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Tell us about your significant other, current or ex :biggrin2:

Just recently I got tired of the batteries on my Black & Decker to never be charged when I needed to do yard work and decided to buy a gas trimmer. I went for a Husqvarna 128LD because I have had good luck with Husqvarna equipment. I usually do some research before buying something, but this time I didn't just because of the name. Big mistake, as I looked into attachment compatibility, I have learned that the 128LD is a rebranded Poulan Pro PP28LD. Pulled up engine diagrams and sure enough, same parts, same engine, so back to Lowe's it went, if I wanted a Poulan I would have gotten it at Walmart for $75 less. Went to Home Depot, dropped a little more cash and got an Echo PAS-225. Now I have some Husqvarna equipment and some Echo equipment, and mixing gas separately for each seems a bit crazy, but Echo demands that only Echo oil be used, and Husqvarna - you guessed it - that only Husqvarna oil be used.

- What is the general consensus on the use of non manufacturer-recommended oil in 2 cycle engines(e.g. Husqvarna oil in Echo equipment)? Is there one oil that can safely be used across brands?

- Some people are saying that a 32:1 mix ratio is better for your engine than the standard 50:1, and that 50:1 is more of an emissions/EPA thing. What mix ratio would you recommend?

- Has anyone had any experience with the AMSOIL 2 cycle oil? Some people are using that at 100:1 mix ratio :bigeyes:.

- Some people are recommending drilling holes in the exhaust to reduce pressure caused by EPA mandated filters, and removing the spark arrestors. What do you all think, is that a good idea?

of course they want you to run there oil, they just want to sell you more stuff. i would just pick one oil and run it in both, amsoil makes quality products.

I can't comment on any of those questions in detail except the mixing rate: from what (limited) understanding I have, it's not so much the oil you use but rather how you mix it. If your machine calls for 50:1, mix it that way. If it calls for 32:1, mix it that way. At least that's the way I've understood it :Huh:

Edit: However, I will be following this thread.

Here's a link to the AMSOIL product, looks like it's the real deal. Cheap too.

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...?code=ATPPK-EA

The oil isn't an EPA thing, it's a lubrication thing. Some engines require a higher ratio for lubrication.

I run a "one bottle for all" mix. Says it will cover all mixes between 32:1 to 50:1 IIRC. Been using it for a couple years now. I have Homelite, Poulan, Echo, Stihl and McColloch 2 cylcles. One of each. LOL. I didn't want to keep 3 different jugs of gas.

cub
 

I use gallon jugs of 2 cycle mix. I have a blue quart mason jar and a shot glass 32:1, that's how it gets mixed unless i have extra boat gas 40:1 to add to it. Sometimes i see a little extra smoke, probably a good thing. Mike

What is that one oil you are using?

When I bought the new chainsaw a few years ago, Stihl had a promotion... buy a six-pack of their synthetic oil and double the length of the warranty. So I did and have been using it ever since (all my equipment is Stihl brand).

I used to use Oregon "Only One Oil" and always had good results.
http://www.oregonproducts.com/homeow...ly_one_oil.htm

If I had just bought new equipment, I would do some homework before I used off the shelf products. Although I agree that they want you buy their products so they can sell you more stuff, all oil is not created equal.

I've used Only One Oil for the last 5 years with no issues in Husky and Stihl equipment

Just run a modern 2-cycle oil in the mix specified.
I've ran Lucas 2-Cycle Land and Sea Oil semi synthetic in my three chainsaws (at 40:1) for years now. Echo's and Dolmar saws. They don't care, it's good oil and I mix it with a bit more oil too (they call for 50:1, but I work them hard at times.) I only want to mix one jug also. :)