Mixing Proportions Of Gasoline And Chainsaw Oil

The fact that it is forbidden to pour “clean” gasoline into chainsaws is warned by buyers’ sellers at the time of purchase of the tool. Many buyers learn about this for the first time, wondering why it is necessary to dilute gasoline with oil. If this rule is neglected, then the consequences for the instrument can be simply catastrophic. In most cases, even engine overhaul will no longer be able to help. In the material, we find out what proportions of gasoline and oil should be for refueling the chainsaw, and also what may lead to non-compliance with this rule.

mixing ratios of gasoline and chainsaw oil

Why add oil

At the heart of any chainsaw is a two-stroke internal combustion engine. This is one of the simplest mechanisms, consisting of one cylinder and without a separate lubrication system. The technology is such that the lubricant must enter the cylinder with the fuel mixture, settle there, and lubricate the cylinder walls, piston rings, etc. The simplicity of the design of the tool has many advantages, among which the main one is the ability to repair the engine and its components independently.

Diluting gasoline, which is poured into the chainsaw, is required in order to extend the life of the tool. Diluting the fuel with chainsaw oil is mandatory, and if for some reason you forgot to do this, then the use of the tool is strictly contraindicated.

It’s important to know! In chainsaws there is no special tank for pouring oil, which would be spent for lubricating the rubbing parts of the engine, as in cars. This is due to the simplest design of a two-stroke motor. The present oil tank in the chainsaws is designed to lubricate the chain and tire during the operation of the tool.

Proportions of oil and gasoline for chainsaws

How much oil to add to gasoline for a chainsaw is indicated primarily in the instructions for use of the tool. If you forget what the proportion of oil and gasoline should be, then you can always open the instructions and update your knowledge. If the instruction is lost, then this material will help you. To begin with, it is worth noting that there are several options for mixing oil materials with fuel. Choosing any, it is worth noting that the main criterion for each is the correct measurement of the components. Only exact observance of the proportion of oil and gasoline will achieve the fuel mixture of the necessary technical qualities.

One of the most common proportions is 1:50. This means that 1 liter of gasoline must be diluted with 20 ml of oil. This recipe for the preparation of the mixture is relevant for tools whose power exceeds 1.5 kW. This option is one of the most popular, so if you forget the exact proportions for your instrument, you can always focus on the first option.

Video: Mixing Proportions Of Gasoline And Chainsaw Oil


The second option provides for a proportion of 1:25. To mix 1 liter of gasoline with 10 ml of oil is recommended by Chinese manufacturers for their tools. For tools whose power does not exceed 1.5 kW, it is recommended to pour oil in an amount of 25 ml per 1 liter of gasoline. Each manufacturer’s chainsaw has its own limitations, and recommendations for the preparation of the fuel mixture, which are recommended to be followed. The two main options that are universal are listed above.

It’s important to know! The excess amount of the oil mixture in the fuel is also negative, as this will lead to a reduction in engine life due to increased shock loads on the cylinder and piston, and will also lead to the formation of soot.

Not everyone knows what kind of gasoline to pour into a chainsaw. This is also indicated in the technical documentation for the chainsaw. In modern saw models, it is recommended to pour fuel of a brand not lower than AI-90, that is, AI-92 or AI-95. And it doesn’t matter who the tool manufacturer is, China or Europe. Professionals recommend the use of AI-92 gasoline, since the 95th is in most cases made from 92 by adding additives. If you know for sure that it is really pure 95, then it is better to use it.

Many craftsmen continue to pour gasoline of grades lower than AI-90 into modern chainsaw models, as this was allowed to be done for obsolete models of tools: Friendship, Taiga, and others. This is not recommended!

Which oil to use to lubricate the chainsaw chains depends on the model of tool. Stihl brand saws and the like produce special lubricants that are intended only for use in such tools. Recommended oils can also be found in the technical documentation. When choosing a lubricant, attention must be paid to ensure that it is intended for two-stroke engines. Oils for mixing with gasoline and for chain lubrication differ in composition, quality and purpose. You can not mix them, as this will accelerate the failure of the tool. Recommended brands of oils for two-stroke engines:

Saw refueling algorithm

A mixture of gasoline and oil is best prepared in a 2.5-liter plastic bottle if you often need to refuel the tool. If it is necessary to prepare fuel for only a few refueling, it is better to use a smaller tank. It is recommended that you acquire measuring tanks, this will allow you to observe the exact proportions of both liquids. Most oil manufacturers offer such measuring devices.

Initially, fuel is poured into the tank, and then oil is added. It is important to consider that there should be enough space in the tank to thoroughly mix the fuel mixture.

It’s important to know! It is strictly contraindicated to prepare the fuel mixture directly in the tank of the instrument.

After preparation, it is recommended to store this mixture no more than 2 weeks. At each filling, it is recommended to shake the mixture thoroughly. If you are not sure that all fuel will be used up, it is better not to cook it in large quantities.

Risks of using fuel and oil substitutes

To avoid premature failure of the chainsaw, it is recommended to refuel the tool with exclusively high-quality and branded consumables. Finding such materials is not difficult, since they are usually sold at branded points of sale. The use of low-quality gasoline can cause engine failure, so it is recommended to buy fuel at gas stations where high fuel quality is guaranteed.

It is strictly contraindicated to mix gasoline with motor oil for cars, since it is not at all intended for such purposes. Compliance with the number of proportions, as well as the use of quality materials will extend the life of your tool for many years.