How To Mix the Right Gas to Oil Ratio For Lawn Equipment
After reading this post, you’ll have the chemical knowledge to mix up two highly flammable ingredients into the secret sauce that will keep your whackers, blowers, edgers, and chainsaws purring like a lion. Today, we mix the perfect gas to oil ratio for your lawn equipment.
Let’s get down to the grass tacks…
What is a Gas/Oil Mixture?
The enigmatic gas/oil mixture, a concoction known as two-stroke oil. It’s the harmonious blend of gasoline and oil that powers a two-stroke engine, commonly found in lawn care equipment.
Unlike their four-stroke counterparts, which keep oil in a separate compartment, these engines demand a pre-marriage of oil and gasoline.
The gas to oil ratio can vary depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, but a common ratio is 50:1 (50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil).
Now, let’s get started on how to make the perfect gas/oil mixture for your lawn equipment.
Why Do I Need a Gas/Oil Mixture?
A gas/oil mixture is an essential requirement for the smooth operation of your two-stroke engines. It serves as a lubricant, ensuring the internal components of the engine work together harmoniously by reducing friction.
Neglecting to mix the proper gas to oil ratio can lead to a host of issues, including poor performance, decreased efficiency, and potential engine damage. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and create the correct gas to oil ratio.
Let’s explore how to achieve this delicate balance and keep your lawn equipment running at its best.
How To Make a Gas/Oil Mixture for Lawn Equipment
Now, it’s time to play chemist and dabble in a bit of fuel alchemy. Remember to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and work in safe environments away from open flames of any kind.
What You Need to Get Started
1 gallon can: The simpler the better. This one is affordable: https://amzn.to/3XtY5WJ
However, the locking nozzles can make things more difficult than they have to be. I prefer to change them out for the standard flow nozzles like this one for $6: https://amzn.to/435jKWm
1 gallon of regular unleaded gasoline
two-stroke oil
a funnel: It’s important to get one with a screen filter to avoid contaminating your gas. This one works well: https://amzn.to/3NtwOiE
gloves: These latex-free nitrile gloves are great: https://amzn.to/440svCl
Steps to Make a Gas/Oil Mixture
Determine the correct gas to oil ratio for your equipment. This information can usually be found in the owner’s manual. A common ratio is 50:1 (50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil) or 40:1 (40 parts gasoline to 1 part oil).
Pour the correct amount of gasoline into the mixing container. If making 1 gallon of gas/oil mixture, fill to the 1 gallon line with gas.
Add the correct amount of oil to the gasoline.
For example, if you’re creating a 50:1 mixture, use the funnel to pour in 2.6 ounces of two-stroke oil for every gallon of gasoline.
if you’re creating a 40:1 mixture, use the funnel to pour in 3.2 ounces of two-stroke oil for every gallon of gasoline.
Close the container and shake it well.
Your gas/oil mixture is ready to use! Remember to only mix enough for one use, as the mixture can degrade over time.
If you have multiple pieces of lawn equipment to maintain, it’s best to mix smaller batches as required. When storing the mixture, be sure to label the container with the date and ratio of the mixture. It’s crucial to keep the container tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat or sunlight can degrade the mixture rapidly, potentially leading to engine damage. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your lawn equipment operates smoothly and efficiently for many years to come.
To ensure you never miss a lawn maintenance chore, use our lawn care reminder tool for your own customized lawn care plan.
