oil/gas mix

[cat320]

So what oil do you use for the trimmers that need the mixed gas/oil? I was told that you need to use that brand oil for it to be compataple.Can you use any oil that is rated for 2 stroke engine oil?

[Cornerstone]

Don't see why not. I've used some different brands and have yet to have anything go wrong.(knock on wood)

[snowjoker]

I run Echo mix in all my 2 stroke engines. I have heard its the best on the market. I have no idea if its true or not but never had a problem. Also i have used Amsoil, but that makes them smell like racing engines :D My antique Sears chainsaw says to use engine oil in the gas mix, but dont know offhand what amount it says and which weight oil, but its on the tag on the saw LOL

[EIB]

Any good 2 cycle oil will work. I've used alot of them. Echo, Toro, John Deere, they all work.

[Pelican]

Ditto EIB. I generally use Stihl oil since it's pre measured, there's less chance for my guys to screw up the mix. When I've run out, I've used anything that was handy, Briggs and Stratten brand, Echo and generic stuff. In a pinch I've run motor oil and have had no engine failures.

[Pickering Snow]

I dont post much here kinda out of my area except when it comes to 2 strokes ill tell ya staying with a branded oil is best. NO pensoil 2 stroke. For the stuff i have i only use Golden Specta and Klotz two stroke oil.

Mixing a 2 stroke incorrect is a kiss of death for the engine, alot of engines that sieze early or loose compresson can be linked back to oil and mix ratio.

Only exception to that was when i was working on my brothers equipment his Sthil products had the loose jug bolt problem, otherwise i have bored and re ringed enough 2 strokers for heavy scoring do to oil quality and mix.

[Landgreen]

There is a specific oil rating for two stroke motors. Can't remember what it is but stick to pre-measured bottles specific to your brand and shouldn't have any problems. I've used echo oil from day one and never had a problem.

[festerw]

So Fred you're saying I shouldn't use the 20 year old Valvoline 2 stroke oil I found in the garage last week:grinz

[Chuck Smith]

I've used Echo and Stihl for the last 10 years or so. When 1 Mix first came out, I used that. I did try some of the "no smoke 2 stroke" and it was horible. Didn't even finish the 6 pack of bottles I got. Clogged the spark arrestor in the hedge trimmer real fast. It also oozed oil out of the muffler. NEVER again. Never had any problems with Echo and Stihl. Keep in mind all my equipment is over 10 years old too. It doesn't get used even close to as much as it used to, but it all had a hard life in the begining. Did a piston and rings on the string trimmer once, and the cylinder was fine.

~Chuck

[MDsnowPRO]

I used the stihl oil, just because all over my equipment is stihl. I dont think the brand really matters, its the oil to gas ratio that is soo important. As Steve said using stihl oil in the stihl equipment just makes it hard to mess up.

[Plow Dak]

NO pensoil 2 stroke. For the stuff i have i only use Golden Specta and Klotz two stroke oil.

OMG I haven't heard Klotz in years. I use to use that in my dirt bikes years ago..

[PSDF350]

Worry more about the mix rather than brand. I have used most, but mainly I use the husky mix. I run 40-1 mix.

[T-Zab]

OMG I haven't heard Klotz in years. I use to use that in my dirt bikes years ago..


Love that smell :D
You can allways tell who is burning Klotz.
My buddy is still an MX guy, thats all he burns in his 2 stroke motors as well.
He works for a Case/ Stihl (lots of other stuff too) shop, he fixs alot of small equipment and MX bikes on the side . Never any carbon problems, or fried cylinders (as long as the air filters are clean) with the Klotz. As long as the mix is right you wont foul plugs either. I use stihl or Husky pre measured bottles myself.
The trimmer and chainsaws allways start after sitting for months, not sure if this has anything to do with the oil. It works for me.
T

[Mark Oomkes]

Where would one purchase Klotz?

We've used Echo for years and now have some Stihl. As for the mixes, all my 2 stroke equipment gets the same mix, one bottle (8 ozs I think) to 2 gallons gas. The only problem I have is the stuff runs forever and I feel terrible trashing it when it's time for new.

[T-Zab]

Where would one purchase Klotz?.


Any bike shop that sells 2 stroke mx bikes. Some Performance snowmobile shops use the stuff too.
Its a synthetic oil, distinctive exhaust smell to it. I like it !
I think they make oil for RC stuff too.
T

[Landgreen]

Love the smell of Klotz. Reminds me of snowmobiling.

[2_DJinn]

we use echo oil as all of our stuff is echo....no problems. We also run 93 oct fuel in them as it is recomended by echo and they do run better.

[Mike Fronczak]

I run an two cycle oil, mainly for marine use (buy it by the gallon & pour in a tip/fill), a good deal of my two cycle stuff has 10 years on it of commercial use. My one rule has been if you err in measuring err to the high side, I would rather it smoke, than seize. BTW most of the stuff doesn't have screens in mufflers anymore, I got tired of them clogging. In my 32 years of living here I have yet to hear of a fire from this equipment (it is a pretty moist place vs. areas prone to wildfires).

[wyldman]

Opti-2 synthetic is the best stuff out there.You mix it at 90:1.You will see immediate results,and equipment that last considerably longer,with less maintenance and adjustments.

[wyldman]

My one rule has been if you err in measuring err to the high side, I would rather it smoke, than seize.


That is the worst things you can do.

We see it all the time with the landscaping guys.They figure more oil is better lubrication,and it will last longer.Wrong !

You must remember that BOTH the oil and fuel must flow through the main jet.Add more oil,and you get less fuel.Then the engine runs lean.A lean motor runs hot,which will cause pistion scuffing,ring deposits,etc,and will cause premature wear or even failure if lean enough.

[MrBobcat]

Opti-2 synthetic is the best stuff out there.You mix it at 90:1.You will see immediate results,and equipment that last considerably longer,with less maintenance and adjustments.

X 2 on this one. Opti lube also has a "stabil type" product in it.
I used to use stihl and husky small bottles . Now im sure i dont use as much mix as some of you guys , a gallon jug can sit for over 2 months when not cutting fire wood or the off season. Seems like everytime i let the saw sit for a month or so , the gas would be shot . Started using opti lube , and i have a leaf blower that hasnt ran since last fall , and last night it started on the 3rd pull.

I am also a big beliver on using Stabil in all the 4 strokers that will sit for more than a few weeks , and i have never had a problem yet.

You can get the opti in gallon bottle with a pump , all the way down to small "packs" that mix 1 gallon.

[Mike Fronczak]

Chris,
Not trying to argue with you you would know better than me. But my two stroke stuff is approching 10 years old run 2 hrs minimum each day, still starts on second or third pull & runs out fine, so I dunno. I can't see changing what has worked for me (they don't owe me a thing & I would buy new ones if needed, just not needed).

[Landgreen]

Just switched to Amsoil after talking to my dealer. Having some prob's with Redmax blowers carboning up using Echo oil. He said he ran Amsoil through mine and it took the carbon buildup off the piston after running it a short time. He says that all our motors will run better with it. I returned all my echo oil and picked up a few quarts of Amsoil.

Smells like we are racing dirtbikes now. Saves us a little coin too. Gotta mix it in a big mutha 5 gal can. Works better as it saves us time instead of mixing in two gal can.

[JMac]

Is there a shelf life to 2 cycle oil? I buy gallon jugs of Opti2 and some of it doesnt get used immediately. My shindaiwa trimmers are running hot... im affraid Ive been mixing it too strong.