Max oil ratio that can still avoid running lean?

[Darkfire]

What is the max 2 cycle oil ratio that one can safely use to still avoiding a lean running condition (fuel to air mixture)? This is for an engine that has a non-adjustable carb (I know if the carb were adjustable, running 20:1 would not be an issue period). This would be for equipment that predates EPA performance hobbling from intentional lean running jet settings.

I have a Kawasaki KGT27-A trimmer and I've been using Mobil 1 Racing 2T with 92 octane non-ethanol gas at a ratio of 20:1 and it seems to run well, but I'm wondering if I wouldn't be better off backing off on the oil a bit to say 25:1 since I can't tune it to give it more gas. "Manufacturer" recommendations are irrelevant because those recommendations have nothing to do with optimum engine protection, but rather are due to the EPA dictating to the mfg's what they want.

 

[Chris142]

I run 40:1-50:1 in everything. Never had a problem

 

[Falken]

Old KDX was 35:1 if I recall... That is RICH!

People are running syn 2T premix 100:1.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: Darkfire
What is the max 2 cycle oil ratio that one can safely use to still avoiding a lean running condition (fuel to air mixture)? This is for an engine that has a non-adjustable carb (I know if the carb were adjustable, running 20:1 would not be an issue period). This would be for equipment that predates EPA performance hobbling from intentional lean running jet settings.

I have a Kawasaki KGT27-A trimmer and I've been using Mobil 1 Racing 2T with 92 octane non-ethanol gas at a ratio of 20:1 and it seems to run well, but I'm wondering if I wouldn't be better off backing off on the oil a bit to say 25:1 since I can't tune it to give it more gas. "Manufacturer" recommendations are irrelevant because those recommendations have nothing to do with optimum engine protection, but rather are due to the EPA dictating to the mfg's what they want.


Indians may misinterpret your clouds of smoke from using 20:1 as smoke signals. Could be "Darkfire's Last Stand" when the Indians come..

 

[lars11]

20:1 in a trimmer???
why? i bet the instructions say 40 or 50:1. Go with that instead

 

[TFB1]

I usually dump some oil in the trimmer tank add gas and shake, I've no doubt run ratios from approx 15:1 to 20:1 without issue... If it ain't smoking there isn't enough oil in the mix...


This same $69 Weed Whacker trimmer is at least 10years old and still has orig spark plug...

 

[Darkfire]

Originally Posted By: TFB1
I usually dump some oil in the trimmer tank add gas and shake, I've no doubt run ratios from approx 15:1 to 20:1 without issue... If it ain't smoking there isn't enough oil in the mix...


This same $69 Weed Whacker trimmer is at least 10years old and still has orig spark plug...


Only problem with using the presence of visual smoke as a guideline is that Mobil 1 Racing 2T doesn't smoke at all even at 20:1. Some lesser quality oils will smoke even at 40:1 that I've noticed.

 

[lars11]

Good to hear that youv'e had no problems. However, the info in the reply is not very helpful or educated, in my opinion. Doing it this way may cause problems with too much OR worse, too little oil and you wouldn't know what hit you. The "smoke indication" sentence is just wrong. You want ample lubrication AND minimal smoke. NOT unknown lubrication and lots of smoke. Bad for your health, the equipment and the environment.

Originally Posted By: TFB1
I usually dump some oil in the trimmer tank add gas and shake, I've no doubt run ratios from approx 15:1 to 20:1 without issue... If it ain't smoking there isn't enough oil in the mix...


This same $69 Weed Whacker trimmer is at least 10years old and still has orig spark plug...

 

[123Saab]

Originally Posted By: lars11
Good to hear that youv'e had no problems. However, the info in the reply is not very helpful or educated, in my opinion. Doing it this way may cause problems with too much OR worse, too little oil and you wouldn't know what hit you. The "smoke indication" sentence is just wrong. You want ample lubrication AND minimal smoke. NOT unknown lubrication and lots of smoke. Bad for your health, the equipment and the environment.

Originally Posted By: TFB1
I usually dump some oil in the trimmer tank add gas and shake, I've no doubt run ratios from approx 15:1 to 20:1 without issue... If it ain't smoking there isn't enough oil in the mix...


This same $69 Weed Whacker trimmer is at least 10years old and still has orig spark plug...



None of my 2 strokes smoke.

None.

They run the factory recommended mix and are properly tuned.

Chainsaw(s)
Trimmer(s)
Blower/Vac

 

[TFB1]

I like the smoke, you guys use your methods & I'll continue to use mine...

 

[AVB]

If you go too far either way you should notice a drop in performance.

 

[quarterliter]

32:1 is a good standard. 50:1 is b/c of emissions. But with that Mobil 1 racing 2t u could run that stuff at 1000000:1 and you would be fine. Where do you find that stuff thought they didn't make that anymore?

 

[bubbatime]

Originally Posted By: TFB1
I usually dump some oil in the trimmer tank add gas and shake, I've no doubt run ratios from approx 15:1 to 20:1 without issue... If it ain't smoking there isn't enough oil in the mix...


That's a good way to damage equipment. That causes excess carbon buildup with scores the pistons and cylinders, effectively shortening its life. A high quality synthetic oil such as Echo power blend, Husqvarna, or Amsoil at 50:1 is optimal.

 

[bubbatime]

Originally Posted By: Darkfire
I've been using Mobil 1 Racing 2T with 92 octane non-ethanol gas at a ratio of 20:1


Whoa grasshopper!! Use it at 50:1. You use less oil and your equipment will last longer.