Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Homelite Chainsaw, fuel mixture ratio, xl 1

Question
QUESTION: Hi I have an old Homelite chainsaw that I'm trying to get running and I was wondering the the fuel mixture ratio is for these saws. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

ANSWER: How old?  What model?  Really, really old Homelites were painted blue.  Is yours blue?

Odds are the mix is 32:1 but if you send me the model number I can tell for sure.

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi sorry about that I forgot to mention the model. It is a Homelite XL-1 Automatic. My saw is red and black. The other numbers I found on it are 50052 and 5042T449.
Thanks

Answer
32:1 is what Homelite recommended back then.  I have read where some folks are running 40:1 and even 50:1 as many of today's 2 cycles run.

I'd stick to the 32:1.  It will smoke a little more, may foul spark plugs once in a while but a richer mix will run cooler and lubricate better...makes the engine last longer.

Eric