Marine vs other 2-cycle oils...

[Jason280]

Are there really any differences between marine rated 2-cycle oils and the 2-cycle stuff you'd use in a weedeater or chainsaw? I have around 7-8 pieces of 2-stroke power equipment (chainsaws, trimmers, etc)and two boats, so it would nice to be able to buy in bulk and use one oil for all of them. Thanks!

 

[mtgrs737]

While the Marine rated oil would lubricate your air cooled 2 cycle engines, It would not be ideal for the task as the additive package is different between the two type of oil. It is best to use the air cooled version in the chainsaws as it is the highest stressed engine of the bunch. You would should have two oils one Marine and one air cooled. I like Mobil 1 racing 2T for my aircooled engines as it is very clean burning but can be hard to find.

 

[wileyE]

Might look at this for consideration http://www.ultralighthomepage.com/OIL/oil.html

The lawn tools would probably be fine on the boat oil, but the saw might like an aircooled oil better.

 

[Johnny]

I agree with that article 100%. As mtgrs737 said, the Mobil 1 Racing 2T is hard to beat but is also hard to find. The oil mentioned in the above article can be purchased at Advanced Auto and some Wal-Marts carry it. It is an exceptional oil for air cooled 2-cycle engines. Pennzoil did some extensive testing with ROTAX to develope that oil, long before Shell got involved.