Oil for Stihl 4-mix questions....

[lilspenny]

I've been running Stihl 4-mix since 2005, along with 2 stroke Stihl and Echo. Never have had a failure, and never adjusted valves until recently when a rubber grommet got caught in the flywheel of my fs100rx making it hard to crank so I checked the valves. They were very close to spec but I adjusted them. When the machine still felt very tight when cranking I discovered the loose grommet. So... the cam gear looked great and all has been remarkably reliable with ten years of commercial use and ten additional years of residential use. I've used various oils and have several brands in my garage. Super impressed with how clean VP is. But unsure of it's lubrication. Red Armor is now being used... Oh, and I see that Echo's new pb5810t blower is a 4 stroke mixed fuel design....

So I'm asking you guys what oil at what ratio are you using in your Stihl 4-mix or Echo pb5810t, and what is your impression? Looks like the 4 stroke design is starting to spread, like it or not.

 

[JavierH19]

I use marine oil in all my ope. Have a stihl saw that's been ran on supertech marine for 16 years on my small farm which was completely wooded when I bought it but with that saw i've cleared out most of it. Checked the inside with my snake cam years ago and it looked great. Very minimal wear and minimal deposits and the plug never looked fouled. Still rips with the power it had like when it was new. I'd know if i'm down on compression and power. Always ran richer too at 40:1 so i don't know if that helped. Also have a big commercial grade trimmer that's been more of a handheld brush hog that's been cutting down thick pond weeds and other junk forever and it takes a full hour of nonstop full throttle cutting to do the pond since it's large and that also has been fine. It has a huge tank and I have to fill it twice to get through it. The supertech stuff is pretty thin at 6 cst and has gone up way too much in price, used to be so cheap. I'd rather buy anything else like pennzoil marine since it costs the same but is both thicker and better blended. I think Cujet said the pennzoil syn blend is Jaso FD in practice because of how clean it runs like how Vp does. Walmart had gallons of evinrude 2 stroke syn blend green for 9 each so i bought all 3 jugs. It was double marked down but there was an evinrude mineral red and a bunch of xps oil that was only marked down once. I'll check 2-3 a week since i drive through that street in my commute for when they mark it down again and buy the rest.

 

[lilspenny]

I use marine oil in all my ope. Have a stihl saw that's been ran on supertech marine for 16 years on my small farm which was completely wooded when I bought it but with that saw i've cleared out most of it. Checked the inside with my snake cam years ago and it looked great. Very minimal wear and minimal deposits and the plug never looked fouled. Still rips with the power it had like when it was new. I'd know if i'm down on compression and power. Always ran richer too at 40:1 so i don't know if that helped. Also have a big commercial grade trimmer that's been more of a handheld brush hog that's been cutting down thick pond weeds and other junk forever and it takes a full hour of nonstop full throttle cutting to do the pond since it's large and that also has been fine. It has a huge tank and I have to fill it twice to get through it. The supertech stuff is pretty thin at 6 cst and has gone up way too much in price, used to be so cheap. I'd rather buy anything else like pennzoil marine since it costs the same but is both thicker and better blended. I think Cujet said the pennzoil syn blend is Jaso FD in practice because of how clean it runs like how Vp does. Walmart had gallons of evinrude 2 stroke syn blend green for 9 each so i bought all 3 jugs. It was double marked down but there was an evinrude mineral red and a bunch of xps oil that was only marked down once. I'll check 2-3 a week since i drive through that street in my commute for when they mark it down again and buy the rest.

Thanks... I have run the Pennzoil multi purpose and give it high marks... Amazing how the oil that is supposed to be taboo works so well.

 

[JavierH19]

Thanks... I have run the Pennzoil multi purpose and give it high marks... Amazing how the oil that is supposed to be taboo works so well.

The whole air cooled water cooled thing is baloney these days. Only in applications where castor oil should be used does it matter but that's a separate thing altogether. Maybe it was true when oils were cromulent a like 30 or 40+ years ago but these modern oils are far better than before. Modern conventional 2 stroke is really good too much better than before but why get conventional when syn blend is the same price if not less at times. Bass pro sells Amalie made syn blend 2 cycle for $20 a gallon and it claims to meet jaso FD too. Pennzoil doesn't say it too meets jaso FD but it's known to run so clean it could say it and get away with it.

 

[B767capt]

I'm using Motul 800 in all my Stihls. 500 chainsaw, BR800 blower, and about 5 or 6 other Stihl chainsaws and lawn equipment. About 44:1.

 

[lilspenny]

The whole air cooled water cooled thing is baloney these days. Only in applications where castor oil should be used does it matter but that's a separate thing altogether. Maybe it was true when oils were cromulent a like 30 or 40+ years ago but these modern oils are far better than before. Modern conventional 2 stroke is really good too much better than before but why get conventional when syn blend is the same price if not less at times. Bass pro sells Amalie made syn blend 2 cycle for $20 a gallon and it claims to meet jaso FD too. Pennzoil doesn't say it too meets jaso FD but it's known to run so clean it could say it and get away with it.

Wow that's cheap.

