50:1 40:1 25:1

[mswabbie]

I am confused. I read the owners manual for my Stihl 028 WB, this is something I seldom do. Anyway it says to use only Stihl two-stroke engine oil at 50:1/40:1. If you use any other brand of two-stroke engine oil you should mix at 25:1. I do not want to ruin my saw, but are other brands of two-stroke engine really that bad.

 

[Menchhofer]

I can just give you information form my experienc.

I have faithfully used only Stihl oil for many years. Stihl people swear by it. Says it protects saw like no other. Even have had mechanics say some of my previous problems with the saws was due to not using the Stihl oil...thus the reason why I originally started using it.

However, due to the decrease in local distrubution, I have used Bailey's off brand mix for about the last 8 years with no problems.
Have always run 50:1.

 

[glens]

I think you'd do well to take the manual in context of it's age.  Probably "back then" the oils generally hadn't been as finely developed as necessary for the coming "leaner" mixture mandates.

You might get a lot of response on this one, but the gist of it will probably be to just use whatever name-brand air-cooled-engine-rated oil you like best.&nbsp; It won't hurt to spend a little more but it <i>might</i> hurt to spend a little less.

Some folks have said that using oils formulated for use at 50:1 for heavier mixture might cause problems with additive concentration.&nbsp; That stands to reason, but dropping back to 40:1 probably wouldn't hurt too bad.&nbsp; If you want to make it richer than that you should probably use something formulated appropriately.

Probably the greater worry these days would be keeping the gas fresh.

Glen

 

[eyolf]

Search the site on "oil", and be prepared to read about a million posts...this is a popular topic. I think just about everybody used to put that in their literature, as Glens has posted, too.

I suppose the reason is that somebody, somehwere, will try to substitute crappy oil, so there better be lots of it in the mix. I can imagine how hard it might be to even get good oil in the jungles of S. America, for instance.

 

[Pacific]

I use only Stihl mix oil been using it for years in my Stihl equipment and never any problems I buy the little bottles for 2.5 gallon mixes. The small bottles are convenient you dump the contents and add the proper amount of gas and its done no farting around with a measuring up and a 1 litre bottle of mix oil.

I never mix my fuel right at 50 to 1 its always a bit rich its almost at 46 to 1, a 2.5 gallon is just right for my uses it will last me for the day if I'am busy and a month if I'am not.

When mixing oil use the highest grade you can get the better octane your saw will run better mixing oil into the fuel knocks back the BTUs.

 

[bwalker]

mixing oil into the fuel knocks back the BTUs.

I am interested to know how you came to this conclusion?

 

[dbabcock]

It wasn't a matter of if, but when it would come to this. Not again, Ben! Let's start a thread about watching trees grow instead.

 

[Dennis]

Lets answer and easier question than "which mix oil and ratio?" How about....oh I don't know...."Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" We all know...noone will win either argument.

Mswabbie, everyone seems to have a different opinion on mix oils and ratios....as Eyolf suggested...do a search of this site, and make a decision that suits yourself...Personally...I run 40:1 Jonsered mix oil in everything except my race saws...which run synthetic...why ? well....because Ken told me to....lol...

 

[tony marks]

u gonna be alrite with stihl as prescribed . since u are here u also going to be reading about opening the exhaust and adjusting the carb yourself. one word . beware.
quickest way i know to age a chainsaw drastically.
let some body ,knows what there doing do this stuff.
kindof expensive experimenting

 

[Fish]

It is the same as properly interpreting the bible, it must be taken
in context. Only believe a poster with a degree in Greek and
Chemistry.
with a minor in B.S.

 

[treeguy347]

The mechanic at our saw shop told me you can run any piece of 2-cycle equipment on a good modern synthetic oil at 50:1 with no problems. I run all my new stuff, plus a few old craftsmans (supposed to be 24:1) and ran an ancient outboard (supposed to be 16:1) on 50:1 for a day made with premium gas and Husky XP oil with no problems.

 

[treeclimber165]

347-
Keep in mind that oil formulated for chainsaws is specifically for AIR COOLED engines. Water cooled engines have different requirements and I've always been told not to intermix the two. I'd recommend a good TWC-3 oil for the outboard.

 

[treeguy347]

You're right. I should have made a mention of that along with that post. Like I said, I ran it. We were in a pinch and out of gas with a boat lift on our barge that had to get delivered that day. I wouldn't recommend it on a regular basis, and would not have done it in a newer Merc