So my buddy and I got to talking the other night as we mixed a batch of gas for the Nissan motor I’ve been workin on. I mentioned my weed eaters also take 50:1 mix….so would this mix work for them? I understand the weed eater mix not working for the marine engines as they aren’t TCWIII oil, but would the marine mix work for the weed eater?
I’ve used it and haven’t had any issues – smokes a lot like any 2stroke. I thought there’s maybe a difference in 2stroke oils for air-cooled stuff vs a water-cooled outboard.
I use the weed-eater 1 or 2 times/yr for 5 min so I cannot tell you the long term effects 
Pete is right. It’s a difference between what will work and what is optimal for long term use and engine life.
Outboards run cold and slow compared to air-cooled weed eater or chainsaw engines which run red hot and at high RPMs. So the different oils have been designed to take this into account.
My guess–and this is only a guess–based on your short periods of usage, your probably not doing any harm. Most power equipment today suffers more from LACK of use than from too much use.
When it comes to small 2 stroke equipment, I mix the absolute minimum I can get by with and that I know will be used up within 30-60 days. This is where it’s handy to buy bulk 2-stroke oil by the qt or gallon, you can then mix any quantity of gas, so even if you want to just do a half gallon or quart, you can do that easily and then use it up.
Grouse
Two stoke outboard oil is the same as any other modern two stroke oil except for the fact that it is certified to have an anti corrosion additive needed in high moisture marine environments. For years I’ve used the same 50 to 1 fuel in my weed wakers, chain saws, leaf blowers, ice augers, and outboards without any problems.
Quote:
Two stoke outboard oil is the same as any other modern two stroke oil except for the fact that it is certified to have an anti corrosion additive needed in high moisture marine environments. For years I’ve used the same 50 to 1 fuel in my weed wakers, chain saws, leaf blowers, ice augers, and outboards without any problems.
The same thing!! 
I use 50:1 with petroleum based oil in some of my equipment and my old outboard. Mainly I use 80:1 synthetic in my small engines.
Those are some good points, Grouse. Unfortunately, I run my weed eaters quite a bit more than Pete 
as my mom’s and mine both keep me busy. Plus, livin out in the country, they get a workout. So, maybe I’ll give it a try. A big reason I ask is because, like the point made above, I like to mix enough to get by and not let it sit too long. One of my weed eaters is really sensitive it seems. I’ve mixed oil perfectly, but it was still coughing on me. Figured out I needed to dilute down with more gas, then it ran great. I have a Stihl that seems to run no matter what, thing is a beast. But I sure don’t wanna hurt it. Thanks guys–
I run the same oil in my company whips mowers etc. thousands of hrs use. The only difference is small engine are supposed to use premium fuel. No issues at all with oil.
Great thread. I found an old weed eater in the garage and to my surprise I was able to get it running. I didn’t have any 2 cycle oil on me, so I am not sure if I through in pure gas of the mix for my auger, which I think is leaner than 50:1. I also through in some Seafoam, as it had a little gas in the reservoir.
Don’t worry, I just put in enough to get it running. I’ll put in the correct mix to fill it up. I also need to respool it.
Kind of a hijack…I just bought a 40 volt lithium battery powered weed whip and it’s fantastic! Lots of power, have done the yard three times and still haven’t had to charge the battery. Personally I’m glad to have one less gas powered item in the garage.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
