I use, I don't mind paying a little extra for the 89 octane.

 

[coobie]

I have 3 pieces of Stihl equipment, a 390 saw, a BR600 blower, and a FS90R trimmer. The saw was my father's and sat for the 3 years without being started. I took it out and it started right up on the 5th pull, with the same 3 year old gas and everything. Up until now I've never had 2-stroke equipment that started on the first pull. But, that all changed with the BR600 and FS90R. I push the prime bulb 5 times, turn the choke on, pull the cord out ever so slightly so that I can feel it has grabbed the motor, and then I give it a yank and it easily comes to life.

As others have said, ethanol has wrecked havoc on anything with a carburetor, especially small equipment, since it was introduced. That said, I run a mix of Amsoil Saber 2-stroke oil at 80:1 w/ 89 gas, and I also added 2 ounces of Sta-bil to each total gallon for fuel stabilization. This combination has never given me problems and has completely changed the running characteristics of any piece of 2-stroke equipment I have previously had. Some may say, "what?, you run 80:1", yes I do, but I have run it this way in all my equipment for years and I've never had a failure.

I always burn at least 91 oct.gas and use seafoam fuel additive in all of my 2 & 4 stroke equipment.coobie

 

[Baucom]

I always run premium from 1 of a few stations around that advertise "no ethanol" in their gas, mixed with Shindaiwa oil @ ~40-45:1. The Shindaiwa oil includes a fuel stabilizer, so I never add any additional stabilizer. I dump the gas out of the tank and run them dry before I put them away for the winter--haven't had any problems starting any of my saws, trimmer, or blower yet.

 

[Bird]

I don't think we have any stations with gasoline without ethanol. If such exists, I sure don't know where.

 

[WH401]

There's a couple of reasons why manufacturer's prefer you to run 89 octane fuel, one of those is because of the current ethanol content in gasoline. When lower octane fuel containing ethanol comes into the cylinder on a 2-stroke engine, it ignites from the hot spots on top of the piston and not from the spark plug, thus causing detonation. Running fuel with an octane rating of 89 or higher stops this uncontrollable ignition sequence, thus increasing the life of the engine. Another reason is because 89 fuel contains more detergents and produces a cleaner burn in the cylinder than 87. Running a high octane rating is especially important with 2-stroke engines with valves since it greatly decreases the chance of carbon build up.

 

[CHDinCT]

Same here, except I have been running 87 octane in my Echo PB-4600 backpack blower for over 10 years only to notice this year the manual spec's 89 octane. I probably read that when it was new and just forgot it over one winter. As long as I use fresh gas and fuel stabilzer, it starts on the first or second pull and runs strong. My only complaint is it's smokes so much. The newer equipment runs much cleaner, so much so, I'm thinking of selling the Echo and buying a Stihl BP-550 or 600, just for my lungs.

Well, pulled the trigger on Friday. Was all set to buy another Echo backpack blower, specifically the PB-755T. I stopped at an Echo dealer on Thursday and tried one out. Very powerful. I knew it was heavier than the Stihl BR-600 and maybe not quite as powerful, but I had made up my mind to stay pure 2-stroke after reading a bunch of threads comparing various models. Then, on Friday, I stopped and tried the Stihl at a dealer that sells both. The Stihl just ran smoother, was quieter and was noticeably lighter. After the salesman assured me that the 4-mix units were proven in the field by commercial landscapers, and that it should hold up just fine for homeowner use, I decided to get the BR-600. Used it last weekend and was very impressed with it's power and smoothness.

A few things I don't like vs the Echo: it seems to have more plastic parts or lighter plastic, but I guess that's part of the weight difference, the fact the air filter is harder to get at to check/replace, the cruise control can only be set to 3 pre-determined speeds vs infinite for the Echo, and just generally that it looks to be harder to remove the shroud for maintenance/cleaning. All these were secondary, however, to the power and smoothness of the unit. In short, I guess I was taken by the BR-600. Hopefully, it's a long and happy relationship.

 

[WH401]

Well, pulled the trigger on Friday. Was all set to buy another Echo backpack blower, specifically the PB-755T. I stopped at an Echo dealer on Thursday and tried one out. Very powerful. I knew it was heavier than the Stihl BR-600 and maybe not quite as powerful, but I had made up my mind to stay pure 2-stroke after reading a bunch of threads comparing various models. Then, on Friday, I stopped and tried the Stihl at a dealer that sells both. The Stihl just ran smoother, was quieter and was noticeably lighter. After the salesman assured me that the 4-mix units were proven in the field by commercial landscapers, and that it should hold up just fine for homeowner use, I decided to get the BR-600. Used it last weekend and was very impressed with it's power and smoothness.

A few things I don't like vs the Echo: it seems to have more plastic parts or lighter plastic, but I guess that's part of the weight difference, the fact the air filter is harder to get at to check/replace, the cruise control can only be set to 3 pre-determined speeds vs infinite for the Echo, and just generally that it looks to be harder to remove the shroud for maintenance/cleaning. All these were secondary, however, to the power and smoothness of the unit. In short, I guess I was taken by the BR-600. Hopefully, it's a long and happy relationship.

