How To Mix 2 Stroke and Fuel
2 Stroke Mix Calculations and Instructions
It’s important to know the correct 2 stroke mix ratio for your engine. The first thing you need to do is check the manual that came with your machine. It should tell you the correct ratio required for your 2-stroke mix.
What Machines use 2 Stroke Engines?
Even though most cars and motorcycles have four-stroke motors, there are still a few bikes with two-stroke engines (also known as two-cycle engines) .
Also plenty of other machines use two-stroke engines — like model aeroplanes, chainsaws, mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers / whipper snippers, construction machinery, and snowmobiles.
What is 2 stroke fuel?
Two stroke fuel is basically unleaded petrol mixed with 2 stroke oil. The oil to fuel mix ratio should be specified in your engines instruction manual.
The oil in 2 stroke fuel is extremely important in lubricating your engine as two strokeengines do not have an internal oil reservoir. Without the oil, you risk destroying your engine. That is why it is so important to get your 2stroke oil mix right the first time!
Why Shouldn’t You Put Straight Petrol into a Two Stroke Engine?
Four stroke petrol is straight unleaded petrol will rapidly reduce the lifespan of your 2 stroke engine — and by a considerable amount. This is the wrong fuel for a 2 stroke motor, as it doesn’t provide the quality of lubrication that you need.
It almost goes without saying, by forcing an engine to run without the correct lubrication you are almost guaranteed in damaging the piston and cylinders.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to replace these parts and can be expensive, as its what you call an “engine rebuild”. This is easily preventable just by mixing the fuel and oil correctly.
What is the best 2 stroke ratio?
The precise 2 stroke oil ratio depends on your manufacturers instructions, as each engine can have varied requirements. If you are unsure 40:1 is a middle range 2 stroke fuel ratio. This equals 25mls of two stroke oil to 1 litre of petrol.
The two stroke mix ratio depends on the year your equipment was made, and/or the make of your equipment.
Your mix needs to be as accurate as possible, putting neither too much, or too little oil.
If you put too much, it may stop the engine, generate carbon buildup, and blow smoke which is particularly bad for the environment. But if you put in too little, it will (with time) damage your engine permanently and overheat.
Mixed fuel / 2 stroke oil mix, must be used within 30 days from the time it was mixed to ensure the fuel is stable and combustible.
Added the 2 stroke oil to the petrol, what’s next?
After pouring the 2 stroke oil into the fuel in the can, shake vigorously, and pour the 2 stroke mix into your fuel tank. Avoid trying to mix the 2 stroke fuel directly inside your engine’s fuel tank. It is too hard to shake the 2 stroke mix thoroughly through and unnecessary effort.
Once you have the right oil and fuel, it’s a straightforward process and routine to follow.
You must take your time to know your engine and how it works. Remember to see the instructions and find the exact 2 stroke mix ratio to make your mix.
Jerry can for your 2 stroke mix
Nowadays, there are different jerry cans available. Some are simple, and others are spill-proof. The better the can, the higher chance you have of creating an effective mix that isn’t corrupted by other factors.
Find Reliable Unleaded Fuel
This part is vital.
You need to find and use a reliable unleaded fuel. There are specific things you need to look for. For instance, it should never comprise more than 10% ethanol. Why?
Well, when exposed to air, ethanol attracts moisture. And as you probably already know, when water mixes into an oil its properties change, so it no longer has the desired effect.
You’ll soon be forced to dip into your pockets to find that loose change! If you have a leaking head gasket, you must pay for a significant repair. That includes removing several parts, and many hours of labour.
This will be expensive. But, all of this is avoidable just by choosing the right fuel from the get-go.
Select a Good 2 Stroke Oil
Depending on the use, try to find a 2 stroke engine oil that has a good composition and is low smoke. You can find 2 stroke oil that is 100% synthetic and good to use every day. A good quality 2 stroke engine oil will help you have a clean-burning and reduce the carbon deposits.
If you’re picky, you can find a 2 stroke oil that is refined, that increases the life of your engine and works more smoothly. A two stroke oil like this will help you to get a high-class performance in your engine. Some 2 stroke oils give you a full smokeless burn. Therefore, you have smaller fuel consumption.
Mineral oils are a cheaper option because it comes from natural petroleum, and they work well. However, these 2 stroke oils are not as clean, and eventually, leave you buildup inside the engine. Ultimately requiring more maintenance for the engine.
