Oil selection and fuel mixture for lawn mowers
So, have you finally become the owner of a petrol lawn mower or lawn mower? And your imagination is already creating images of how you courageously cope with the thick grass. However, the dream of a “perfect lawn” remains a dream, when the question involuntarily arises: what oil to use and what are the proportions of mixing it with gasoline?
You can find a lot of information on the correct preparation of the fuel mixture on the Internet. This topic is actively discussed on forums and other thematic resources. But, despite such an active discussion, there are many inconsistencies that have to be dealt with.
It doesn’t really matter what technique is used, it could be a lawn mower. Lawn mower or chain saw. They are united by one. two-stroke gasoline engine. Unlike the 4T, it has an oil sump. To feed it, it is required to prepare a special fuel mixture consisting of gasoline and oil. The resulting liquid is fed directly to the engine (carburetor). During use, all actively working parts are thoroughly lubricated, contributing to trouble-free operation under any operating conditions.
Lawn Mower Engine Oil
Depending on the chemical composition, lubricants are divided into the following main groups:
Mineral. They are made on the basis of oils obtained from petroleum distillates. They are characterized by high viscosity and require frequent replacement. The material is intended for low power appliances with an air cooling system. Recommended for warm weather.
Semi-synthetic. They represent a kind of “golden mean”. They are based on a mixture of mineral and synthetic oils. A similar lubricant can be used in 2T and 4T engines, gardening and other equipment with air and liquid cooling.
Synthetic. They are made on the basis of special synthetic components containing esters. They are characterized by low viscosity and long service life. They can be used all year round, regardless of temperature conditions. Ideal for challenging heavy duty equipment with constant variable performance.
Any two-stroke oil, due to its 20% solvent composition, mixes well with fuel and has the feature of complete combustion. Their second characteristic feature is the color, which can be green, red or blue. Of course, this is not to say that some lubricant is better, but some worse. This is done solely so that it is convenient for the user to distinguish oil from pure gasoline.
Classification of engine oils:
The required parameters of oils for 2T engines are prescribed in the requirements of API TC JASO FC, API TC JASO FC ISO GD and API TC JASO FC E-GC. The most widely used classification systems are API. Based on this, 2T engine oils are divided into 4 large groups:
TA. Suitable for household appliances with an air cooling system and an engine volume of no more than 50 cm3.
TB. used for more powerful equipment with an air cooling system and an engine size of 50 200 cm3.
TC. Used in technology with high demands for oil quality. It is a high quality lubricant for two-stroke engines with a volume of 50-200 cm3. Great for lawn mowers, lawn mowers, trimmers, chain saws and second garden equipment.
TD. For outboard boat motors with liquid cooling.
Most suitable material for 2T motors of API-TB and API-TC class. However, it is necessary to refer directly to the product passport, where the manufacturer indicates the brand of engine oil recommended for its equipment.
Important! For lawn mowers, lawn mowers and other 2T gardening devices, there is a special engine oil for two-stroke engines with an air cooling system and the mark “for gardening equipment”. Do not use lubricant for 2T engines with liquid cooling system. Also recommended oil for outboard engines, motorcycles and other equipment.
Oil to gasoline ratio for lawn mowers: why precision is so important?
All of us in childhood loved to “cheat”, so the process of preparing a fuel mixture is not only simple, but also interesting. First of all, it is worth considering the fact that the proportions of the mixture may be different. This depends on engine configuration, oil markings and manufacturer recommendations. The fact is that with an insufficient amount of lubrication, the cylinder and piston heat up, which leads to shallow scuffing of all rubbing surfaces and, consequently, to the failure of the cylinder. Piston group. Well, in case of its excess, on the contrary, we get coking of the piston ring and the formation of a large amount of carbon deposits.
And even despite the fact that there is a generally accepted mixture ratio of 2% (for every liter of gasoline, 20 ml of lubricant). The proportions in the mixture are still recommended to be kept exactly.
How much to pour oil into gasoline for lawn mowers?
Everything is quite simple, with the correct balance, the engine runs at full capacity, all parts are thoroughly lubricated and do NOT wear out. As a result, we get a confidently working technique that will last more than one season.
To know how much oil to add to your lawnmower, you need to familiarize yourself with the performance of the product. Proportional ratios can be represented as follows: 1:25, 1:40 and 1:50, which means 1 part of oil for 25, 40 or 50 parts of gasoline.
