So, have you finally become the owner of a petrol lawn mower or lawn mower? And your imagination already creates images of how you courageously deal with dense grass. However, the dream of an “ideal lawn” remains a dream when the question involuntarily arises: which 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 in forums and other thematic resources. But, despite such an active discussion, there are many inconsistencies that we have to deal with.
Actually, it doesn’t matter what technique is used, it can be a lawn mower, lawn mowing or chain saw, they are united by one. two-stroke gasoline engine. Unlike 4T, it does not have an oil sump. For its nutrition, the preparation of a special fuel mixture consisting of gasoline and oil is required. The resulting liquid is fed directly to the engine (carburetor). During use, all actively working parts are carefully lubricated, contributing to trouble-free operation under any operating conditions.
Lawnmower 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 highly viscous and require frequent replacement. The material is intended for low power equipment with an air cooling system. It is recommended to use in warm weather.
Semi-synthetic. They represent a kind of “golden mean”. They are based on a mixture of mineral and synthetic oils. Such grease can be used in 2T and 4T engines, landscape gardening and other equipment with air and liquid cooling.
Synthetic. They are made on the basis of special synthetic components containing esters. Differ in low viscosity and long term of operation. They can be used year-round, regardless of temperature conditions. Ideal for complex machinery designed to work in harsh conditions with constant variable performance.
Any two-stroke oil, thanks to its 20% solvent composition, mixes well with fuel and has the characteristic of complete combustion. The second characteristic feature of them is the color, which can be green, red or blue. Of course, this does not mean that some lubricant is better, and some worse. This is done solely so that it is convenient for the user to distinguish oil from pure gasoline.
Motor oil classification:
The required oil parameters for 2T engines are specified 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 system 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 displacement of not more than 50 cm3.
TB. It is used for more powerful equipment with an air cooling system and an engine capacity of 50. 200 cm3.
TC. It is used in technology with high demands on the quality of oil. It is a high-performance lubricant for two-stroke engines with a volume of 50. 200 cm3. Great for lawn mowers, lawn mowers, trimmers, chain saws and other garden equipment.
TD. for outboard motors with liquid cooling.
The most suitable material for 2T motors of API-TB and API-TC class. However, you must refer directly to the product passport, where the manufacturer indicates the brand of motor oil recommended for its equipment.
Important! For lawn mowers, lawn mowers and other 2T garden devices, a special engine oil is provided for two-stroke engines with an air cooling system and marked “for garden equipment”. It is forbidden to use lubricant for 2T engines with a liquid cooling system. Oil for boat outboard engines, motorcycles and other equipment is also not recommended.
The ratio of oil to gasoline for lawn mowers: why is accuracy so important?
We all loved to “chew” in childhood, so the process of preparing the fuel mixture is not only simple, but also interesting. First of all, it is worth considering the fact that the proportions of the mixture can be different. It depends on the engine configuration, oil labeling and manufacturer’s recommendations. The fact is that with insufficient lubrication, heating of the cylinder and piston occurs, which leads to shallow tearing of all rubbing surfaces and, consequently, to failure of the cylinder. piston group. Well, in the case of its excess, on the contrary, we get coking of the piston ring and the formation of a large amount of soot.
And even despite the fact that there is a generally accepted mixture ratio of 2% (for each liter of gasoline 20 ml of lubricant). The proportions in the mixture are still recommended to withstand accurately.
How much oil to pour in gasoline for lawn mowers?
Everything is quite simple, subject to the correct balance, the engine runs in full, all parts are carefully lubricated and not abraded. As a result, we get confidently working equipment that will last more than one season.
To know how much oil to add to the lawn mower, you need to familiarize yourself with the operational characteristics of the product. Proportional ratios can be represented in this form: 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 get a proportion of 40 ml.
We perform the same actions to a ratio of 1:40 and 1:50:
1:40 (per 1 liter of gasoline 25 ml of oil)
1:50 (per 1 liter of gasoline 20 ml of oil)
To ensure that the proportion of oil for lawn mowing is correctly observed, it is recommended to use a special measuring container (not plastic). Exclude a possibility of hit in a fuel mix of dirt and water. this may affect its quality. It’s better to start cooking the mixture with gasoline. Pour it to the desired mark, then add oil. A pair of tank slopes are sufficient for mixing. The liquid quickly connects and takes on a uniform shade, which, depending on the structure of the oil, may be red, green, blue or another. Then the correctly prepared mixture is poured into the fuel tank of the equipment.
Before using the equipment, 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 container for mixing (no more than 14 days). It is recommended to drain fuel that is not used up to the end.
