Leslie Massey
Mixing two-stroke fuel is a straightforward process, but it's important to get it right to avoid engine damage and poor performance. Two-stroke engines are found in a variety of equipment, from chainsaws to RC cars, and they require the owner to mix oil and fuel at a specific ratio to ensure adequate lubrication. The correct ratio depends on the make and model of your equipment, so it's essential to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Once you know the ratio, you can use a mixing bottle, measuring cup, or squeezy pack to combine the oil and fuel. It's also crucial to use a clean container designed for fuel and to store the mixed fuel safely to prevent it from going stale.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container colour | Green jerry can |
| Container type | Clean, empty fuel can |
| Fuel | Unleaded petrol with an octane rating between 91 and 98 RON |
| Fuel:Oil ratio | 25:1 or 50:1, depending on the engine |
| Oil type | Husqvarna HP or LS+ two-stroke oil |
| Storage life | 3-6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right oil for your two-stroke fuel mix
It is recommended to use high-quality unleaded fuel with an octane rating between 91 and 98 RON for optimal performance. The fuel should not contain more than 10% ethanol, as ethanol attracts moisture when exposed to air, altering the properties of the oil and potentially leading to engine damage.
When selecting the type of oil, it is important to consider the specific engine requirements. Oils come in different forms, including mineral, synthetic, semi-synthetic, and advanced synthetic oils. Advanced synthetic two-stroke oils support a wide range of mix ratios and offer enhanced combustion, a cleaner engine, reduced smoke emissions, and optimal lubrication.
Husqvarna, for example, offers two types of two-stroke oil: HP two-stroke oil, which is formulated to work well with low-quality fuels and results in a cleaner engine, and Low Smoke+ oil, which is a mix of mineral and synthetic oils that gives very low smoke emissions and provides a lower engine temperature, extending the engine's life.
It is important to note that using the incorrect oil ratio can lead to engine damage or performance issues. The most common fuel-to-oil ratio is 40:1 or 50:1, which translates to 25ml or 40ml of oil per litre of fuel, respectively. However, older two-stroke equipment might require a richer fuel mixture, such as a 32:1 or even a 20:1 ratio.
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$35.99
Using a mixing bottle
The mixing bottle itself will have a fuel chamber and an oil chamber. To begin, fill the fuel chamber up to the 'number one' line. If you only fill the fuel chamber halfway, for example, make sure to fill the oil chamber to the same level. The next step is to combine the contents of both chambers by tipping them together. It is important to then mix the contents thoroughly.
There are a few important things to remember when using a mixing bottle. Firstly, it is solely for mixing purposes, and the fuel mixture should be transferred to a proper jerry can for safe storage. The mixed fuel will stay fresh for around 3-6 months, depending on the climate and container. Additionally, always ensure your mixing bottle is free from dust, dirt, and other contaminants as dirty fuel can damage the engine and affect performance.
The ratio of fuel to oil is critical. The correct ratio depends on the manufacturer's instructions and the year and make of your equipment. A common ratio is 25 parts petrol to 1 part oil, or 25:1, which can also be calculated as 40ml of oil per litre of fuel.
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Fuel container colour standards
In Australia, there are no legal requirements for fuel container colour standards. However, certain colours are conventionally used for specific fuels. The use of these colours helps to distinguish between different fuel types and prevents mix-ups, which can be expensive and dangerous.
Red containers are typically used for unleaded petrol, although some sources suggest that red metal galvanized cans are associated with gasoline. Diesel fuel is often stored in yellow containers, although black containers were previously used due to their resistance to diesel fuel. Green containers are generally used for two-stroke fuel or any mixed fuel. Kerosene, which is less volatile and flammable than gasoline and diesel, is usually stored in blue containers.
To enhance safety, fuel containers should be approved under ASNZ Standards and AFAC (Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council) standards. These standards include features such as automatic closure and childproof mechanisms to prevent accidents and spills.
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The two-stroke mix ratio
Mixing two-stroke fuel is a simple process, but it's important to get the ratio of fuel to oil right. The precise ratio depends on the make and model of your equipment, as well as the year it was manufactured. You can find the correct ratio in your product manual. It's important to follow these instructions carefully, as using too much oil can stop the engine, generate carbon buildup, and cause excessive smoking, which is bad for the environment. On the other hand, using too little oil will eventually damage your engine and cause it to overheat.
If you're unsure what ratio to use, a middle-range mix for two-stroke fuel is generally considered to be 40:1 or 25:1. This equates to 25ml of two-stroke oil to one litre of petrol or 40ml of oil to one litre of petrol, respectively. To achieve these ratios, simply multiply the number of litres of fuel by 25 or 40, depending on the ratio you are using. For example, if you're mixing 2 litres of fuel with a 40:1 ratio, you'll need to use 80ml of oil.
It's important to use a clean container that is specifically designed for carrying fuel. Dirty fuel containers are the leading cause of contaminated fuel in Australia. Fuel jerry cans are a great option, and you can also use newer specialist containers like the Husqvarna Combi Can, which features no-spill valves and dedicated tanks for two-stroke oil. When selecting a type of unleaded fuel, make sure it doesn't comprise more than 10% ethanol, as this can attract moisture and affect the properties of the oil.
In Australia, it's standard to use fuel with a Research Octane Number (RON) of 91, 95, or 98. While opinions vary, 91 RON fuel is generally considered the safest bet as it's the most commonly used and therefore likely to be the freshest. It's also important to note that two-stroke fuel has a storage life of roughly 3-6 months, depending on the climate and container. Always label your container with the mix ratio and the date it was mixed so you can keep track of its freshness.
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The importance of a clean fuel container
Another advantage of using a clean fuel container is that it ensures accurate measurement of the fuel-to-oil ratio. An incorrect ratio can lead to suboptimal engine performance or even damage the engine. By mixing your fuel in a clean container, you can be confident that you are achieving the precise ratio required for your 2-stroke engine. This is crucial as the ratio can vary depending on the year and make of your equipment.
Clean fuel containers also contribute to the overall longevity of your engine. By preventing the build-up of contaminants, you reduce the likelihood of carbon deposits and gum-like residues forming in your engine. This maintenance results in a cleaner-burning engine and can extend the life of your engine, saving you from costly repairs or replacements.
Additionally, using a clean fuel container promotes safety. When using a 2-stroke engine, it is vital to use the correct type of fuel and oil. By keeping your fuel container clean, you reduce the risk of mixing up fuel types and can easily identify the contents by their colour. This is especially important in emergency situations, such as fires, as it enables the fire brigade to quickly identify the chemicals involved.
Lastly, a clean fuel container helps maintain optimal engine performance. By eliminating contaminants and achieving the correct fuel-to-oil ratio, your engine will operate more efficiently. This means smoother operation, reduced wear and tear, and improved combustibility. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the air filter and inspecting spark plugs, coupled with the use of a clean fuel container, will keep your engine running smoothly for years.
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Frequently asked questions
The ratio depends on the make and model of your equipment. The most common ratio is 25 parts petrol to 1 part oil, also known as 25:1. This equates to 40ml of oil per litre of fuel.
Husqvarna offers two types of two-stroke oil: HP two-stroke oil, which is formulated to work well with low-quality fuels, and Low Smoke+ oil, which is a mix of mineral and synthetic oils that gives very low smoke emissions and provides seizure protection.
Choose a good quality unleaded petrol with an octane rating between 91 and 98 RON. The fuel should never comprise more than 10% ethanol, as ethanol attracts moisture when exposed to air.