1 liter of gasoline = 1000 ml
To determine the required amount of oil for a ratio of 1:25, you need 1000/25 and we will get a ratio of 40 ml.
We carry out the same actions for the ratio 1:40 and 1:50:
1:40 (for 1 liter of gasoline 25 ml of oil)
1:50 (for 1 liter of gasoline 20 ml of oil)
To ensure the correct proportion of lawn mower oil, it is recommended to use a special measuring container (not plastic). Eliminate the possibility of dirt and water getting into the fuel mixture. This may affect its quality. It is better to start preparing the mixture with gasoline. Pour it into the required mark, then add oil. A couple of tilts of the container are sufficient for mixing. The liquid quickly combines and acquires a uniform shade, which, depending on the structure of the oil, can be red, green, blue or other. After that, a properly prepared mixture is poured into the equipment fuel tank.
Before using the technique, make sure that the tank cap is tightly closed. If you have more fuel, then the remainder can be stored in a special Canister or mixing container (no more than 14 days). It is recommended to drain the unused fuel.
Important! Be sure to follow the safety instructions. We mix liquids in an open area so that caustic gasoline fumes DO NOT accumulate in the room. Wear gloves and long sleeves. Do not smoke or ignite anything.
Petrol
Gasoline with an octane rating of AI-92 is considered the most popular type of fuel for two-stroke engines. Due to its low cost, it is extremely rarely falsified. Therefore, not one hundred percent, but you can be sure of its quality. It is also permissible to use AI-95 fuel.
As for the storage of fuel, its period should NOT exceed 3 months. Over time, gasoline loses its properties, the resin becomes higher and a polymerization process occurs, which adversely affects the combustion chamber. The fuel mixture for lawn mowers prepared from low-quality materials settles in the form of carbon deposits, as a result of which the main components and engine systems suffer.
Recommendations for use and storage
The fuel is ready, poured into the fuel tank, the first spurt and the long-awaited start. However, if you want the equipment to work as long as possible, it is recommended to run it for the first time. To avoid overheating the engine, it is recommended to adhere to the average load. After the main elements of the system have been thoroughly lubricated, the load can be increased.
Certain rules should also be followed when preparing the braid for off-season storage:
Drain the remaining fuel from the fuel tank and carry out the final run until the fuel is completely depleted. Then, Pause operation and make sure the engine is completely cool.
Unscrew the spark plug carefully and add about 5 ml of lubricant. Pull the starter handle slowly to distribute the oil evenly inside the engine. Then, return the candle to its original state. Store equipment in a cool dry place.
Outcome
Fuel mixture: the proportion of oil and gasoline for the chainsaw
The chainsaw engine is the “heart” of the tool, so it is very important to use a properly prepared fuel mixture.
The fuel mixture for a chainsaw is prepared from two components. oil and gasoline. Chainsaws are equipped with two-stroke engines, so oil is not added to the lubrication system (as in a four-stroke engine), but directly to gasoline. At the same time, it is very important to observe the correct proportions of ingredients, of course, in no case should you try to work on pure gasoline, because in this way you will very quickly “kill” the chain saw.
If we talk about what kind of gasoline to pour into the chainsaw, then it will be optimal to use fuel with an octane rating of A-95, in this case the savings on fuel can turn out to be deplorable. Often European manufacturers indicate that it is possible to use A-90 or A-92 gasoline, but in the post-Soviet countries the quality of gasoline is inferior to European, therefore, in our realities it is better to use higher quality gasoline.
As for the proportion of the oil-oil mixture itself, everything is simple here: you must follow the instructions for the tool. All manufacturers of chainsaws indicate the required ratio in the instruction manual or in the passport of the tool, in addition, the proportions for refueling the chainsaw may differ depending on the model of the chain saw. As a rule, the proportion of oil and gasoline to a chainsaw of famous manufacturers is a ratio of 1:40 or 1:50, which means 1 part of oil for, for example, 40 parts of gasoline. Now arithmetic 1 liter of gasoline = 1000 ml of gasoline, divide by 40 and we get 25 ml of oil. If you do the same to a 1:50 ratio, you get 20 ml of oil per 1 liter of gasoline. As for budget chainsaws made in China, the situation is slightly different. The ratio of gasoline to chainsaw oil made in China 1:25, that is, divide 1000 ml of gasoline by 25, we get 40 ml of oil. The thing is that in branded chainsaws, a solid assembly and the distance between the pistons and cylinders in the engine is much less than in Chinese chainsaws, therefore the required amount of oil differs almost twice.
