Using 50:1 vs 25:1


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Old 10-21-18, 04:46 PM
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Using 50:1 vs 25:1

Ok, I bought one of those 2 cycle hand operated post hole diggers (auger) from Harbor Freight & unfortunately, it uses a 25:1 gas/oil mix. Problem is, I cant find a 25:1 oil anywhere in town. I searched for it on line & I can buy it from amazon, but come on... I dont want to buy a bottle of 2 cycle oil from Amazon.

Let me preface this by saying I despise 2 cycle engines/equipment. After using 2 cycle blowers, weed-eaters etc for a few years, that my wife had when we married, I abruptly put them in the trash & bought all battery operated equipment. Now we are both happy.
Against my better judgement, since moving to a new home by the lake on 5 acres, I have now bought a used bass boat with a 2 cycle Johnson which uses 50:1... and now a 2 cycle post hole digger of which I cant seem to find oil for locally.

Since I also have my brothers 2 cycle chain saw (50:1) to clean up around here & a 2 cycle Johnson outboard (50:1), I do have some 50:1 oil..... which is common & readily available anywhere locally.

So, after my rant now, can I use 2 cycle oil made for 50:1 mixture, just double it & use it in a 25:1 engine? Is it advisable or not? Is there really a difference in the oil... or, is it just the ratio that its mixed? Is it the same, just mixed at a different ratio? Some education on 2 cycle oils/mixes is appreciated.
 
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Old 10-21-18, 04:55 PM
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The oil is the same the ratio is different. You use less oil per gallon of gas. Look on the side of the oil bottle as they r all a little different from brand to brand.
 
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Old 10-21-18, 05:47 PM
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it would probably run fine on 50 to 1 but if you want to mix at a different ratio a lot of the larger bottles do tell you how much to mix to get different ratios or just buy 2 small bottles of 50 to 1 and mix with a gallon of gas and you should have 25 to 1, I would not use your boat oil though as it wasn't really designed for air cooled engines.
 
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Old 10-21-18, 10:25 PM
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You use less oil per gallon of gas
You use more!

Its all the same, pick up a quart of 2 cycle oil from auto parts store.

50:1 is just shy of 3 oz per gallon (which is the small bathroom Dixi paper cups) so 25:1 would be double!
 
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Old 10-22-18, 02:24 AM
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Sorry I did post right after my first post. It is a typo it's suppose to say you use more or less oil........the ratio is 5.12 ounces of oil to 1 gallon. Or 2.56 oz. Of oil for half gallon of gas. This might very a little depending on oil brand
 
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Old 10-22-18, 02:56 AM
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Most of the oil bottles you buy today are for 50:1. One of my saws takes 40:1 so instead of adding it to 1 gallon I add it to .8 gallon ..... I think I remember that right - too early this morning to double check my math.
 
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Old 10-22-18, 06:27 AM
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I own 12, 2 cycle power tools including the post hole digger you bought and have used the 50:1 mixture in all of them and never had an issue.
All of them always start, and no smoke.
 
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Old 10-22-18, 06:40 AM
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Amsoil makes a 2-cycle oil that's allegedly so awesome that one ratio--100:1--can be used for any air or water cooled 2-cycle engine.

I tend to think of such products, and Amsoil, as "snake oil" and I'm very skeptical of the claims made. BUT if it does work it can simplify your life dealing with new/old/odd/various ratio requirements.

I'm just throwing it out there. Any mention of Amsoil in public forums often causes hot debates. Not that that's a bad thing...
 
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Old 10-24-18, 01:59 PM
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I'm gonna throw something out here. I've got a Stihl Edger and Blower, both 2 cycle machines, owned them almost 20 years now. I've never once measured the ratio of oil to gas. Basically I fill the tank with gas, add a splash of whatever 2 cycle oil I happen to have on hand and I'm off and running with them. Both machines have been completely problem free for the entire time I've owned them. I honestly don't even remember If I've ever even changed a spark plug in either of them !!! Same for my chain saw, I don't even recall the brand and that sits for long periods of time, starts up with just a few pull every time.

Just my .02
 
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Old 10-24-18, 02:02 PM
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I'd say you've been lucky, too much oil and you run the risk of fouling the plugs, too little and you'd score the cylinders.
 
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Old 10-24-18, 02:44 PM
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A 25:1 fuel mix requires 2 times the amount of oil per gallon of gas as a 50:1 mix.
 
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Old 10-24-18, 04:11 PM
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I really appreciate everyone's input! Thanks a bunch....
 
 

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