Congrats on the purchase, that 600 should last you for a long while in a homeowners hands. I have run mine for 4+ hours at full throttle, only stopping to fuel up, and it never misses a beat. The most important thing with the 4-mix engine is the quality of the fuel/oil mix used. Use at least 89 octane gasoline, as it has more cleaning detergents to prevent carbon build up, and use a high quality synthetic such as Stihl Ultra oil or Amsoil Saber.

 

[lizardman]

Man, this thread got longer than ever I figured it would.
I got a Stihl BG55 handheld. I dont even have it put together yet. Can't wait to use it and then let it keep its cousin, the FS110R trimmer, company on the wall. Now, if I could just get rid of the ugly yella Poulan saw and get me a Stihl so my wall will be lined with orange, the world will be a happier place!!

On a side note, does Sta-Bil go bad? I found a bottle I bought that must be at least 8-9 years old. I dont think I ever opened it because I sold my boat before needing it. So, what say... Use it or just buy another bottle?

Rod

 

[WH401]

Man, this thread got longer than ever I figured it would.
I got a Stihl BG55 handheld. I dont even have it put together yet. Can't wait to use it and then let it keep its cousin, the FS110R trimmer, company on the wall. Now, if I could just get rid of the ugly yella Poulan saw and get me a Stihl so my wall will be lined with orange, the world will be a happier place!!

On a side note, does Sta-Bil go bad? I found a bottle I bought that must be at least 8-9 years old. I dont think I ever opened it because I sold my boat before needing it. So, what say... Use it or just buy another bottle?

Rod

Buy another bottle. I believe on the bottle that I have, which I bought about 2 years ago, it says to discontinue using after 2 years basically because it's lost it's effectiveness.

 

[CHDinCT]

Buy another bottle. I believe on the bottle that I have, which I bought about 2 years ago, it says to discontinue using after 2 years basically because it's lost it's effectiveness.

Your probably right, but like lizardman, I had a 24 oz bottle that treats 120 gallons that I've been working off since 2004. It was left over from when I owned a decent size boat. Seems to work fine. Also, the Stihl 2-cylce oil I use has stabilizer in it anyway, so double covered there I guess.

I do have to get the full synthetic oil though. Right now I'm working off a supply of the Stihl oil in the orange bottle. I think it's a dino-synthetic mix, but not sure. I really didn't need the premium stuff until I got the BR-600. So, finish the orange stuff or get the premium stuff right away?? - decisions, decisions.

 

[WH401]

Your probably right, but like lizardman, I had a 24 oz bottle that treats 120 gallons that I've been working off since 2004. It was left over from when I owned a decent size boat. Seems to work fine. Also, the Stihl 2-cylce oil I use has stabilizer in it anyway, so double covered there I guess.

I do have to get the full synthetic oil though. Right now I'm working off a supply of the Stihl oil in the orange bottle. I think it's a dino-synthetic mix, but not sure. I really didn't need the premium stuff until I got the BR-600. So, finish the orange stuff or get the premium stuff right away?? - decisions, decisions.

I have to agree on the Sta-bil, I'm still using that same bottle and everything seems fine. That's one of the nice thing about Stihl oil though, it already has stabilizer so there's no need to mess with an aftermarket one. Their oil comes in three variant's; "Stihl HP" in the orange bottle which is a regular dino oil, "Stihl HP Super" in the black bottle which is a dino-synthetic mix, and "Stihl HP Ultra" in the white bottle which is a full synthetic. That said, when I bought my 600 last year the dealer I purchased from gave me 2 bottles of regular HP oil in the orange bottle. Already knowing that this oil is what specifically causes excess carbon build up in 4-mix engines, (carbon build up on the valves is the main culprit to a 4-mix engines reliability issues, which was the reason why Stihl developed their "Ultra" oil), I just stuck it on the shelf when I got home. Before I left the dealer they filled the tank with their mix, (I'm assuming they probably used regular HP oil), and after I ran that tank through I filled up with my regular use mix of Amsoil Saber at 80:1 w/ 89 gas. I have run that though the 600 for the past year, about 30 hrs worth of time, and it hasn't missed a beat and starts on the first pull in warm weather, second in the winter.

If it was me, I would buy the Stihl Ultra HP as soon as possible. It was design specifically for the 4-mix to curtail carbon build up, and it's only a few dollars as well so why not? On a side not, some people were confused, (including myself), about the statement on the Ultra oil bottle which says something to the effect of "Biodegrades by 80% in 21 days". Owners weren't sure if this meant "after 21 days it starts loosing is lubricating ability?". To fine out specifically what this meant, I emailed Stihl a few weeks ago and they stated that the biodegradability rating is based on "if it comes into direct contact with sunlight". For example, if you were to spill it on your sidewalk than it will eventually go disappear from the exposure to the sun, and not that it will loose it's lubricating abilities while mixed with gas in a storage can.