Important! Be sure to follow safety instructions. Mix liquids in an open area so that caustic gasoline fumes do not accumulate in the room. Wear gloves and long sleeve clothing. Do not smoke or set fire to anything.
Petrol
AI-92 octane gasoline is considered the most popular type of fuel for two-stroke engines. Due to the relatively low cost, it is extremely rarely falsified. Therefore, not one hundred percent, but in its quality you can be sure. It is also permissible to use a fuel grade AI-95.
As for the storage of fuel, its period should not exceed 3 months. Over time, gasoline loses its properties, the resin content becomes higher and a polymerization process occurs, which adversely affects the combustion chamber. The fuel mixture for lawn mowing made from low-quality materials, settles in the form of soot, as a result of which the main components and systems of the engine suffer.
Video: How To Add Oil To A Trimmer
Recommendations for use and storage
The fuel is ready, filled in 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 that you first run it in. In order to avoid overheating of the engine, it is recommended to adhere to an average load. After the main elements of the system are carefully lubricated, the load can be increased.
Certain rules should also be followed when preparing the braid for off-season storage:
Drain remaining fuel from the fuel tank and run the final run until the fuel is completely depleted. Then, suspend operation and make sure that the engine is completely cool.
Carefully turn out the spark plug and fill in with about 5 ml of lubricant. Pull the starter handle slowly so that the oil is evenly distributed inside the engine. After that, return the candle to its original state. Store the equipment in a cool, dry place.
Summary
- Appointment
- Requirements
- Varieties
- Selection tips
- How to use?
Gas trimmers are some of the most popular grass mowing devices. They are easy to use, mobile, allow a person not to depend on the outlet and show excellent results in places of their use. But for the stable operation of the gas trimmer, quality supplies are needed. In particular, we are talking about gasoline and oil. It is about the last component that we will discuss in this article.
Appointment
Engine oil is a special mixture consisting of a solvent and additives that reduce friction. They form a certain viscosity and do not allow the composition to thicken when the temperature is lowered. Usually, oils are specially painted in various colors: green, red or blue. This allows them not to be confused.
Keep in mind that they may vary in composition, so oil for gas trimmers will be labeled “for gardening equipment”. In addition, it may still differ in labeling: “2T” or “4T”. The first is a two-stroke oil that is poured into the corresponding engine. And the second is intended for pouring into the crankcase.
Requirements
High-quality oil that can be poured into a gas trimmer must meet a number of requirements and standards to ensure reliable operation of the device and its performance. Oil should:
- to provide increased wear resistance for various elements (in particular, the gearbox is particularly susceptible to this);
- ensure the lowest possible smoke and exhaust gases;
- Prevent premature ignition
- mix well with gasoline when exposed to low temperatures;
- have good viscosity and fluidity in various temperature ranges;
- be as safe as possible in terms of environmental impact.
As already mentioned, two-stroke engine oil will differ from four-stroke formulations. It has higher power, which is why fuel for it is obtained by mixing a certain amount of gasoline and oil. For each lawn mowing ratio will be different. You can find out its value in the instructions for the device. These proportions must be observed with maximum accuracy. When adding additives, the type of motor must be considered.
If mineral oils are used, mixing should occur somewhere in the ratio of 1: 25, 30 or 35, depending on the type. If we are talking about a synthetic analogue, then the proportion will be 1: 50 or to 80. That is, a certain amount of oil dissolves in the volume of gasoline.
Varieties
The oil that is poured into the motor may vary in the method of preparation. According to this criterion, it happens:
- mineral. this type is obtained during the processing of petroleum products;
- synthetic. it is obtained during the processing or synthesis of gas;
- semi-synthetic. this type has more advanced characteristics due to the introduction of synthetic-based components into it.
Lawn-mowing oil refers to formulations intended for use in air-cooled engines that have a combustion chamber volume of 50-200 cubic centimeters. In addition, any two-stroke oil can differ from analogues in additives, which give it certain additional characteristics. They are of the following types.
- Antiwear. The main objective of the oil will be to reduce the wear of parts during operation of the device.
- Antioxidant. They do not allow oxidation to occur and make it possible to maintain the performance of the oil for a long time.
- Corrosion resistant. Their task is to prevent corrosion from forming on engine parts.
- Friction modifiers. These additives can significantly reduce the coefficient of friction.
Recently, when purchasing oil for dilution with gasoline, users very often encounter the fact that special letter abbreviations are applied to canisters. These designations are performed as part of the API classification. Consider what types of oils exist in accordance with it.
