We're an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!
Are you thinking about buying a gas powered chainsaw? If so, you may wonder if it takes mixed gas. In this blog post, we answer that question. We will also give you some tips on how to mix the fuel properly for your chainsaw. We hope you find this information helpful!
Do chainsaws take mixed gas?
The correct answer is: two-cycle chainsaws take mixed gas. Four-cycle chainsaws do not. And obviously, electric or battery powered chainsaws don’t take gas at all.
Chainsaws are a versatile tool that you can use for a variety of tasks, from trimming branches to felling trees.
While a few chainsaws these days run on straight unleaded gasoline, most models require a mixture of gas and oil.
Why do chainsaws need mixed gas?
Good question! Every engine needs lubrication. Most engines stay in one position. Cars, trucks, mowers, tillers etc all maintain a fairly level orientation at all times. They get lubricated by pumping or slinging the oil from the oil reservoir to the cylinders and other moving parts.
This is not true for chainsaws, weed eaters and leaf blowers. These machines need to work vertically, horizontally, upside down and right side up. If you turned any of the engines listed above upside down, the oil would drain into the cylinders and cause major problems.
Mixed gas with oil has solved that problem by allowing engines to be turned 360 degrees without interruption of lubrication.
How can you tell if your chainsaw requires mixed gas?
If you’re not sure what kind of fuel your chainsaw requires, it’s always best to consult the owner’s manual.
You can also check the fuel cap. If your chainsaw takes a gas/oil mix, you will see a symbol for a gas pump and a symbol for an oil can with a plus sign in between. Many fuel caps will also have the ratio of gas to oil mixture.
Another way to tell if your chainsaw uses mixed gas is to look for notations of 2-cycle. All 2-cycle engines take mixed gas.
When all else fails, search the internet for the proper fuel ratio for your chainsaw.
Use care when mixing gas and oil for your chainsaw
When mixing fuel for a chainsaw, it’s important to use the correct ratio of gas to oil.
If you use too much oil, it can cause the engine to smoke and may even damage the chainsaw.
On the other hand, not enough oil can also cause problems, as it may not lubricate the engine properly and can lead to excessive wear.
The best way to ensure that you’re using the correct ratio is to use a pre-measured oil that’s specifically designed for your chainsaws. Simply add the pre-measured container to the specified amount of gas (usually one or two gallons) and you are set.
This will save you the hassle of having to measure the oil yourself and will also help to prolong the life of your chainsaw.
If you do need to mix the fuel yourself, be sure to follow the directions carefully and always use a clean, empty container.
Never mix fuel for a chainsaw in an old gas can, as this can lead to contamination.
By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your chainsaw will run smoothly and efficiently.
What Happens If I Put Raw Gas in a Chainsaw?
Engine Heats Up
The engine of your chainsaw is designed to run on a mixture of gas and oil. If you use raw gas, the engine will run hotter than normal and this could cause damage. The oil in the mixture helps to keep the engine cool, so without it, the engine will overheat.
Damage to the Chainsaw
Using raw gas in your chainsaw can also damage the components of the saw. The oil in the mixture lubricates the moving parts and prevents them from overheating and breaking down. Without this lubrication, the chainsaw will be subject to more wear and tear and will eventually break down.
Piston Seized
One of the most serious consequences of using raw gas in a chainsaw is that the piston can seize. This happens when the piston gets too hot and sticks to the cylinder wall. Once this happens, the chainsaw will no longer be able to run and will need to be repaired or replaced.
If you’re not sure whether your chainsaw takes mixed gas, it’s always best to check the owner’s manual. This will tell you the correct fuel mixture for your saw.
It’s also important to use fresh gas when filling up your chainsaw. Gas that has been sitting around for a while can deteriorate and cause problems.
With proper care and maintenance, your chainsaw will provide years of reliable service. But using the wrong fuel can cause serious problems and shorten the life of your saw. So be sure to use the correct mixture of gas and oil in your chainsaw.
Ruined Engine
If you do use raw gas in your chainsaw, the engine will be ruined and will need to be replaced. This is a very costly repair and most warranties do not cover it.
So if you’re not sure whether the mixed gas is right for your saw, err on the side of caution and don’t use it. Spending an extra $5 or $10 dollars to get a new gas container, gas and 2-cycle oil is worth it in the long run.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your chainsaw.
Correcting the Problem
If you have put raw gas in your chainsaw, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.
First, drain the gas tank and add the correct mixture of gas and oil.
Next, run the chainsaw for a few minutes to see if it is running properly.
If the chainsaw is still not running correctly, take it to a qualified repair shop for further diagnosis and repair.
FAQs:
Do chainsaws take mixed gas?
Yes, chainsaws typically use a mixture of gasoline and oil.
What is the ratio of gas to oil for a chainsaw?
The ratio of gas to oil varies depending on the model. The ratio is usually listed on the fuel cap. As a precaution, I use a universal 2-cycle engine oil that is good for 50:1, 40:1, 32:1 or 16:1.
What type of oil should I use in my chainsaw?
You should use a high-quality, two-stroke engine oil in your chainsaw.
How do I mix the fuel for my chainsaw?
To mix the fuel for your chainsaw, simply add the oil and gas to a clean container and mix thoroughly.
How do I store mixed gas for my chainsaw?
You should store mixed gas for your chainsaw in a clean, sealed container.
How long does mixed gas last?
Mixed gas typically lasts for up to six months.
Tips:
- Always use a clean, sealed container to store mixed gas.
- Never mix gas and oil directly in the chainsaw fuel tank.
- Be sure to mix the fuel thoroughly before use.
- Never use expired or contaminated fuel in your chainsaw.
As you can see, it is perfectly fine to use mixed gas in your chainsaw. Just be sure to follow the tips above to ensure that your chainsaw runs smoothly and safely.
Conclusion
Most chainsaws are designed to run on a mixture of gas and oil. The oil in the mixture lubricates and helps to keep the engine cool. So without it, the engine will overheat. Without this lubrication, the chainsaw will be damaged beyond repair in a short time.
If you’re not sure whether your chainsaw takes mixed gas, it’s always best to check the owner’s manual.
With proper care and maintenance, your chainsaw will provide years of reliable service. But using the wrong fuel can cause serious problems and shorten the life of your saw. So be sure to use the correct mixture of gas and oil in your chainsaw.