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Proper Mixture and Storage of 2 Cycle Fuel

The large majority of the 2-Cycle repairs we do are fuel related. Follow these guidelines to prevent problems and virtually eliminate repair costs.

1. Use only a good quality air cooled two cycle engine oil. Stihl and Echo are both of the highest quality and have custom additive packages designed to protect your engine.

2. Use only a name brand unleaded gasoline with a minimum rating of 89 octane (mid-grade). 93 octane (premium) is even better. High octane fuels are more stable, resulting in a cooler burn at the proper time (less pre-ignition and detonation). This means your engine runs cooler with less stress and fewer harmful deposits (carbon). Most regular grade unleaded fuels have a rating of 87 octane which can cause major engine failures when used in high compression/high performance 2 Cycle engines.

3. Keep your fuel fresh and store it properly. Only mix the amount of fuel that you will use in a 30 day period. Store fuel in a stable, dry environment. "Outbuildings" which have wide temperature and humidity swings contribute to moisture condensation and early degradation of fuel.

4. Shake your fuel container well each time your equipment is to be refueled.

5: Use only fuel containers that are approved for gasoline, and make sure all caps and vents are kept closed.

6. Store your equipment properly. Equipment that will not be used for 30 days or more should be emptied of gasoline. Emptied fuel should be disposed of properly. Never pour gasoline on the ground. Equipment should always be stored in a dry and stable environment.

7. Follow all maintenance and adjustment procedures in your product owners manuals

8. Always mix fuel per the instructions on the oil container. There is a common misconception that mixing "richer" (higher 'oil to gasoline' ratio) will help protect your engine. This is not true with modern engines. Mixing richer will only cause more deposits, resulting in internal engine damage.