 

[lilspenny]

I'm using Motul 800 in all my Stihls. 500 chainsaw, BR800 blower, and about 5 or 6 other Stihl chainsaws and lawn equipment. About 44:1.

Motul is definitely on my list of ones to try. Thanks for the response!

 

[Slick]

We only have one Stihl 4Mix unit (new this spring a Kombi KM131R with line trimmer/edger/bed re-definer attachments).

We use the same fuel/oil mix (VP Racing 2 cycle oil mixed at either 45:1 or lately 40:1) that we have used for years in our other 2 cycle equipment (Redmax trimers/edgers/(1) hand held blower/ and backpack blowers and one Stihl hand held blower).

I do not have any test data but I consider the VP Racing 2 stroke oil with the "meets or exceeds" JASO FD, ISO-L-EGD, to be a lower cost option to Red Armor. We buy the VP Racing oil in 16 fluid ounce containers from Walmart shipped to our garage for IIRC this spring $9.48 a bottle before sales tax. To get free shipping we had to buy $35 of merchandise. In the past we have found it in the stores but just easier to have it shipped. I would like to see VP offer it in gallon jugs at a better price as we use many 16 ounce containers per year.

The VP Racing seems to run our mixture of 2 cycle and (1) 4Mix equipment without any issues. The VP oil keeps engines very clean as we found out when we replaced a head gasket on our 24 year old Redmax line trimmer this spring. I did not see any evidence of lubrication issues. Note that before we started using VP 2 cycle oil (about 7 years ago I believe) this old trimmer was run with Mobil 2T and later Redmax oil.

 

[lilspenny]

The whole air cooled water cooled thing is baloney these days. Only in applications where castor oil should be used does it matter but that's a separate thing altogether. Maybe it was true when oils were cromulent a like 30 or 40+ years ago but these modern oils are far better than before. Modern conventional 2 stroke is really good too much better than before but why get conventional when syn blend is the same price if not less at times. Bass pro sells Amalie made syn blend 2 cycle for $20 a gallon and it claims to meet jaso FD too. Pennzoil doesn't say it too meets jaso FD but it's known to run so clean it could say it and get away with it.

I recently called Pennzoil to find out their recommendation on a 2 stroke oil for my Stihl 4-mix engines and I'm struggling with accepting their answer..... "Pennzoil Snowmobile Premium Plus Engine Oil". Yep. We discussed it's lower flashpoint and viscosity and my concerns over those. The reason the fellow at Pennzoil gave was the snowmobile oil is "synthetic". So my mind is bouncing all over the place but he was steadfast in his reason, and even said it would apply to chainsaws. So, I asked about ratio, and 50:1 was his answer. Again, synthetic was his answer. Ok, but wouldn't a thicker synthetic be better, or at least 40:1? Nope.

 

[JavierH19]

I recently called Pennzoil to find out their recommendation on a 2 stroke oil for my Stihl 4-mix engines and I'm struggling with accepting their answer..... "Pennzoil Snowmobile Premium Plus Engine Oil". Yep. We discussed it's lower flashpoint and viscosity and my concerns over those. The reason the fellow at Pennzoil gave was the snowmobile oil is "synthetic". So my mind is bouncing all over the place but he was steadfast in his reason, and even said it would apply to chainsaws. So, I asked about ratio, and 50:1 was his answer. Again, synthetic was his answer. Ok, but wouldn't a thicker synthetic be better, or at least 40:1? Nope.

99% of the people working the questions hotline have no real idea what they're saying and sometimes they do but don't want to get in trouble if you call back saying someone with the name X said to use X and X bad thing happened which would have been pure coincidence.

 

[MrJayhawk]

We only have one Stihl 4Mix unit (new this spring a Kombi KM131R with line trimmer/edger/bed re-definer attachments).

We use the same fuel/oil mix (VP Racing 2 cycle oil mixed at either 45:1 or lately 40:1) that we have used for years in our other 2 cycle equipment (Redmax trimers/edgers/(1) hand held blower/ and backpack blowers and one Stihl hand held blower).

I do not have any test data but I consider the VP Racing 2 stroke oil with the "meets or exceeds" JASO FD, ISO-L-EGD, to be a lower cost option to Red Armor. We buy the VP Racing oil in 16 fluid ounce containers from Walmart shipped to our garage for IIRC this spring $9.48 a bottle before sales tax. To get free shipping we had to buy $35 of merchandise. In the past we have found it in the stores but just easier to have it shipped. I would like to see VP offer it in gallon jugs at a better price as we use many 16 ounce containers per year.

The VP Racing seems to run our mixture of 2 cycle and (1) 4Mix equipment without any issues. The VP oil keeps engines very clean as we found out when we replaced a head gasket on our 24 year old Redmax line trimmer this spring. I did not see any evidence of lubrication issues. Note that before we started using VP 2 cycle oil (about 7 years ago I believe) this old trimmer was run with Mobil 2T and later Redmax oil.

If you are talking about the premix gas/oil VP fuel, Tractor Supply has gallon jugs of it.

 

[lilspenny]

We only have one Stihl 4Mix unit (new this spring a Kombi KM131R with line trimmer/edger/bed re-definer attachments).

