TCW3 - Use as a Pre-Mix?

[RWEST]

I have a number of 2-stroke units (Stihl/Husky chainsaws; Lawn Boy mower; Polaris quad), and was wondering if it's okay to use the TCW3 stuff in all of them. Currently I'm using Poulan synthetic pre-mixed for the saws and mower, in the proper ratios, of course, and some brand or other TCW3 in the Polaris's oil-injector system.

Can I pre-mix the TCW3 and use it in the saws/mower? It'd sure make my inventory'ing a lot less aggravating.

 

[wavinwayne]

I've used it at 40:1 (IIRC) in my Craftsman chainsaw. It smoked a lot, but was otherwise OK. I'm now using Mobil 1 2-cycle oil, which doesn't smoke much at all.

 

[jmac]

I would not, and that is just me. You will be able to get away with it for a while, but that is all you will be doing, is getting away with it and I think eventually would come around to bite you later, I think worst case in reduced longevity of those units, especially in full bore- high load situations is where the difference will be critical.

 

[Cmarti]

Originally Posted By: jmac
I would not, and that is just me. You will be able to get away with it for a while, but that is all you will be doing, is getting away with it and I think eventually would come around to bite you later, I think worst case in reduced longevity of those units, especially in full bore- high load situations is where the difference will be critical.


Why? Not arguing, but the manufacturers claim tcw3 additives are improved enough over TCW2 to make it a universal oil. They
market and package it to use in air cooled 2 cycles. Are they not telling the truth? Again, not arguing, but I do not know why many do not trust TCW3 in air cooled engines. (And I am willing to learn) I have used Valvoline Universal TCW3 for several years without incident. (That does not make it right) I probably have 300 hours on a lawnboy, 100 on a string trimmer, and 35 on a chainsaw with this oil at 40:1.

 

[Gillsy]

Originally Posted By: Cmarti
Originally Posted By: jmac
I would not, and that is just me. You will be able to get away with it for a while, but that is all you will be doing, is getting away with it and I think eventually would come around to bite you later, I think worst case in reduced longevity of those units, especially in full bore- high load situations is where the difference will be critical.


Why? Not arguing, but the manufacturers claim tcw3 additives are improved enough over TCW2 to make it a universal oil. They
market and package it to use in air cooled 2 cycles. Are they not telling the truth? Again, not arguing, but I do not know why many do not trust TCW3 in air cooled engines. (And I am willing to learn) I have used Valvoline Universal TCW3 for several years without incident. (That does not make it right) I probably have 300 hours on a lawnboy, 100 on a string trimmer, and 35 on a chainsaw with this oil at 40:1.
It's been a long time since I saw Pennzoil's info sheets, but I'll attempt this from memory. The water cooled oils operate in an engine of low operating temperatures, and usually constant loading. The oil has high amounts of bright stock to prevent scoring. The air cooled engines usually vary the rpm more with much higher peak operating temperatures. They will typically have medium amounts of bright stock, and a low ash formula to keep the engine clean. They require some "jarring" of the equipment to break off the ash from exhaust ports. There is no jarring on a water cooled engine, so they must use an ashless formula. The two formulations were designed to give optimum results for their specified application. Using other that what is specified may work "for a while". I use water cooled in my weed wacker, but wouldn't consider it in a chainsaw, or motorcycle. I hope this helps.