I work at the parts counter at an ATV dealer. A few days ago a chap came in asking for engine oil for his 4 stroke motor and a filter. He had an empty bottle of 2 stroke oil he wanted filled with our bulk 2 stroke oil. I quizzed him about this. He said this is the oil he was told by another dealer to use when he bought the bike ten years ago. He was told he could use this in all his machines, so he said they said. He has used 2 stroke oil in the crankcase/motor for 10 years! He bought the correct oil that day for the first time. I was somewhat shocked, not that he was told wrong, but that the engine was still happy and running.
2 stroke oil in a 4 stroke crankcase...
- Thread starter ddtmoto
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I'm a litte suprised too. although 2 stroke oil is simply mineral oil (lighter weight) with different additives. I remember back when I was a 14 yo punk I found a can of 2 cycle oil out on the trails and used it in my mini bike with a 4hp 4 cycle tecumseh motor. (cause I didn't know any better at the time) there also were some older 2 stroke motors that simply called for a 24:1 mix of gas with 30 weight
I wouldnt think it would be very good, additives are very limited, because when they burn they leave behind ash and viotality would be high because the oil was meant to burn up. I would have to guess it would use oil and leave behind a mess. I would guess the engines he used it in were not high stress. It would not be a good choice for all the reasons a four stroke oil would be a bad choice to run in a two stroke.
4 stroke oil used to be factory recommendation for Evinrude and Johnsons back in the 60's. I knew a guy that used 99 cent 10W30 in his 335 Ski-doo for years and years without issues. I'm not recommending this, just a comment
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