We use the same fuel/oil mix (VP Racing 2 cycle oil mixed at either 45:1 or lately 40:1) that we have used for years in our other 2 cycle equipment (Redmax trimers/edgers/(1) hand held blower/ and backpack blowers and one Stihl hand held blower).

I do not have any test data but I consider the VP Racing 2 stroke oil with the "meets or exceeds" JASO FD, ISO-L-EGD, to be a lower cost option to Red Armor. We buy the VP Racing oil in 16 fluid ounce containers from Walmart shipped to our garage for IIRC this spring $9.48 a bottle before sales tax. To get free shipping we had to buy $35 of merchandise. In the past we have found it in the stores but just easier to have it shipped. I would like to see VP offer it in gallon jugs at a better price as we use many 16 ounce containers per year.

The VP Racing seems to run our mixture of 2 cycle and (1) 4Mix equipment without any issues. The VP oil keeps engines very clean as we found out when we replaced a head gasket on our 24 year old Redmax line trimmer this spring. I did not see any evidence of lubrication issues. Note that before we started using VP 2 cycle oil (about 7 years ago I believe) this old trimmer was run with Mobil 2T and later Redmax oil.

Concerning you VP oil ratio... You were running at 45:1 and switched to 40:1? Was there a concern at 45:1?

 

[Slick]

If you are talking about the premix gas/oil VP fuel, Tractor Supply has gallon jugs of it.

MrJayhawk

Thanks for the information. We have a TSC close and will check to see if they have it in stock or can order it in gallon jugs

 

[Slick]

Concerning you VP oil ratio... You were running at 45:1 and switched to 40:1? Was there a concern at 45:1?

No issue at either 45:1 or 40:1.

Two reasons to to go to 40:1
1) was experimenting to see how the different equipment did with more oil. Have not seen any smoke or other issues
2) easier for the other users to use the 3.2 fl-oz standard mark on the measuring containers for each gallon. (when using 45:1 I was going between the 2.6 mark for 50:1 ratio and the 3.2 mark for 40:1 ratio). Some say I have "trust" issues when others are mixing my fuel.

 

[lilspenny]

No issue at either 45:1 or 40:1.

Two reasons to to go to 40:1
1) was experimenting to see how the different equipment did with more oil. Have not seen any smoke or other issues
2) easier for the other users to use the 3.2 fl-oz standard mark on the measuring containers for each gallon. (when using 45:1 I was going between the 2.6 mark for 50:1 ratio and the 3.2 mark for 40:1 ratio). Some say I have "trust" issues when others are mixing my fuel.

That's hilarious! Of course you have trust issues when others are mixing your fuel.... bwahahaha We need clear gas tanks.

 

[johnD2]

I run Stihl 800x 4 mix blowers commercially. Amsoil saber 50:1 with 93 octane non-ethanol. Zero issues.

 

[DougR]

I use Honda HP2 at 40:1 mixed with 91 octane E10 fuel (10% ethanol) in a Stihl BR600 (4-mix engine) for yard cleanup every weekend over the last 12 years (about 600 total hours run time). I have had no issues.

 

[12-Valve]

I have been using amsoil saber and red armor at 50:1 this year. I only have one sthil 4 mix and its a older br600 blower that's used for my lawn care business. Few years ago I had to tear into to it to replace leaking crank seals and it was very clean inside. It had had mostly amsoil saber run in it when I tore it down. Still is in use for blowing grass off sidewalks and pavement and runs good. Have a echo pb9010 that has took it place for heavy leaf blowing.

 

[lilspenny]

I run Stihl 800x 4 mix blowers commercially. Amsoil saber 50:1 with 93 octane non-ethanol. Zero issues.

I run Stihl 800x 4 mix blowers commercially. Amsoil saber 50:1 with 93 octane non-ethanol. Zero issues.

That's what I am running in my 800. With the standard sparkplug, cmr6h, and the standard gap .020, the plug gets quite sooty. I changed the gap to .025 and it got better.... Changed to a cmr5h at .025 and Holy Moly that plug looks new. Not sure if too hot, but definitely warmer.

 

[lilspenny]

I use Honda HP2 at 40:1 mixed with 91 octane E10 fuel (10% ethanol) in a Stihl BR600 (4-mix engine) for yard cleanup every weekend over the last 12 years (about 600 total hours run time). I have had no issues.

I tried that and really did want it to work but my br800 just didn't have the right spunk despite my carb adjustments. I have made two changes since then that have helped. 1. Went from a cmr6h to a cmr5h, and changed the plug gap from .020 to a .025. I'll try the HP2 again because that oil seems to be superb at lubrication. Even with those changes my br800 will turn the plug black with 5 minutes of idle time using 50:1 Saber.

I have been using amsoil saber and red armor at 50:1 this year. I only have one sthil 4 mix and its a older br600 blower that's used for my lawn care business. Few years ago I had to tear into to it to replace leaking crank seals and it was very clean inside. It had had mostly amsoil saber run in it when I tore it down. Still is in use for blowing grass off sidewalks and pavement and runs good. Have a echo pb9010 that has took it place for heavy leaf blowing.

View attachment 307001

That looks good!