Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): weed whacker, stroke engine, straight gas

Question
QUESTION: My son filled the weed whacker with straight gasoline - he forgot to mix oil in.  He ran it for a couple of hours.  What should we do?  It is a 2 stroke engine.  Thank you.

ANSWER: Hello Lisa:

Excuse Me. Did you Mean to Say a Couple of Minutes Instead of Hours? Usually a 2 Cycle will Run a Few Minutes with Straight Gas and then Lock Up. Did this Engine Lock Up? Remove the Muffler and Look Into the Exhaust Port. You can Inspect the Piston and Cylinder this Way. Is the Cylinder and Piston Smooth or Do They have Scratches and Grooves Cut Into them? If the Cylinder and Piston are Still Smooth, then for Some Reason there was No Damage Done and you are Very Lucky. If there are Scratches and Grooves, then the Engine is Trashed. Send me the Model Numbers Off the Trimmer, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. 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: Dear John,

It was about 3 hours!  But, my son uses the same gas can everyday to mix the oil and gas and fill it up.  Could there have been enough residue of oil leftover in the gas can?  The pistons look good and we feel so lucky!  Thank you for your prompt answer.

Lisa

Answer
Hello Again Lisa:

LOL. It Must Have Been Enough. I have Never in 30 Years Heard of this. But as I Say, When Working on Mechanical Equipment; Do Not Discount Anything from Happening. If the Cylinder and Piston Are Smooth, then Increase the Oil to Gas Ratio few Tank Fulls. I Usually Suggest 32:1 Ratio, but in your Situation I Suggest you Mix a 28:1 Ratio for 1 Fuel Mixing Anyway. A 2 Cycle Engine Gets it Lubrication from the Oil in the Gas and I am Sure the Wrist Pin and Connecting Rod can Some a Little Extra Right About Now. It May Smoke a Little More, but Once you Go Back to the Reg Mix you were Using the Smoke will Return to Normal. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John