Is there a "best" chainsaw premix

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Aug 15, 2018
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Texas, United states
I own a lot of small engine two strokes. Im really liking the vp 40:1 premix but dang it's expensive. I have to 500gal fuel tanks. One off road diesel, the other 91 octane non ethanol. Im curious is there a "best" premix oil for mixing with non ethanol? My saws always sit close to a year before use and I have had the non ethanol fuel smell foul a few times but I just remixed another gallon. Of all the research ive done, im thinking of switching to honda HP2 two stroke oil instead of this $30/gallon vp stuff. But I do like how it smells..... thoughts?

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I own a lot of small engine two strokes. Im really liking the vp 40:1 premix but dang it's expensive. I have to 500gal fuel tanks. One off road diesel, the other 91 octane non ethanol. Im curious is there a "best" premix oil for mixing with non ethanol? My saws always sit close to a year before use and I have had the non ethanol fuel smell foul a few times but I just remixed another gallon. Of all the research ive done, im thinking of switching to honda HP2 two stroke oil instead of this $30/gallon vp stuff. But I do like how it smells..... thoughts?

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I always use whatever oil is available and my chainsaws have seen many hours of use over the years without any fuel issues. I prefer the stihl brand but that is because of the small bottles that are measured out for one gallon. With bigger bottles I usually end up mixing a little heavy in my 2 gallon can.
 
Anything JASO FD will be the "best" you can get. Maybe reach out to an Echo dealer and see if Red Armor is available in bulk for cheaper price than consumer sizes. I know VP will do bulk, but not sure of it's price that way. Those are my two go to's. Do you stabilize the gas in the tanks? What do you use?
 
I'm going to go with Amsoil Saber 2 stroke oil. My equipment ran like a completely different machine after switching last year.
 
You can buy a 5 gal pale of Sunoco Optima 95 or VP Racing C9 fuel, then mix yourself. Echo Red Armor is the best, but others are great as well.

When using this high octane fuel in cold weather skip the decomp valve.
 
Anything JASO FD will be the "best" you can get. Maybe reach out to an Echo dealer and see if Red Armor is available in bulk for cheaper price than consumer sizes. I know VP will do bulk, but not sure of it's price that way. Those are my two go to's. Do you stabilize the gas in the tanks? What do you use?
Im a small engine repair shop and all of my repairs, the tank is filled with non ethanol 91 since most of my customers machines sit for months at a time without use. My most common repair is carburetor cleaning and rebuild or replacement

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You can buy a 5 gal pale of Sunoco Optima 95 or VP Racing C9 fuel, then mix yourself. Echo Red Armor is the best, but others are great as well.

When using this high octane fuel in cold weather skip the decomp valve.
I never use the decomp anyways. Im a big ol boy and yank the hell of em. Ive never used them
 
Anything JASO FD

By "rated" I add "certified" since a number of oils claim to meet or exceed JASO FD but have not actually been certified (perform and pass the required testing, submit application, pay ~$260 fee). Certified oils have the FD symbol and certificate number on the bottle, they don't just claim to meet the standard.

If you are wanting to minimize cost there are several FD certified oils sold by the gallon at lower cost - like Mystik and Castrol (make sure it is the right Castrol, with the FD symbol and certificate number on the bottle). I don't doubt that some brands are better than others, but those are the low cost ones I can think of.

Current list of certified oil here

https://jalos.or.jp/onfile/pdf/2T_EV_LIST.pdf

This does not mean non-certified oils are no good. Some highly regarded oils are not certified, like Amsoil.
 
Honda HP2 is the premier 2 stroke oil…period. Behind that is Sabre. After that, any FD rated oil.

I add Ethanol Shield as a fuel preservative…even in non ethanol fuel.
 
@Chumango, I'm glad you expanded and clarified my statement. Yes, there IS a difference between one that meets FD and one that is actually certified. With the certification number displayed under the FD box. Fortunately, it's easy enough to get the certified "good stuff".
 
Came here to post Honda HP2. I like Saber at 60:1. I like Opti2 at 40-50:1.

There’s also nothing wrong with Lucas and its dirt cheap.

I’m an ethanol guy myself. Way too many issues with water contamination and rust here in the PNW without it.
 
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