 

[CHDinCT]

I have to agree on the Sta-bil, I'm still using that same bottle and everything seems fine. That's one of the nice thing about Stihl oil though, it already has stabilizer so there's no need to mess with an aftermarket one. Their oil comes in three variant's; "Stihl HP" in the orange bottle which is a regular dino oil, "Stihl HP Super" in the black bottle which is a dino-synthetic mix, and "Stihl HP Ultra" in the white bottle which is a full synthetic. That said, when I bought my 600 last year the dealer I purchased from gave me 2 bottles of regular HP oil in the orange bottle. Already knowing that this oil is what specifically causes excess carbon build up in 4-mix engines, (carbon build up on the valves is the main culprit to a 4-mix engines reliability issues, which was the reason why Stihl developed their "Ultra" oil), I just stuck it on the shelf when I got home. Before I left the dealer they filled the tank with their mix, (I'm assuming they probably used regular HP oil), and after I ran that tank through I filled up with my regular use mix of Amsoil Saber at 80:1 w/ 89 gas. I have run that though the 600 for the past year, about 30 hrs worth of time, and it hasn't missed a beat and starts on the first pull in warm weather, second in the winter.

If it was me, I would buy the Stihl Ultra HP as soon as possible. It was design specifically for the 4-mix to curtail carbon build up, and it's only a few dollars as well so why not? On a side not, some people were confused, (including myself), about the statement on the Ultra oil bottle which says something to the effect of "Biodegrades by 80% in 21 days". Owners weren't sure if this meant "after 21 days it starts loosing is lubricating ability?". To fine out specifically what this meant, I emailed Stihl a few weeks ago and they stated that the biodegradability rating is based on "if it comes into direct contact with sunlight". For example, if you were to spill it on your sidewalk than it will eventually go disappear from the exposure to the sun, and not that it will loose it's lubricating abilities while mixed with gas in a storage can.

WH401, good info, thanks. I have the stuff in the orange bottle, so that's regular dino. I think I'll pour the gal I have mixed into my truck and buy some of the HP stuff for now. Cheap insurance I guess. I would assume it's good for use in my old Stihl chainsaw and Echo wead wacker too, not that those need synthetic.

 

[WH401]

WH401, good info, thanks. I have the stuff in the orange bottle, so that's regular dino. I think I'll pour the gal I have mixed into my truck and buy some of the HP stuff for now. Cheap insurance I guess. I would assume it's good for use in my old Stihl chainsaw and Echo wead wacker too, not that those need synthetic.

Anytime

Yep, it's good for all your 2-stroke equipment, new and old.

 

[lightninboy]

I bought a cheap Ryobi gas blower a few years ago and the only thing wrong with it is lately the carburetor will leak the fuel tank empty. So I should just put what fuel I need in it before I use it.

 

[keegs]

sorry guys...but I gotta say...the title of this thread just cracks me up every time I see it.

 

[Wineslob]

sorry guys...but I gotta say...the title of this thread just cracks me up every time I see it.

LOLZ!

I've got a Echo PBXX (can't remember the number) from the early 90's (?) Works great, but you HAVE to wear hearing protection.
It was given to me by my mother-in-law.

 

[CHDinCT]

LOLZ!

I've got a Echo PBXX (can't remember the number) from the early 90's (?) Works great, but you HAVE to wear hearing protection.
It was given to me by my mother-in-law.

Yeah, my Echo PB-4600 was from early to mid 90's and ran like a top; it just liked to smoke like an 18 year old My new Stihl has more maners, or maybe it's just too young to smoke yet.

 

[roygo]

Well, pulled the trigger on Friday. Was all set to buy another Echo backpack blower, specifically the PB-755T. I stopped at an Echo dealer on Thursday and tried one out. Very powerful. I knew it was heavier than the Stihl BR-600 and maybe not quite as powerful, but I had made up my mind to stay pure 2-stroke after reading a bunch of threads comparing various models. Then, on Friday, I stopped and tried the Stihl at a dealer that sells both. The Stihl just ran smoother, was quieter and was noticeably lighter. After the salesman assured me that the 4-mix units were proven in the field by commercial landscapers, and that it should hold up just fine for homeowner use, I decided to get the BR-600. Used it last weekend and was very impressed with it's power and smoothness.

A few things I don't like vs the Echo: it seems to have more plastic parts or lighter plastic, but I guess that's part of the weight difference, the fact the air filter is harder to get at to check/replace, the cruise control can only be set to 3 pre-determined speeds vs infinite for the Echo, and just generally that it looks to be harder to remove the shroud for maintenance/cleaning. All these were secondary, however, to the power and smoothness of the unit. In short, I guess I was taken by the BR-600. Hopefully, it's a long and happy relationship.

I'm using BR-600 too. It was so powerful and I'm happy with it.