Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Chain saw burn out, piston rings, straight gas

Question
John,
I was using a Poulan 16" chain saw rather heavily and it just stopped.  It lost compression due to the piston becoming scored, by debris in the cylinder, I assume.  I replaced the piston and it worked fine, but after heavy usage, again, it stopped and lost compression.  I threw it out.  I just figured it was a cheap saw and not up to heavy usage.  But then, a similar thing happened to a Poulan leaf blower; after heavy usage, it stopped working.  It lost compression, as well.  And recently, a friend informed me that his Stihl chain saw wouldn't start.  He took it in to a shop and they said the piston was shot and that someone put straight gas in the chainsaw.  I believe I may have filled it with the same gas/mix I used for my tools.  I thought I had it mixed right.  I'm wondering if these all may be related to the same problem?  Is there a way to determine if the gas / mix is correct?  Can I take it to a shop and have them test my existing mixture to confirm if the gas is mixed, and what ratio it is?  Thank you.  

Also, I was told that using mid-grade or premium gas in the gas/mix will help the engine to run cooler.  Is that correct and advisable?

Thanks again!

Rick Weingartner

Answer
Hello Rick:

Using a Middle or Premium Grade Gas will Assist the Engine in Running Cooler, but Not that Much Cooler. Very, Very Few Small Engine Shops (or Any Shop for that Matter) are Equipped to Check the Oil Ratio of Gas. I Suggest you Pour this Fuel Mix Into you Mower Gas and Mix a New 2 Cycle Gas. If you are Using the 50:1 Ratio, then Up the Oil to 40:1. If the Ratio was 40:1, then 32:1 is a Better Ratio for Heavy Use. I Use the 40:1 Ratio (in a Marked Gas Can) in All my 2 Cycle Equipment and have Good Service from this Mix for Regular Yard Maintenance. However, if there is Going to be Heavy Work Involved (a lot of Trees to Cut Down and Such) then I Use a 32:1 Ratio that is Mixed in a Separate Gas Can and is Marked 32:1 Fuel Mix. Remember that the Piston, Rings, Wrist Pin and Connecting Rod get the Lubrication from the Amount of Oil in the Gas. The Heavier the Oil the Better the Lubrication. You do have a Draw Back with a Heavier Oil Mix. The Excess Oil will be Blown Out the Exhaust and Muffler and this Causes an Oily Mess. The 2 Cycle Oils of Today are Designed Better than the Older 2 Cycle Oils and Usually a 50:1 or 40:1 Mixture is Suggested for NORMAL USE. Tree Service Companies Usually Use the 32:1 Ratio Fuel Mix for their Equipment as the Work they Perform Using their Equipment is Usually for Long Periods and Heavy Usage. 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. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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