Did you know that 2 stroke oil is usually dyed blue or green. This makes it easy to tell if the 2 stroke oil has been added to your petrol (which is yellow). So if you are ever unsure if the fuel has been mixed yet- just tip some out to see what colour it is. If it is yellow it is likely straight petrol. And if it is a blue to green colour it is likely to be a 2 stroke petrol mix.
Mixed fuel / 2 stroke oil mix, must be used within 30 days from the time it was mixed to ensure the fuel is stable and combustible.
Added the 2 stroke oil to the petrol, what’s next?
After pouring the 2 stroke oil into the fuel in the can, shake vigorously, and pour the 2 stroke mix into your fuel tank. Avoid trying to mix the 2 stroke fuel directly inside your engine’s fuel tank. It is too hard to shake the 2 stroke mix thoroughly through and unnecessary effort.
Once you have the right oil and fuel, it’s a straightforward process and routine to follow.
You must take your time to know your engine and how it works. Remember to see the instructions and find the exact 2 stroke mix ratio to make your mix.
How to Mix 2 Stroke Fuel: Common Questions
What is 2 stroke fuel?
2 stroke fuel is a mixture of petrol with 2 stroke oil at a predetermined ratio. Check your equipment to find the correct fuel mix ratio, and input the ratio in our 2 stroke fuel calculator to determine the quantity of oil to achieve the ratio. Two stroke fuel is also commonly called 2 stroke petrol, or 2 cycle fuel.
How to make 2 stroke fuel?
1. When making 2 stroke petrol, use a green jerry can to mix your fuel. This is the colour for two-stroke fuel storage and will prevent expensive accidents.
2. Use our 2 stroke fuel calculator and type in the two stroke fuel ratio you need to make and the number of litres of petrol you have.
3. The calculator will calculate the millilitres of 2 stroke oil you need.
4. Add 2 stroke oil to your petrol and shake it before adding it to your fuel tank.
What is the ratio for 2 stroke fuel mix?
You should follow the ratio provided by the manufacturer of your power tool.
What happens if you don’t put oil in a 2 stroke?
As two stroke engines do not have an internal oil chamber, you need to add 2 stroke oil to your petrol manually. If you do not, you are likely to damage your engine’s piston and cylinders. This can be an expensive rebuild. Use our 2 stroke mix calculator to calculate how much oil you need to add to look after your machine.
What is the Stihl chainsaw fuel mix ratio
It is always best to check your warranty manual for the exact fuel mix ratio. For the Stihl chainsaw fuel mix ratio, Stihl recommends you use 50:1 (petrol:oil) when you are using their own brand of 2-Stroke oil. You can use of 50 1 calculator to help you out!
What is the Husqvarna chainsaw fuel mix ratio?
Check your warranty manual for the correct 2 stroke oil ratio for your Husqvarna equipment. Husqvarna recommends a 2 stroke ratio of 50:1 (petrol:oil) for equipment up to 75cc. Use our 50 to 1 fuel mix calculator to work out how much oil you need to make a 50:1 two stroke ratio.
What is 50 to 1 mix
A 50 to 1 mix is a common recipe for 2 stroke oil mix. This equates to 20ml of 2 stroke oil per 1 litre of petrol
Is 2 cycle and 2 stroke the same thing?
2 cycle and 2 stroke are terms that can be used interchangeably . Generally, people in the US and Canada use the term 2 cycle whereas in Europe and Australia they say 2 stroke. They both refer to an internal combustion engine that completes a power cycle with one upstroke plus one downstroke (totalling 2 strokes) of the piston.
Can you use 2 cycle oil in a 2 stroke engine?
You can use 2 cycle oil in a 2 stroke engine as ‘2 cycle’ and ‘2 stroke’ are terms that can be used interchangeably. Depending largely on where they live, some people say 2 cycle oil and others use the term 2 stroke oil.
What are the 2 strokes of a 2 cycle engine?
A 2 cycle / 2 stroke internal combustion engine completes a power cycle with one upstroke plus one downstroke (totalling 2 strokes) of the piston.
Does 2 stroke oil go bad?
If unopened, two-stroke oil is generally good for up to 5 years. Once opened, the shelf life is reduced to 2 years. Mixed fuel / 2 stroke oil mix, must be used within 30 days from the time it was mixed to ensure the fuel is stable and combustible.