- TA applies to air-cooled lawn mowers, the engine capacity of which is not more than 50 cubic centimeters. It can be used not only for mowers, but also for mopeds, lawn mowers and other types of equipment. For a gas trimmer, this is the optimal solution.
- TB is used to refuel a chainsaw, scooter, moped or motorcycle, the engine capacity of which does not exceed 200 cubic centimeters. It can also be used for refueling gas trimmers.
- TC suitable for dilution with gasoline and pouring into a snowmobile, motorcycle and other types of equipment.
- TD is for refueling boats, yachts and hoverboards.
But in addition to this classification, other FA-FD type letters are often found. It should be said that the API is an American standard that is applied in Europe. But there is a mismatch between European smoke emission standards and American. For this reason, additional lettering should also be taken into account.
- FA can be used in countries where the law provides for minimal exhaust emissions. When using oil with this marking, faint smoke may be produced.
- FB. can be used in countries where smoke and gas restrictions are much stricter. In this case, smoke will hardly be emitted.
- FC. here appears smoke of a transparent color, which the human eye cannot notice.
- FD. a special category of oils for 2-stroke engines, they do not create smoke at all. They have enhanced chemical properties. Typically, this oil is used for mixing with gasoline and subsequent refueling of boats and yachts.
In addition, oils come in two more categories:
- Selfmix
- Premix
In the first case, this will mean that it is necessary to carry out independent mixing, which does not require shaking, and in the second case, you will need to do it.
Selection tips
Now let’s try to understand how to choose high-quality oil for a trimmer that runs on gasoline. The main feature that you need to pay attention to is the alkaline number. This moment excludes the oxidation of parts in which friction is observed, and decelerates their deformation as much as possible. The more this compound is used, the faster it loses alkalinity and becomes more oxidized. The optimal indicator of acidity (PH) is a value of not less than 8-9 units.
The second important factor, which also has a major impact on the operation of the gas trimmer, is the viscosity of the oil. This characteristic determines the possibility of using the device at various temperatures. Summer brands of oils begin to thicken already with a minimum decrease in temperature.
The third point, the importance of which should not be minimized, is the flash point. This indicator should not be less than 225 degrees. Otherwise, the composition will burn out very quickly and the load on the piston group will begin to increase, which will cause its accelerated wear. In addition, oil for a 4-stroke engine is not suitable for a 2-stroke. Namely, the latter type of motors is used in the vast majority of lawn mowers.
If we talk about manufacturers, then you can make a small rating, which will allow you to navigate in the compositions offered by various manufacturers. For instance, stihl company It offers high-quality synthetic and mineral oils that have already established themselves as an excellent solution at any time of the year.
Considered very good Shell Helix Ultra Oil. Experts note its high characteristics and excellent alkalinity and viscosity. In addition, products of brands such as Oleo-Mac, Motul, Hammerflex, Echo. If we talk about products of domestic brands, then you should pay attention to Lukoil oil. Its price is several times lower than its foreign counterparts, but at the same time it has high quality and good technical characteristics.
How to use?
Information on the proportions of oil use was given above. We must say right away that you should not deviate from the indicated values and dilute gasoline by eye. In the best case, you just need to change the oil, and in the worst you can’t avoid a motor breakdown.
It is important to be able to cook the mixture correctly. It is impossible to fill it in a gas tank. It is better to pour oil in a special container that already contains gasoline. A plastic mineral bottle is perfect for this. It is very important that it is clean, which is why beer or milk bottles will not work. And it is better that it be a liter or two-liter, since it will be difficult for many to calculate how much oil to fill in a 1.5-liter or 1.25-liter bottle. You will also need to have a syringe on hand, which will serve as a dosimeter. It is best to take a regular medical for 10 or more cubes.
Now step by step explain how to make good oil for a gas trimmer.
- First you need to know exactly what type of oil is required for a particular model of the braid, and also find out the exact ratio of gasoline and oil to create a mixture.
- Then you need to fill the container. The tank should not be filled with gasoline to the end, because the oil should also fit there;
- Now we collect the necessary amount of 2-stroke oil into the syringe and pour it into a bottle with gasoline. You can’t do the opposite, otherwise you will need to replace all the ingredients, and the mixture will need to be done again.
- Close the bottle with a lid and stir. It is important not to forget that stirring the mixture is necessary if there are Premix words on the oil bottle. If Selfmix is written there, then after mixing the substances everything is poured into the tank.
Now it remains only to refuel the gas trimmer, and you can carry out the necessary work.
See how to choose oil for gas trimmers in the next video.