QuestionWhat is the gas to oil mix for a Poulan 34cc/16" chainsaw and if it is 40 to 1 what does that mean?
AnswerHello Bernie:
>>Sorry for the Delay, but I had a Family Emergency come up and it kept me away all day. I am Usually able to Answer Questions within 12 to 18 Hours.
>>All Two Stroke Engines will use a 50 to 1 Ratio using Today's Two Stroke Oils. I once had an Old Chainsaw probably from the 1960s, maybe Earlier 70s that had a sticker on it that said to use a 25 to 1 Fuel/Oil Ratio, but that would have been using Two Stroke Oils of the Time Period the Chainsaw was Manufactured. I was having a Problem with Oil Coming Out of the Muffler and Started Decreasing the Oil in the Gas. I Reduced the Oil Until it was a t a 45:1 Ratio and Decided to be Safe, I would Use a 40:1 Ratio Mix. In that Chainsaw I used 50 to 1 Ratio with no problems. Today's Two Stroke Oils compared to Yesteryears are more Efficient at Lubricating. It is like comparing Today's Synthetic Motor Oil to Motor Oils of Decades ago. All the Equipment I use in Landscaping, anything from a Weed Eater, Leaf Blower, Chainsaw, Hedge Trimmer, use 40 to 1 ratio, and I use all types of makes and models, Stihl, Homelite, Husqvarna, Shindaiwa, and Echo, Sears. I mix up a 5 Gallon Fuel can and use it in all of the Equipment for my Customers and for my Landscaping. I like my Fuel/Oil Ratio a Little Heavy, so I use a 40:1 Ratio. The Following was Copied and Pasted here from and MTD E-mail to me when I Asked for the OEMs Suggested Mixture for this Unit. The mixture, as described by the engine manufacturer, is a 50:1 ratio when using the approved types of 2-cycle engine oils.
>>50:1 ratio is a mix consisting of 2.5 ounces of 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon of gasoline.
>>The 2-cycle oil used should be approved and have one or more of the following specification titles: NMMA TC-WII, TC-W3, JASO FB, or JASO FC. NOTE: If unsure of the 2-cycle oil specifications, or the oil is not approved, use a 32:1 fuel to oil ratio. This ratio consists of 4 ounces of oil per one gallon of fuel.
>>NOTE: Always mix 2-cycle fuel oil and fuel in an approved gasoline safe container prior to filling the engine. Make sure to use a separate gas can for this 2-cycle fuel mixture and label it accordingly. Keep in mind that the fuel capacity of these engines normally is less than a gallon, therefore you will have to use this extra oil mixture for multiple fuel fills. Adding a fuel stabilizer will also help to increase the shelf life of fuel.
>>Now, having Said that; I am from the Old School and Believe it is Better to be Safe than Sorry. If the Engine is an Older 2 Cycle (1995 or Earlier), then the Following is Suggested.
>>If the 2 Cycle Engine is being used Commercially, then a 24:1 Ratio should be Used. Commercially is Anytime the Unit is Used in Heavy Load Conditions. Example: A Post Hole Digger should Use a Heavier Oil (24:1) to Gas Ratio than a String Trimmer (40:1 or 50:1) due to the Constant Load on the Engine.
>>a 24:1 Ratio Mix has More Oil than 32:1 Ratio.
>>If the 2 Cycle Engine is being used Personally, then a 32:1 or 40:1 Ratio should be Used.
>>40:1 Ratio means 40 Parts Gasoline to 1 Part Oil. A Mixing Chart is Usually on the 2 Cycle Oil Bottle. ***Use ONLY a 2 Cycle Oil for the Fuel Mix. Regular Engine Crankcase Oils are Not Designed as the 2 Cycle Oils and you can Cause Damage to the Internal Engine Components trying to Use an Engine Crankcase Oil for a 2 Cycle Oil.
>>Some 2 Cycle Oils have a Different Amount of Gas that is Used to Accomplish the Same Mix Ratio.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
