tmh
@verizon.net
| Using 2-cycle gas in a 4-cycle engine
I ran out of regular gas for my lawnmower today. Since I was short on time, I grabbed the can with pre-mixed 2-cycle oil in the gas and used it. The lawnmower didn't seem to mind, which made me wonder. Rather than keep two separate cans, can I just run the oil/gas mix in my lawnmower? |
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Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
3 edits | Gas is gas.... 2 cycle only means you mix some oil with it of its is injected on more modern 2 cycle.
OOPS missed... I would think that lawnmower whill no complaining smoked more than normal if premixed.
Better using it up if no real problem than dumping it though.
What is the other device the mix is for.... and again how much does the mower smoke with the 2 cycle mix.
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»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West)
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Grumpy
Premium
join:2001-07-28
99999
clubs:
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1 edit | reply to tmh
In small quantities, it may not cause problems.
For long term or exclusive use of 2 cycle gas in a 4 cycle engine, I would have to believe you will foul spark plug(s), and very likely gum up the exhaust valve(s). Engines depend upon air in, and air out. A heavily gummed exhaust valve stem will reduce your air out, and may result in the engine running hotter as well.*
Best to use what the engineers call for in the owner's manual, with an eye toward correct octane as well. For instance, late model Stihl brand two cycle oil requires 89 octane (mid grade) gas.
*Call it superstition, but I like to believe it's a good idea to idle an air cooled lawnmower for a minute of three before shut down, to cool it down a bit before the fan stops turning. I could be wrong... |
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mocycler
Premium
join:2001-01-22
Naperville, IL
 ·AT&T U-Verse
·AT&T Midwest
| reply to tmh
Using 2-cycle gas in a 4-cycle engine is no big deal in a pinch if needed, but if done regularly it will foul the sparkplug and valves as previously mentioned.
If is is a engine with emissions controls you also risk messing up the sensors and sending the computer into a tizzy.
I often get rid of old gas by pouring it a little at a time into my truck. A quart or two diluted into 25+ gallons of good stuff won't hurt anything.
mocycler |
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Lurch77
Stop looking at me.
Premium
join:2001-11-22
+44.88-87.89
| reply to tmh
I agree it is fine for use in a pinch. But I would not run it all the time. Short term issues could be fouling plugs. Long term is sooting, which can cause hot spots and even scoring of the cylinder walls.
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"On a motorcycle, you're penetrating distance right along with the machine. In a car you're just a spectator; the windshield's like a TV." ~ Kenny "Von Dutch" Howard |
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tmh
@verizon.net
| reply to tmh
After running the lawnmower all day, I can say that there's no visible smoke, but the exhaust seems more stinky. Not sure about long term viability, but in a pinch it seems ok.
My lawnmower is a 24 year old, 5HP Toro. I keep waiting for that thing to die so I can get a new one, but it always starts on the first pull, even after sitting in the garage all winter. |
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nunya
SEE ROCK CITY 475 MILES
Premium,MVM
join:2000-12-23
O Fallon, MO
clubs: | reply to tmh
One instance probably wont hurt anything. I can foul the plug. Repeated use could carbon the CC and ruin the valves. |
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John Galt
Forward, March
Premium
join:2004-09-30
Happy Camp
·CenturyLink
| reply to tmh
said by tmh :
My lawnmower is a 24 year old, 5HP Toro. I keep waiting for that thing to die so I can get a new one, but it always starts on the first pull, even after sitting in the garage all winter.
That's what you get for buying that Toro crap. It just don't last...
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The man who speaks to you of sacrifice is speaking of slaves and masters, and intends to be the master.
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tmh
@qwest.net
| said by John Galt  :That's what you get for buying that Toro crap. It just don't last... It was given to me by an old neighbor who got tired of waiting for it to die... |
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John Galt
Forward, March
Premium
join:2004-09-30
Happy Camp
·CenturyLink
| said by tmh :said by John Galt :That's what you get for buying that Toro crap. It just don't last... It was given to me by an old neighbor who got tired of waiting for it to die... 
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The man who speaks to you of sacrifice is speaking of slaves and masters, and intends to be the master.
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