How to Calculate 2-Cycle Oil Mix

Mix your own 2-cyle oil for your personal watercraft and other 2-stroke engines.

Two-cycle or 2-stroke engines run lawn care equipment like chainsaws, lawnmowers, leaf blowers and brush cutters, but they also power recreational equipment like motorbikes, snowmobiles and personal watercraft. Instead of buying premixed 2-stroke fuel, you can mix your own to make sure that it's fresh when you need it for optimal performance. This is especially important when it comes to fueling your recreational vehicles. It's a good idea to keep extra 2-stroke fuel on hand because there's nothing worse than running out of fuel for the lawn mower in the middle of mowing the lawn.

Things You'll Need

• Empty 5-gallon gas container
• 4.5 gallons of unleaded gasoline
• 18 oz. 2-stroke oil

Instructions

1. Take an empty 5-gallon gasoline container to the gas station, and set it on the ground. Fill it with 4.5 gallons of unleaded gasoline.

2. Add 18 oz. of 2-stroke oil to the gasoline container. Screw down the cap, and shake the container well until the gasoline and oil are completely mixed.

3. Put the cap back on the 2-stroke oil container and save it for later use.

4. Fill up the gas tank of your 2-stroke engine.

5. Tighten the cap on your gasoline container, and store it out of reach of small children.

Tips & Warnings

• As a general rule, add 4 oz. of 2-stroke oil to every 1 gallon of gasoline.

• Gasoline fumes are highly combustible. Never fill a gasoline container inside your car or truck because the static electricity generated couple with the gasoline fumes can cause fires.

References

• BP: 2-Stroke Fuel Guide

Resources

• Computer Support Group: Gas Oil Mixture Ratio Calculator
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: Gas Cans in Vehicles