How to Properly Mix Oil & Gas for 2 Cycle Engines

Taking the guess work out of mixing oil with gasoline for 2 cycle engines, can save you money and add months or years to the life of an engine.

Instructions

1. Don't just grab a small container of 2 cycle oil off the shelf and add it to a gallon of gasoline, expecting excellent results. (One small container of 2 cycle oil may contain 2.5 oz. Another container of oil may have 2.75 oz, while another may hold 8 oz. of oil.

2. Read available instructions for the engine you are using. Look for an oil to gas ratio on the case of the engine. Your engine may call for a 50 to 1 ratio or a 32 to 1 ratio of oil and gas.

3. To determine the amount of oil per gallon for an engine, that calls for a 40 to 1 ratio, divide 40 into 128. One gallon equals 128 oz., 4 quarts etc. Written mathematically it is 1/40 x 128 = 3.2 oz. Naturally, 1/2 gallon of gasoline would call for 1/2 of 3.2, 1.6 oz.

4. To determine the amount of oil for an engine that calls for a 48 to 1 ratio, divide 48 into 128. 1/48 x 128 = 2.75 oz.

5. Mix the oil and gasoline mixture well. Make sure the lid is on tight and turn the container upside down about 3 times.

6. To save a lot of money on 2 cycle oil buy it by the quart. If you do not have a proper size container to refill, you can use a measuring cup. In a push, you can use measuring spoons from the kitchen. One table spoon equals 1/2 ounce.

Tips & Warnings

• Excessive smoke from an engine is likely a sign of too much oil in the mixture.

• A vegetable oil, such as peanut oil or soybean oil, may be the ultimate substitute for 2 cycle oil for some engines. 50% 2 cycle oil and 50% vegetable oil can be blended and added to the gasoline. Try at your own risks.

• Too much oil in the mixture may make an engine difficult or almost impossible to crank.

• Too little oil may burn the engine up.