How to Mix Chainsaw Gas in 4 Simple and Easy Steps [2024]

Richard McMann

Knowledge Based

For the long and healthy life of an engine, it is most important to put quality gasoline in it.

Fuel with a lower octane rating increase the engine’s temperature and damage the internal parts. So be mindful and never use the cheap and low-quality fuel in your chainsaw.

The answer to “How to mix chainsaw gas?” requires proper explanation!

That said, chainsaws with two-cycle engines require a special type of fuel to be mixed with gasoline.

The cause of mixing oil with gasoline is to lubricate its internal parts while it operates. If there is no oil in the fuel tank, the internal parts would seize up.

How to Mix Chainsaw Gas in 2024? A Step-by-Step Guide

Type of Gas for Chainsaw

Always go for quality gasoline. Do not rely on cheap and low octane rating fuel. You need to use at least an octane rating of 89 for your ethanol-free petrol. In this way, you would decrease the engine’s temperature and would avoid causing damage to the internal parts.

Type of Oil for Chainsaw

You can’t mix regular motor oil for your two-cycle chainsaws as it lacks several properties to lubricate a 2-cycle engine. You need a special type of fuel to be mixed with gas. Make sure when you buy it, the container has 2T, 2-cycle, or 2-stroke written over it.

Endorsed Containers

It’s obvious, you need a container for mixing gasoline and oil but make it clear not to use simple and common glass or plastic containers. Plastics become delicate with age and are not compatible with chemicals. So, you must use the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Manual (FM) approved containers.

Steps to Follow

Your gas chainsaw will likely take a 40 to 1 (40:1) or 50 to 1 (50:1) gas oil mixture. Before starting the process of the mixture, be aware of the following safety tips:

  • Move to open and well-ventilated space.
  • Away from children.
  • Make sure no one is smoking nearby.
  • Ensure your firewood chainsaw is off and has cooled down.

Step 1:

Pile up your materials:

Container approved by UL or FM.

One or more gallons of 89 octane or ethanol-free gasoline.

Three ounces or more bottles of 2-Stroke oil.

Step 2:

Pour in half of the gasoline in the approved container.

In the same way, pour in all of the oil necessary for your chainsaw’s 40:1 or 50:1.

Close the container and shake it for about 15 seconds.

Read More: Chainsaw Manual for Beginners E-Book

Step 3:

Add the rest of the gasoline and close the container to shake it for another 15 minutes.

The correct ratio of petrol and two-stroke oil for your chainsaw is very important. If it is not mixed properly your chainsaw could not run efficiently and could get damaged. Follow the chart to know how much of each type of fluid to use to achieve the correct gas to oil ratio.

Gallons of Gasoline
Fluid Ounces of Oil
1 gal.
3.2 Oz.
2 gal.
6.4 Oz.
3 gal.
9.6 Oz.
4 gal.
12.8 Oz.
5 gal.
16 Oz.

Step 4:

Pour in the mixture of oil and gas until it reaches 80% capacity of the fuel tank. Close the tank cap and wipe it up.

Important Cautions:

Only use two-cycle engine oil. Do not use regular motor oil, which contains non-combustible additives and makes your engine and its internal parts damaged.

Use gasoline with less than ten percent ethanol. If you exceed, it will attract moisture, cause a breakdown of gasoline, and lead to damage engine.

Guesses and approximate amounts cannot help you out. Make the correct ratio of mixing gasoline as it helps in lubrication to run properly.

Always mix in an approved container. Do not mix the gas and oil in the engine directly.

If you are not using your engine for more than a month, check the fuel to make sure, the mixture has not deteriorated.

Pre-mixed fuel and its benefits:

Mixing the correct ratio of fresh oil and gas is no doubt very important. Some reputable manufacturer has their own premium, pre-mixed fuel, to keep your machines smooth and safe. Some benefits of pre-mixed fuel are:

Satisfactory Performance:

Quality fuel and additives, pre-mixed fuel helps to keep your two-stroke engine enhanced, lubricated, and optimal in performance.

Time Saver:

Pre-mixed fuel is no doubt a time saver. You don’t need to measure the precise ratio of gasoline to oil. You can get it to order online.

Long-lasting:

Sealed and unopen container last for three years and open container lasts for two years. It is recommended for homeowners as they use chainsaws occasionally.

This video guide can also help you mix the right gas to fuel for your chainsaw:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct fuel mixture for chainsaws?

Most two-stroke chainsaws run on a ratio of 50:1. One part of the oil and 50 parts of gas. This ratio of oil to gas works at 2 1/2 oz of oil to each gallon of gas. However many runs on 40:1. It varies on the requirements of your machine.

How much 2-cycle oil do you put in a gallon of gas?

For a ratio of 32:1 you are supposed to put 4 fluid ounces, for 40:1 you need to put 3.2 fluid and for 50:1 you will put 2.6 fluid ounces per gallon of gas. Make sure the gas should be 89 octanes.

What is a 50 to 1 mixture?

This is one of the most common and easiest two-stroke ratios to calculate. You simply need to multiply the liter amount by two and add with zero.

Do chainsaws take regular or mixed gas?

Almost all gas-powered chainsaws require a mixture of gasoline for their fuel. It helps the engine to run properly with temperature. It keeps internal parts lubricated and hence avoids them from seizing.

Conclusion: How to Mix Chainsaw Gas?

In the article, we have discussed how to mix chainsaw gas. What are the causes of mixing it? How they avoid internal parts from seizing. Moreover, types of oil, gas, and containers are also figured out. Safety tips are provided which you must follow while mixing gasoline and oil for your chainsaw.

Richard McMann
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