2 stroke oil

studdlymurphy

What oil should I use? Can I use a fully synthetic motorbike 2 stroke oil in my chainsaw? or is there a specific oil I should be using?

Reindeer

studdlymurphy wrote: »

What oil should I use? Can I use a fully synthetic motorbike 2 stroke oil in my chainsaw? or is there a specific oil I should be using?

It should work fine if you got it laying about, but it's usually not cheap. Some of them will leave more residue than others, so keep an eye on your exhaust and plug for soot just in case. Many motorcycles handle oil differently from chainsaws, though - so don't follow the same mix directions. Keep it in the 32:1 -50:1 range and you should be OK. I stick with 40:1 usually with stock saws. 32:1 in ported saws.

studdlymurphy

Thanks, Its for a stihl MS291.
Stock vs ported? I dont know what this is can you explain?
Thanks

Reindeer

Porting is a modified chainsaw - timing, port areas, ignition, and muffler are often modified. It started in the States in the 70's to get more power and efficiency out of saws used for timber work. I learned to port when I was in Washington State. I'm thinking of setting up shop here to work on Irish and UK saws. I've already sold a couple in NI.

studdlymurphy

Very good, Im not really interested in modifying the saw as it wont be doing enough work to warrant it. For that reason I want to use the best oil possible as the quantities wont be too big.

Reindeer

Not a bother. The 291 is a MUCH better saw than it's predecessor! I doubt you'd need any mods. Any quality 2 stroke oil should work. I would also check the dealers and see if STIHL or Husky synthetic is more affordable. IN the states, though, the racing motorcycle oil is the more affordable.

Jonty

http://www.aspenfuel.co.uk/

If you're not using too much, this is good stuff

studdlymurphy

I spent some time last night doing a bit of research and found that if a 2 stroke/cycle oil is classified it is either JASO FB, JASO FC and JASO FD. From what I gather (and I could be wrong) FD is best then FC and finally FB. These classifications are determined by how much lubrication the oil supplies (all three classifications are equal in this test), how much detergent the oil has, how much smoke the oil produces and how much the exhaust gets blocked. I have attached a report of whats involved for anyone interested in reading it.

studdlymurphy

Also a good site: http://www.arboristsite.com/

Oldtree

Jonty wrote: »

http://www.aspenfuel.co.uk/

If you're not using too much, this is good stuff

I concur, been using it for a while now: almost no fumes

available here (they also do a 4 stroke aspen)

http://www.mower-power.com/shannonside/product.asp?numRecordPosition=3&P_ID=776&strPageHistory=cat&strKeywords=&SearchFor=&PT_ID=206

and this bio degradable chain oil too (I contacted their local supplier and he dropped in a 5 gallon drum to outside my shed)

http://www.maxolubes.ie/lubricants-products/65-forestry/maxol-bio-degradable-chain-oil/116-material-safety-data-sheet-multi-torc-18

Reindeer

studdlymurphy wrote: »

Also a good site: http://www.arboristsite.com/

I go by reindeer on that site, too.

Reindeer

studdlymurphy wrote: »

I spent some time last night doing a bit of research and found that if a 2 stroke/cycle oil is classified it is either JASO FB, JASO FC and JASO FD. From what I gather (and I could be wrong) FD is best then FC and finally FB. These classifications are determined by how much lubrication the oil supplies (all three classifications are equal in this test), how much detergent the oil has, how much smoke the oil produces and how much the exhaust gets blocked. I have attached a report of whats involved for anyone interested in reading it.

What it boils down to is any synthetic oil is going to work well in your set up. So, I would go with what is most affordable(but I don't have money to literally burn).