In order to measure the correct amount of oil, use a conventional medical syringe of sufficient volume.
Another subtlety. Fill the dry gas canister with gasoline first and then oil. The procedure, on the contrary, is fraught with a low quality fuel mixture, because the oil is denser, it will stick to the bottom of the canister. what a good mixing here.
Be sure to prepare the fuel mixture in the Canister and fill the ready-made special fuel into the gas tank! Never ready and DO NOT mix it directly in the fuel tank of your chainsaw!
If you figured out the question of how to breed gasoline for a chainsaw, then on storage conditions and shelf life of the fuel mixture it is worth saying a few words. It is best and easiest to prepare a petrol-oil mixture for 1 liter of gasoline, it is recommended to do this immediately before working with the tool. Chainsaw fuel tanks have a volume of 0.3 to 1 liter. In the conditions of domestic use, the entire volume of the prepared fuel mixture is rarely used in one session, so the remainder can be saved until the next session. It is necessary to store the fuel mixture in a special Canister for gasoline, in a dry, dark place. It is optimal to count that the shelf life of the finished mixture will be 7-10 days. The fact is that the oil on the market now is NOT synthetic, but organic, that is, natural. After 10 days, all lubricating properties are lost, gasoline simply “eats” the oil. Naturally, it is no longer possible to use such fuel, this can cause breakdown and failure of the chainsaw.
At the end of the work, it is necessary to drain the fuel mixture, start the chainsaw, the tool will stall (so that there is a dry carburetor in the saws) and now you can leave it in the next operation session.
Unsuitable fuel mixture must be disposed of.
Gasoline and Lawn Mower Oil Ratios
The introduction of lawn mowers on the market made it much easier to care for the lawn grass. Depending on the engine model, they are divided into 2 types: gasoline and electric. If you choose between these options, then gasoline is preferable, since it is much more mobile. it does not require wires and an electrical outlet.
Carefully monitor and maintain your lawn to keep your lawn clean for as long as possible.
Fuel solution preparation rules
Before starting work, you should carefully study the instructions. In no case is it necessary to do everything “by eye”. Each manufacturer adds its own components to fuels and lubricants, so it will be useful to get acquainted with its recommendations.
The basic rules for preparing fuel for two-stroke lawn mowers are as follows:.
- Strictly observe the proportions when preparing the fuel solution. If the concentration of the lubricating component is insufficient, then the piston with the cylinder will become very hot, and the engine may fail under such conditions. Burrs appear on the cylinder walls due to overheating, which will subsequently require serious investments in repairs.
- Do NOT add too much oil to the mixture. A large amount of it will lead to the appearance of additional carbon deposits and an early reduction in the engine resource. Defect elimination is also expensive, just like saving oil.
- Long-term. more than one month. storage of the fuel mixture is not recommended, as it begins to decompose and lose its basic properties. The prepared mixture can be stored for no more than 90 days, clean fuel is even less. about 30.
- Carefully monitor the cleanliness of the combustible solution, guard it from the ingress of various debris and other contaminants, due to which the engine may deteriorate.
- After completion of work, if there is a long break, it is better to drain the fuel mixture from the tank.
Before preparing the fuel mixture, you should take care of its safety in the future. Gasoline is best stored in a metal container, it is allowed to store fuel in a plastic canister specially designed for this. In no case should you store gasoline in plastic bottles: fuel enters into a chemical reaction with polyethylene and decomposition products, when they enter the carburetor, can disrupt its operation.
Fuel mixture preparation
Many mower manufacturers already supply special containers for gasoline and oil with graduated marks. But in order to more accurately mix lubricant and fuel, it would be better to use a syringe.
For operations for the preparation of a mixture of gasoline and oil, simple equipment will be required:
- Watering can;
- A medical syringe or measuring cup;
- A container with a volume of one liter;
- Oil suitable for two-stroke engines;
- Petrol.
First, using a watering can, gasoline is poured into a liter container. For the fuel solution, it will be correct to use the same brand of gasoline as indicated in the instruction manual, since fuel with a lower octane number can damage the engine.
Next, we collect oil, observing the proportion, and pour it into the fuel. Stir the mixture gently. the fuel solution is ready.
After adding oil to the fuel, the mixture acquires a special color, which in the future enables you to distinguish the ready-made fuel solution from pure gasoline.
Do not mix too much fuel. lawn mowers do not recommend this.
