whats the new famdangled oil to use these days?

Have you been into one that has been on amsoil.

 

I believe Belray and maxima recommend 32:1 for anything under 125cc.... but that's probably meant for bikes. I'd just go with 32:1 because the label says to and because so many people in the know recommend that.

 

I use Royal Purple

 

Got the first quart from Stumpy a few years ago and liked it.
Then found our local auto parts has it. $9 per qt. No smoke, no carbon build up, no issues.
It is good stuff!

 

Stihl HP Ultra @ 40ish:1

 

I use cheap car wash soap at 40:1 keeps my saws running clean.

 

Not that I know of.

 

Ok Ok I'll bite and play the part of the guy that is horrible at detecting sarcasm.


DUDE! That's a good way to ruin a saw! You shouldn't be running soap in it! A good synthetic oil will keep it clean, you don't need to add any soap! I'd recommend you stop that right away!

 

Alrighty robin, that test didnt last long at all.

 

Guessing here, but I bet many of the 2 cycle synthetics are made by the same manufacturer .
Then sold in bulk to distributors, they add some color dye, come up with some fancy bottle &
marketing ploy.

That said,
they all seem to work, don't hear or read about saws locking up using them.

I used a 40:1 mix of Valvoline for 30 years on my old Husqy 61, it's still runs.
The new formulas seem to smoke less, & the spark plug is cleaner, other than that, I don't notice much difference.

The EPA keeps pushing for less & less oil in the mix,
they got it to 50:1 mix with no change to the moving parts of 2 cycles.
A little more friction = a little more heat.
Hopefully the new 2-cycle oil formulas, can keep pace & keep the parts moving.

They used to run with 20:1 mix using 30 wt motor oil & leaded gasoline, smoked a lot, but they ran.
Better metallurgy, better oil helped the conversion to unleaded gas.
Now 50:1 & ethanol.

Use good oil & fresh gasoline & store the mixed gas in a sealed jug, not in your saw

My opinion for the recommended 50:1 mix,
an extra few drops of oil is better than a few drops less.

 

has anyone had continued success with Sten's (one mix)?

I see it all the time and wonder......

 

Stens is a supplier / distributer not a manufacturer.
No idea who makes their 2 cycle oils ( But usually their business model is " whoever sells it to them in bulk the cheapest" & that sometimes means different manufacturers from batch to batch)
Which matches their "Semi synthetic" label. It is a blend of different oils & synthetics, typically what ever they (or whoever does their blending & bottling) get at a good price.

"Stens® supplies quality replacement and original parts and accessories to more than 50,000 customers worldwide through its U.S. and international distribution network. Stens carries over 7,000 products including blades, belts, filters, saw chain and bars, spark plugs, internal engine parts, golf mower parts, and golf cart parts and accessories. Stens also carries a variety of universal products such as oil, lubricants, safety gear, trimmer line, tools, and hardware. In addition, Stens is the exclusive distributor of the Franzen automated chain sharpening machine and distributes Trimmer Trap trailer accessories. Stens owned brands include Silver Streak®, Mega-Fire®, StenMix®, TrueBlue®, and TruStripe®. Stens is also a respected member of the Outdoor Power Equipment Aftermarket Association(OPEAA)."

 

Sorry, my bad I thought Stens owned it.....I mean Optimol.

It is stated to cover all ratios with one gas can,
From their WS:

Opti-2 is a specialized two-cycle, single mix ratio lubricant engineered for use in all two-cycle engines, regardless of brand, model, or mix ratio. Opti-2 is rated ISO-EG-D++, the highest rating available in the stringent International Standards Organization global performance ratings system. Opti-2 meets and exceeds all equipment manufacturers rating requirements. Opti-2 is formulated utilizing patented Eutectic additive technology that provides exclusive performance results:

• One gas can covers all two-cycle engines
• Highest rated 2-cycle oil in industry
• A single mix for all two-cycle engines
• Increased performance and longer engine life
• Smoke-free operation
• Gasohol compatible
• Contains "Opti-Mizer" 24 month fuel stabilizer.

Opti-2 delivers all these features while being the most environmentally friendly two-cycle mix oil available. Opti-2's smoke reduction, and gasohol compatibility contribute to cleaner air, while up to 60% less oil is required, which helps conserve a precious non-renewable resource.

 

If you use one of those opt-2 mix 1gal packs. Your mixing 70:1. NWIH.

 

Very good stuff! JASO-D rated semi-syn for 9 bucks a quart? Yes please. I have been buying mine from the parts store as well, a lot cheaper than ultra and better oil too.

 

Don is this the one You are using
http://lucasoil.com/products/2-cycle-oil/lucas-semi-synthetic-2-cycle-oil

 

That Lucas is a good product. Clean and good lubrication. I use in in string trimmers at 40:1. Doesn't stink at all.

 

I'm running old skool... Valvoline MX2T. Have a quart or 6 left from the last case I bought before they discontinued it.

 

Fair enough - 32:1 it is! Thanks! Cheers!