Husqvarna 562XP and pre-mixed fuel

[MarkEagleUSA]

I just purchased a 562XP to replace (supplement) a 32 year old 162SE. The SE has been a great saw and chewed its way through a log or three. I'm hoping for the same from the 562XP.

In order to take advantage of Husqvarna's Extended Warranty upgrade (2 yrs to 4 yrs) I purchased pre-mixed fuel with the saw. Other than the cost issue, is there any reason NOT to use the pre-mix? Will the saw perform better? Can the saw be stored for extended periods with pre-mix in the tank?

 

[KenJax Tree]

The pre-mix is great and is better than anything you'll get from the pump. If you don't use your equipment often its the way to go but its not cost effective to use all the time. Yes uou can store it for a long time with the pre-mix because its E free, not sure how long you can store in equipment but i'd guess a year at least i know in a sealed can its shelf life is 2 years.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

If you don't use your equipment often its the way to go but its not cost effective to use all the time.

That's what I thought. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.

Yes uou can store it for a long time with the pre-mix because its E free, not sure how long you can store in equipment but i'd guess a year at least i know in a sealed can its shelf life is 2 years.

A year would be a stretch, but 3-6 months isn't out of the question in my case. I last used the 162SE back in October/November to clean up from Sandy. When I went to use it last weekend the fuel pickup was eaten through by the ethanol. Seems like I need to replace the fuel line and/or diaphragms at least once a year. I'm hoping to keep the new 562 new for as long as I can.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[KenJax Tree]

That's what I thought. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.

A year would be a stretch, but 3-6 months isn't out of the question in my case. I last used the 162SE back in October/November to clean up from Sandy. When I went to use it last weekend the fuel pickup was eaten through by the ethanol. Seems like I need to replace the fuel line and/or diaphragms at least once a year. I'm hoping to keep the new 562 new for as long as I can.

Thanks for the reply!

Yeah a year might be a stretch but i put some in a weedeater i had and it sat for 9 month and it started on the 3rd pull.

Sounds like you would benefit from using the pre-mix fuel all the time.

 

[R1!]

STIHL MotoMix® contains no ethanol, allowing it to maintain stability for up to two years after the seal is broken – so it stays fresh in your equipment during long storage periods.
http://www.stihlusa.com/products/oils,-lubricants-and-fuels/premixed-fuel/motomix/

At least for Stihl it is good for two years after the seal is broken. Wow that is amazing.
Always shake any equipment vigorously before you use it if you keep the fuel in it.
If its a 20 pound saw invest in a siphon kit and pump it out back in to the can, start the saw after and let it idle until it runs out, do not snap the throttle let empty on idle.
I would never leave fuel in anything to be honest.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Can both pre-mix and regular mix be used? Let's say I'm going to be cutting all weekend... can I use the cheaper regular mix and then go back to pre-mix for, say, the last tank and then storage? It would seem that the AutoTune would compensate for the changes.

 

[R1!]

Husqvarna Pre-Mixed 2-Stroke Fuel & Oil - Fuel

Ethanol free, high octane fuel mixed with Husqvarna's best synthetic blended oil. The best pre-mixed fuel option for the best hand held equipment. Fuel does not degrade or oxidize like pump gas and stays fresh for years, solving longer term storage issues. It provides easier, more dependable starts and protects fuel systems and saves carburetors. Use of the Pre-Mixed Fuel & Oil is convenient (no mixing required) and in the long term, will save you costly rebuilds and downtime. (JASO-FD certified)
Possibly the same with Husky.

 

[KenJax Tree]

Can both pre-mix and regular mix be used? Let's say I'm going to be cutting all weekend... can I use the cheaper regular mix and then go back to pre-mix for, say, the last tank and then storage? It would seem that the AutoTune would compensate for the changes.

Yup you can do that or just drain the fuel out and put the premix in before storing it.

 

[kwhite1271]

Unopened a can of motomix is good for at least 5 years. Once you open the can and break the nitrogen seal, it is good for two years.