Characteristic features of misapplication
The use of a contaminated or incorrectly diluted solution often leads to serious malfunctions. To prevent this from happening, you need to carefully monitor some engine indicators:
- Rapid contamination of the fuel filter;
- The appearance of dirt and various deposits in the carburetor, which will interfere with normal operation.
Oil quantity per liter of fuel
Two types of engines are installed on gasoline lawn mowers. four-stroke and two-stroke. There are significant differences between them. In the first option, there is a separate supply of oil and gasoline, that is, it is not necessary to prepare a special fuel mixture. And the second type of motors requires constant lubrication of engine parts by mixing fuel and oil in a certain proportion.
If you have purchased a grass mowing tool with a two-stroke engine cycle, then you will have to start preparing the fuel composition in order to refuel the mower.
The fuel mixture consists of gasoline and a special oil for two-stroke engines. When choosing an oil, it is advisable to use a lubricant from the same manufacturer as the lawn mower, but this issue is NOT Fundamental.
You can distinguish oil for two-stroke engines from the second by marking on the label. It also indicates the ratio in which to dilute the lubricant with fuel. When using good and high quality oils, the dosage is usually: 1 part of oil to 50 parts of fuel, that is, 2% of the total fuel volume. Some owners are confused about THESE proportions. In fact, everything is very simple.
If the label says 50: 1, it means that 100 grams of oil should be added to 5 liters of gasoline. In other words, for 1 liter of gasoline, you need to add 20 grams of engine oil.
Conclusion
Applying the above recommendations, you can independently prepare a high-quality fuel mixture for a two-stroke engine. It will ensure the smooth operation of the gasoline lawn mower for a long period, as well as help protect the engine from major malfunctions.
You can find out how to change the oil in a four-stroke lawn mower from below.
Petrol
The main component of the fuel mixture for chainsaw engines is gasoline with an octane number of at least 92.
- The opinions of experts on the use of different brands of gasoline are ambiguous. On the one hand, the incomplete compliance of domestic gasoline A-92 with European standards is recognized.
- On the other hand, the quality of A-95 gasoline is questioned due to the high content of anti-knock additives. It is possible to use this fuel for the preparation of fuel for a chainsaw only if you are fully confident in its quality.
- The difficulty lies in the presence of various improving additives, with the help of which unscrupulous manufacturers and distributors increase the performance properties of motor gasoline with a lower octane index.
There are also irreversible changes in the operating parameters of the fuel when it is stored for a sufficiently long time in a plastic container, regardless of the level of its petrol and oil resistance.
Advantages and disadvantages of oil
Any quality machine oil has its pros and cons
Any quality machine oil has its pros and cons. Some experts say that any chainsaw oil will work. This is not entirely true, almost any substance can be used for the Hurstavna chainsaw, but for the Stihl chainsaw, only gear oil is required. When choosing, you need to know the shade of the oil well, a two-stroke engine requires a composition, which has a reddish, bluish or greenish tint.
To prepare the mixture yourself, you need to use a heat-resistant grease, which has a well-known brand name.
Seasonality affects product density:
- Solar radiation intensity.
- Pressure.
What are the features of different oils, you can find out precisely by carefully examining the label on the container. In the absence of instructions or labels on the packaging, you should refuse to use such a substance. At the same time, the performance characteristics of the oil should not change dramatically with a temperature difference.
You should not use any substitutes, often there are counterfeit products among them (up to 20%). It is quite difficult to distinguish a fake, you need to have special equipment.
It is recommended to store fuel in metal containers. Prepares fuel mixture best in Canister.
There are a large number of oils and each has its own characteristics.
The consistency is done in the ratio:
The performance characteristics of mineral or organic oils intended for the chain itself are not suitable for preparing the fuel mixture. The finished product is poured into the tank (up to half), then mixed (the container must be hermetically closed). Thus, a homogeneous composition is obtained. Fuel is better not ready ahead of time, it loses its functional properties quickly enough. At room temperature, flammable liquid deteriorates within two weeks.
What happens if you do not take into account the manufacturer’s recommendations?
In case of violation of the rules for the preparation of fuel and lubricant mixtures and non-observance of the proportions when adding oil to gasoline in Stihl 180 chainsaws; the following problems arise:
- With an increase in friction, the wear of the working surfaces of parts will increase.
- Insufficient lubricant will cause bearings to fail.
- The full functioning of mechanical assemblies is disrupted due to premature wear of parts, their service life is significantly reduced.
- When using low-grade grades of gasoline and oils, the performance of the unit decreases with the subsequent breakdown of fundamental units and parts.
