Two-Stroke Oils: All the Same?

[bwalker]

What ratio you run?

That depends. If I'm using Red Armour I will run it at 40 or even 50:1. If I'm using Hp2, Yam 2R I will run 32:1.

 

[huskihl]

That depends. If I'm using Red Armour I will run it at 40 or even 50:1. If I'm using Hp2, Yam 2R I will run 32:1.

I still have occasional customers that don’t want to veer from 50:1. For them I recommend a few oils. Red Armor is one

 

[lone wolf]

I still have occasional customers that don’t want to veer from 50:1. For them I recommend a few oils. Red Armor is one

What gives them the idea 50 to 1 is so wonderful ?

 

[huskihl]

What gives them the idea 50 to 1 is so wonderful ?

Still of the belief that more oil isn’t necessary or the manufacturer would recommend it, or that it causes plug fouling, carbon buildup, excess smoke………you name it

 

[lone wolf]

Still of the belief that more oil isn’t necessary or the manufacturer would recommend it, or that it causes plug fouling, carbon buildup, excess smoke………you name it

Your word wasn't good enough for them huh?

 

[huskihl]

Your word wasn't good enough for them huh?

I’m not all that well known. Tend to steer clear of things and hoe my own row.

 

[lone wolf]

Still of the belief that more oil isn’t necessary or the manufacturer would recommend it, or that it causes plug fouling, carbon buildup, excess smoke………you name it

But logic should tell them you know way more than they do .

 

[huskihl]

But logic should tell them you know way more than they do .

Sometimes I think people only believe what their grandpa said. Or what YouTube said

 

[Hundred Acre Wood]

Sometimes I think people only believe what their grandpa said. Or what YouTube said

Or what the engineers who spent countless hours designing and testing it said.

 

[OM617YOTA]

Or what the engineers who spent countless hours designing and testing it said.

You're assuming that the goals of the engineers, as directed by management, are the same as the goals of the owners. Frequently they are not

 

[Hundred Acre Wood]

You're assuming that the goals of the engineers, as directed by management, are the same as the goals of the owners. Frequently they are not

30 years in engineering. I agree it happens but I wouldn't call it frequent. And it never would for something so critical to the product.

 

[OM617YOTA]

30 years in engineering. I agree it happens but I wouldn't call it frequent. And it never would for something so critical to the product.

I read a YouTube comment yesterday, the person was saying that in the past, like today, history is fact checked and confirmed before it's written, and that we can trust the books implicitly.

You remind me of that person.

 

[Hundred Acre Wood]

I read a YouTube comment yesterday, the person was saying that in the past, like today, history is fact checked and confirmed before it's written, and that we can trust the books implicitly.

You remind me of that person.

You're certainly entitled to your opinion. I'm not sure why you think that though. All I'm doing is looking for objective evidence. You'd rather base your decisions on subjective opinions, that your choice. Feel free. No one's stopping you.

 

[farfromiowa]

No, but I'm always looking for more information.



I know you do. I've done my homework Kevin. I was happy to see you jumped in because your experience is a valuable perspective.

Everyone's fully entitled to their own opinion and I respect yours. But I have zero concerns with Stihl Ultra at 50:1.

What does concern me is when other folks just repeat the stories they've heard without being able to provide a single example of actual evidence. I've read thousands of pages of nonsense. Misinformation and rumor is not a good basis for decisions and it doesn't help anyone here to learn and improve.

Once those "stories" get started there is no stopping them. Wash and repeat. They believe it because they want to believe it.

 

[thompsoncustom]

The only reason things were changed from 32:1 to 50:1 was EPA regs not because it was better for the engines.

 

[Piotr Pakuła]

Yes, they are the same, only the prices are different. Choose the most expensive one ☺

 

[Husky77]

I like to use one fuel for all my saws, that save a lot of hassle. How many old saws are still in fine condition 40 years on (ok not used 6 days a week in a forest) I have a few so I know. Years ago I used what the dealer sold that was oregon 2t then I used husqvarna oil and with both I never had any problems and the saws are still running to this day. Then I got a 4mix, that bloody thing drive me nuts. I used ultra in that as stihl recommends and it was always full of oil and carbon, yes it was set right and run great but never a clean engine. When Aspen came out and started using that, expensive yes but not for me, my saws sit on the shelf more than they are used these days so leaving that fuel in them and knowing they start next time saves me in the long run. Now I am experimenting with aspen4 and adding my own oil, putoline mx9 (you can all scream but try it first) yet again it is not a cheap oil but very good and clean burning. Plus it smells nice and nothing like ultra.
I have never seen or heard of a bottom end failing, it's always a piston that's scored to the verge of seize. And a lot..... I would say a very high number of these are cause by a blunt/dull chain and an owner who just keeps pushing to finish the log pile. Many of theses dont understand what's going on so a fast reving engine must mean I'm cutting wood quicker....right!!
I have repaired many saws that have been run not as instruction in the manufacturer's owners manual tells them. Fuel put in the saw then a very carefully measured amount of oil added (that will do) so the horror begins, start the saw straight into wood screaming with a dull chain and when things don't work there is a barrage of things like, never buy that make they are all crap, them chains are useless and that oil is rubbish. Some dont even know how to check a chain oiler is working.... I'm not saying anyone reading this is like that but they are out there, with a voice and sadly some listen to them.
I have seen so many videos with wet pistons and "dry" bottom ends yet they (most) still run! With engines reving at 10k plus it wouldnt take long for a bearing to fail, yet they keep on going even though we are told the bottom end is dry. Which bring me to the words of a very wise old man who once told me "a little oil goes a long way"
I could go on but will leave the thinkers to do the thinking and the sheeple to carry on as they will no matter what some say because they have made their mind up and nothing will change them.
All oils work, some I wouldnt even look at and my saws are looked after and not abused so I use what "i" thinknisbthe best. I could go back to oregon 2t and they would perform just as good probably but for now I'm doing my own experiment with mx9 and to me it's looking good.
If you read this far you deserve a medal, sorry to bore anyone else. Stay sharp....stay safe.

 

[sean donato]

Stihl ultra 50 to 1 with non ethonal pump gas. Bg 86 blower. Low hour use. Didn't pull the muffler yet. Woul start and shut off in seconds. Limiter tabs still inplace.

 

[echomeister]

I was asked one time to redesign a motor in a household appliance so that its useful life was half of the present life.
Manufacturers want the thing to last past the warranty and then some but not a lot more. There are exceptions. Some products
sell at a premium because of the perceived longevity so this kinda thing doesn't happen. Ex is probably Stihl pro saws.

 

[bwalker]

As opposed to 40:1 Red Armor in a strato 362c. The strato runs leaner yet in the bottom end

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And that's why I say it fine to rum red Armour at 40 or even 50:1.
32:1 for everything else.