 

[Swamp Yankee]

Can both pre-mix and regular mix be used? Let's say I'm going to be cutting all weekend... can I use the cheaper regular mix and then go back to pre-mix for, say, the last tank and then storage? It would seem that the AutoTune would compensate for the changes.

Yup

That's indeed a very good way to proceed. When not using pre-mix use good 93 octane and quality oil with stabilizer. All my saw 93 octane gas is purchased from a station right off the interstate that turns over a lot of fuel and gets all grades refilled at least every other day.

Take Care

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

For now I have decided to run only Husqy pre-mix in the 562.

After replacing the fuel line and rebuilding the carb on the 162SE I decided to try TruFuel in it (at Lowe's a 6 qt "contractor's pack" is only $29.96). After seeing the difference in performance between the pre-mix and pump gas I may never go back. In fact, I'm going to use TF pre-mix in all my 2-cycle equipment for the time being. The performance and longevity increases should offset the cost issues.

 

[moronmountain]

I'm sure that stuff is quality, but $30/gallon is UGH! I can get E free gas for about $5.50 I think at a local farm store, and that is plenty good enough IMO.

 

[Jan-Sietze]

I use high quality BP Ultimate 98RON with a two-stroke (petrol) engine oil on a 100% synthetic base,
mixed: 1/40.
For fuel stabilizer I use Briggs & Stratton Fuel Fit.

But for good advice you better listen to the expert :msp_rolleyes:

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I'm sure that stuff is quality, but $30/gallon is UGH!

The TruFuel works out to $20/gallon, but I get your point. My problem, at least with the saws, is that I don't use them on a regular basis. I want some peace of mind knowing they'll start and run when I do need them.

The whole reason I bought the 562 was because the 162 just can't handle ethanol. No matter what I've tried it ends up needing a fuel line or carb rebuild every year.

Ok... I got the 562 due to a serious case of CAD, but we don't need to discuss that! :msp_wink:

I can get E free gas for about $5.50 I think at a local farm store, and that is plenty good enough IMO.

I haven't been able to find e-free fuel locally. If/when I do, I'll probably go back to mixing my own.

 

[spike60]

Husky is supposed to come out with other sizes of the pre-mix at some point. Probably 1 and 5 gallon cans. The 5 gallon size should bring the cost down to where it's not outragous for moderate usage. I'm guessing $60 a can???

What I've been doing is buying the 5 gallon SEF fuel, but I'm getting the straight 4 cycle fuel and adding the Husky XP oil. This allows you to mix it at either 40:1 or 50:1 according to your preference. In addition to the saws, I use it in the weed wacker and the mini tiller. A 5 gallon can would easily cover my own needs for a year. But I also use it in the play/modded saws at GTG's and stuff, so it's hard to say how long I really get out of a can. But it's great to not have to worry about which saws have fuel in them.

I also have a can of 93 pump gas mix for other uses. Lawn mower, splitter, (it works perfectly if you're wondering). I'll also use this pump gas for saws in some situations. If I'm working on someone's firewood pile or doing storm clean up and I know I'm going to burn up a few tanks of fuel in the same one or two saws, I'll just use the cheap stuff.

 

[LarryRFL]

Stihl's MotoMix is Trufuel with Stihl's mix oil. I suspect Husky (and RedMax) is the same.

 

[Jan-Sietze]

Someone hearing from Aspen?
that is a clean alkylate gasoline.

Speciale alkylaatbenzine en olie - Aspen Benelux
Could not find a english URL...

 

[SawTroll]

Husky and Jonsered sell the Aspen here (both premixed and not), and have done so for decades. The smallest can you can buy is 5 litres, then there are 25 litre cans and 200 litre barrels (I have never seen one). Certain plases in Sweden you can get it from pumps.

 

[KenJax Tree]

I see Lowe's is stocking the Husqvarna 50:1 canned fuel now, i saw some today and its selling for $7.88 a can Trufuel is $5.96 a can or $4.96 if you buy a case(6 cans).

 

[ShaneLogs]

I have had pump gas with ethanol in it sit in a tank of something for a few years and go out and pull it 4 or 5 times and it'll still fire right up.