The fuel is prepared before refueling the saw, do not allow excessive contact with oxygen. After finishing work, the remaining mixture must be drained.
Self-selection criteria
A wide range allows you to choose oil that fully corresponds to the class and characteristics of the chainsaw, the conditions of its subsequent operation.
- For budget models you can use oils of the Standard category, for professional chainsaws. Consumables of the Super and Ultra categories are recommended.
- To prepare a full-fledged fuel mixture for a chainsaw, it is advisable to use branded oils or their branded counterparts recommended by the instruction manual. In particular, Stihl and Husqvarna engine oils are completely interchangeable in composition and application.
Experts recommend that owners of chainsaws exclude from the scope of attention motor oils intended for two-stroke engines of mopeds, boat motors and other mechanized household appliances.
The power units of this equipment operate in more comfortable conditions, which makes the requirements for their operational characteristics less stringent.
Advice
Tips and life hacks are extremely useful in practical work, consider some of them:
- It is convenient to use canisters with dispensers, while experienced people filter gasoline through suede. The cleaner the fuel, the better the carburetor will work.
- Gasoline can actively evaporate, especially at high temperatures, a suspension falls out at the bottom of the canister, which must not be poured into the engine.
- Recommended fuel is ready for no more than three operational refueling.
- The quality of the fuel can be affected by the material of the container, especially PVC materials react actively.
- If the combustible mixture was poured of poor quality, the chainsaw may be removed from the warranty.
- During operation, the tightness of containers and the rhythmic operation of the engine should be tested.
- One of the first signs of a malfunction is an unnecessary heating of the circuit.
- Before subjecting the tool to severe stress, it should be tested at idle speed.
- The tank is enough when working for half an hour.
- There is still grease (residues) in the second container when it has run out in the tank.
- If a large amount of smoke is generated during operation, this means that the fuel is of poor quality.
- During operation of the unit, do not approach open flames.
- (Distance up to 2 meters).
- Fuel should not be poured “under the rim”, leave a little space.
Instructions for refueling a chainsaw
Knowing the ratio of the preparation of the petrol-oil mixture, you can start refueling it. The refueling instruction is as follows:
- First you need to prepare the mixture. Having combined the two main components, you should mix them thoroughly
- Tool Place on a clean and level surface. Before unscrewing the gas cap, it is necessary to clean or blow off sawdust, dust and dirt
- Tank neck must point up
- Install a small watering can in the neck, then pour fuel
- I control the filling process, since the volume of the tank is small, so it fills up quickly
- Do not fill up to the full maximum, since when the tank cap is closed, the remaining fuel will splash out
- After the fuel is poured into the tank, immediately add chain lubricant
- Fuel consumption and chain lubrication are approximately the same, therefore both tanks must be filled at the same time
- After refueling, you can start starting the engine
It is better to start the motor not in the place where the refueling was carried out, but to move to a distance of 2-3 m. The tool is ready for work, and you can start to start it. You can read how the chainsaw engine starts in this material (link).
Review: Which gasoline should I use 92 or 95? Which brand to use motor oil?
For each model, the manufacturer advises a list of materials to be used. It is better for the user to adhere to THESE recommendations, because the warranty does not cover tool breakage due to inappropriate fuel and lubricant. In this case, the owner pays for the repair of the chainsaw himself, which can be up to 80% of its cost. When you can’t follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, try to follow these rules:
- Use oil only for 2-stroke engines.
- DO NOT use after the expiration date.
- DO NOT add used oil with a large amount of impurities to gasoline, since the mechanisms of the tool may be damaged.
- Chain lubricant cannot be used for fuel mixture.
- It is preferable to use synthetic and semi-synthetic oils, which are more expensive than mineral oils, but do not form harmful deposits.
Shelf life of the finished fuel mixture
Motorists know that it is not worth storing gasoline for a long time, and the finished fuel mixture deteriorates even faster. Mix the required proportions of oil and gasoline for the Stihl chainsaw before starting work. Manufacturers allow storage of finished fuel for up to one month, and experts recommend that this period be reduced to 10 days. Immediately after mixing, the solution begins to lose its initial properties and over time it becomes completely NOT of the same quality as it was prepared. Learn to prepare enough saw fuel to be consumed in one go. It comes with experience. The mixture should be stored in a gasoline-resistant, opaque, tightly closed container. For this, any canisters made of plastic metal for combustible materials are suitable. And also use a container of oil or glass containers made of dark glass.