QuestionQUESTION: Would an incorrect oil:gas mixture lead to oil weeping out of the muffler area? Over the last couple years, I have had to wipe this area down constantly (every couple of weeks) I have never been very exact on the oil ratio, so if this is potentially the problem, then I'll address my mixing routine. If not, then I'd like to address this leaking issue as it's quite annoying getting oil stains on the side of my shirt everytime I use the trimmer.
The trimmer does run fine, though it can be a pain in the neck to start.
Thanks, RJ
ANSWER: Hello RJ:
The Excess Oil from the Muffler is from Improper Oil Mix. Lighten Up on the Oil a Small Amount. Not Too Much. To Little Oil and the Engine will Run Hotter and Seize up Due to Improper Oil Lubrication. I Use 32:1 Ratio and the Newer Trimmers are Supposed to Use a 40:1 Ratio. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I currently use a 50:1 mix. I think that is the lightest oil content already, isn't it? If so, am I still OK with lightening up on the oil? How much less oil or more gas should I use. Currently, I'm using 2.6 oz (john deere 2stroke mix) per gallon of gas. I use regular gas also. Please recommend any changes that will help with this very wet muffler condition. Thank you.
AnswerHello Again RJ:
OK. If you are Using the 50:1 Ratio Mix, then Adjust the Main Air Mixture Screw Clockwise 1/4 Turn and See if the Problem Lessens. Sometimes the Air Mixture Screws are Set too Rich and Cause this Problem. Check the Muffler and Exhaust Port for Carbon Build up that May be Restricting the Exhaust. Check the Spark Arrestor Screen in the Muffler Also. I am Not Familiar with JD 2 Cycle Oil. All My Mix is with 2 gallons of Gas to Get a 32:1 Ratio. The Air Mixture Screws being Open too Much can be the Reason for Hard Starting. I am Including a File that has the Instructions for Setting the Air Mixture Screws. Use Only the Section that Pertains to the Mixture Screws. ****All the Carburetor Adjustments are the Same for Lawn Mower and Trimmers. There are Several Location for the Air Mixture Screws. The Idle Air Mixture Screws are Usually Located at the Top of the Carburetor Bowl and the Top of the Carburetor Body. If the Main Air and Idle Air Mixture Screws are Side by Side on the Side of the Carburetor, then the Idle Air is the Farthest from the Engine. The Main Jet Air Mixture Screw is Located in the Bottom of the Carburetor Bowl or Beside the Idle Air Screw on the Side of the Carburetor Body. Some of the Older Model Carburetors have the Main Jet Mixture Screw Straight in from the Top of the Carburetor Body (this is Rare anymore). If you have Cleaned the Carburetor (Disassembled and Soaked Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air and Install a New Kit if Required. Now Setting the Air Mixture Screws: ****Turn the Idle Air and ****Main Air Mixture Screws In Until SNUG **Do Not Jam** Then Reverse Both Screws 1 1/2 Turns. Holding the Throttle Full Open, Start the Engine. Turn the Main Air Mixture Screw Clockwise Until Proper Revs are Obtained. Occasionally you May have to Turn this Counter Clockwise to Achieve the Proper Revs. Now Allow the Engine to Idle. Set the Engine Idle Screw (Not Idle Air) so the Engine will Stay Running if Required. Now Set the Idle Air Mixture Screw so there is No Hesitation when Throttling from Idle to Full Throttle. Reset the Engine Idle if Required.****
