LC & FP in Ancient Two-Stroke

[ekpolk]

Well, with my usual lack of scientific discipline, I tried another experiment. In cleaning up the monstrous mess that Ivan left behind (ten days later -- we're still cleaning...), I dug out an old 2-stroke powered yard blower/vac that several years ago I'd given up for dead. It just wouldn't start anymore, and successfully resisted all my tweaking efforts.

So two days ago, I put in fresh 2-stroke mix (40:1), and same story -- still dead. Realizing that the new fuel was probably softening some of the baked on gunk, I dumped the new fuel, and concocted a new brew. I added about an ounce each of LC and FP to the one-gallon mix can, and shook it in. After adding this new brew, I primed it, and pulled the cord (ignition off) about two dozen times. After leaving it to sit for a couple hours, I tried it again. This time, it fired up smoothly, and although it's a bit smokier than it was when young and healthy, it's actually running and working! Wow!

I already like the way FP runs in my G35. (BTW Terry, since all we can get in P-cola right now is 87 octane, I've been using extra FP in the gas, and the car, which calls for premium, is running well). I realize that I've got at least three variables operating here, but I'm thinking that the combo of LC and FP is at least not a bad thing. Any thoughts from the experts on this scenario? Any recommendations for future dosing strategy? And how about in my new 2-stroke chainsaw (also a 40:1 mix engine)?

Thanks everyone, and please understand that my responses will be slow in coming, as I'm pretty much in my yard (and my mother-in-law's...) from dawn to dusk right now.

 

[JustinH]

don't stick with that 87 octane just use it until you can get premium when things get back to normal.

If that motor has a knock sensor (I hope) then its retarding the timing bigtime to keep the motor from pinging. If it doesn't, then you might be damaging the motor with detonation.

JH

 

[Ken2]

Nothing replaces your two-stroke oil. Fuel Power or Schaeffer's Neutra (don't know about burning Lube Control in the fuel) all improve two-stroke mix, but do not replace the oil. Put in the oil plus the Fuel Power.


Ken

 

[ekpolk]

To clarify, I did add the FP and LC to the fuel and oil mix, so I'm not concerned about basic lubrication -- it's there. I'm just amazed with how well the engine seems to have responded to the treatment and wanted to pass that along. I'm also curious about whether the two products together are overkill, or whether each will still provide separate benefit.

As to the car, no, I don't intend to try straight 87. This version of the VQ35 does allow use of lower grade gas, but recommends premium. With the mixed tank and FP, I did not notice any power loss sensation suggestive of significant retarding of timing. In my previous car, a 1MZ-FE V-6 Camry, you could feel the retard on lower grade gas. I now plan to try a couple tanks of 89+FP to see how that performs. So far, I've noticed no problems, the engine still provides the same robust torquey feel as it does on 93 octane.

 

[MolaKule]

Adding FP to the fuel alone is sufficient.

I can't see altering the virgin 2-cycle oil in any way, shape, or fashion.

By using the FP in the fuel, you are already adding the cleaning and anti-oxidation benefits when you mix the fuel and oil. In addition, FP stabilizes the fuel against gumming, component separation, and varnish.

[ September 27, 2004, 02:16 PM: Message edited by: MolaKule ]