How To Mix Gas & Fuel For Chainsaw For Proper Ration (Guide)

Mixing gas and fuel for a chainsaw requires high-quality gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89, 2-cycle oil specially designed for chainsaws, a clean container for fuel, and measuring tools. The gasoline should be ethanol-free to prevent damage to small engines. The container must be clean before mixing the gas and oil. Depending on the ratio recommended by the chainsaw manufacturer, a measuring cup or a bottle with an integrated measuring system might be necessary.

Chainsaws usually run on 2 cycle engines.

These may require a bit of understanding for the chainsaw owners, especially if they are used to working on 4 cycle engines.

A majority of the machines are usually 4 stoke. This means there are separate compartments for oil and gas.

However, in case of a small portable machine-like chainsaw, they are usually equipped with 2 cycle engines.

So, you need to learn the right way to ​mix ​gas & ​fuel ​for ​chainsaw in the right ration to get the best result.

For this reason, such chainsaws require a proper and mixture of oil and gas in order for the machine to work efficiently.

Using a proper gasoline to oil ratio mixture is very important in terms of making the chainsaws to have a higher longevity.

tips for properly mixing gas and fuel for a chainsaw

• Use fresh, high-quality unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 89. Old or dirty gas can cause buildup and clogging issues.
• Use a 2-stroke engine oil designed specifically for chainsaws. Common ratios are 50:1 or 40:1 gas to oil. This oil helps lubricate the engine and prevent wear.
• Never use gasoline with ethanol blends over 10% like E15 or E85. The ethanol can damage seals, gaskets and fuel lines in a 2-stroke engine.
• Use the oil and gas ratio recommended by your saw’s manufacturer. This is typically found in the owner’s manual. Over or under oiling can cause engine damage.
• Measure out the correct amounts of gas and oil into a clean gas can. Use a funnel and filters to prevent debris getting into the mixture.
• Shake the gas can vigorously to fully mix the oil and gas together before fueling your saw. The oil needs to be completely suspended in the gas.
• Label your gas can with the ratio to identify the fuel mixture. Use a permanent marker that won’t rub off.
• Store your gas/oil mixture safely in sealed containers away from any sources of heat or sparks. Discard any unused mixture after 30-60 days.
• Keep your saw’s fuel tank vent open when filling to prevent pressure buildup. Wipe up any spills.

Following the proper gas and oil ratios is crucial for lubrication and preventing damage to your chainsaw. Check your owner’s manual if unsure of the correct mixture.

a few things to consider

Many of such engines do a good job with gas but still majority of the chainsaw brand owners recommend mixing both oil and gas.

Not mixing them properly may cause troubles while pulling the starter cord.

At many occasions when the chainsaws are cold, they fail to start properly, mixing oil and gas at the particular measurement of ratio, regularly may avoid such issues.

As recommended by brand owners, just mixing the oil and gas is not enough, it has to be in the same ratio.

They have been mentioning it over and over again, in their catalogues, showrooms and advertisements so that the buyers don’t fall under false interpretations.

You want your machine to be working effectively for you, cutting whatever you want to cut in a flexible manner.

For this, the engines must be working smoothly as well and, in this scenario, good quality fuel in the right amount and in the correct way is highly essential.

​How to ​Mix Gas & Fuel For Chainsaw ​(The right Way)

If you are buying a good chainsaw from any reputable store, you are probably buying a good brand that cares about your comfort and ease of use.

The operator manual provides all the details properly, even if reading the manual don’t help you, you can always call customer service to understand the matter better.

Certainly, running the chainsaw the right way is essential for its longevity, so when you are buying the oil and gas, they have details to help you work with your machines as well.

Most chainsaw brands provide recommendations on what gas and oil to buy, which brand and from where.

Most importantly, you must acquire the oil to gas ratio chart, a table that provides exact details of what you exactly need to make your particular machine run smoothly.

In the owner’s manual, there is a section that covers how to mix oil and gas, read carefully.

Many of the brands are usually sold internationally and so they are probably indicating the international standards of measurement.

If you are confused about the metric system, you can always check the internet to help you with determining the measurements right.

Understanding the metric unit system properly will help you a lot.

Chainsaw fuel mix charts are however available everywhere, so this may clear out your confusions, even if the manuals are not helping.

Certainly, the internet helps a lot, this is one of the reasons why you are reading this.

Adding to all this, look out for how the manual indicates the ratio, it can be either oil to gas or gas to oil, don’t be confused and very carefully get yourself clear.

Because, if you start mixing the oil and gas the opposite way, it can cause your machine to malfunction, you don’t want that to be happening.

​Mixing in the 2 Cycle Engine

Mixing accurately is the prime goal here and is very important in such aspect. Even a slight miss in the measurement can cause troubles.

As you are going to work with the chainsaw, in terms of operating, focus is something very important, no matter what type of cutting you are doing.

Lack of focus can cause injuries.

Since you do have such focus, mixing the oil and gas, won’t be a big deal for you and it is good that you do it yourself rather than making others do it for you.

Also, remember not to refuel the engine while the machine is running or if the engine is hot from recent use.

This is absolutely not safe and must be avoided at any cost.

Fueling area must have plenty of ventilation, the smell is bad and you or people around you must stay healthy.

It is also good to move the machine 10 feet from the refueling site before re-starting, it allows the machine to be flexible and the oil and gas contents to work and dissolve properly.

Remember not to start the machine if you have spilled fuel on to yourself or the machine.

First clean all the spillage, make sure you, machine, the floor and the entire area is clean and then start the machine.

The remaining fuel must be allowed some time to evaporate before use.

In order to use the right type of fuel for the machine, an unleaded fuel which is of good quality is needed.

To your advantage, unleaded fuel is usually cheaper than ethanol or diesel. This works best of the 2-stroke engines.

Many chainsaw manuals would say you can use 87 octane to fuel the machine, but you should use 89 octane or higher.

This is because, using higher octane can help you prevent knocking.

Engine knocking is a condition cause by high engine temperature that can damage the engine.

It is a very common form of 2 cycle engine malfunction caused by an improper propagation of the air/fuel mixture.

Many chainsaw brands have their own branded fuel designed for the specific machines. Make sure they are FD certified.

​The Process

So, when you have made yourself comfortable with the right products for the chainsaw brand, it is time for you to begin the process of mixing. Always remember not to pour the oil directly to the gas tank on the unit.

Use a container, because this is always flexible and would allow you to pour the right amount of mixture on the unit.

A clean container intended for fuel is what you need to mix the oil and gas into that perfect ratio.

Start by filling half the amount of gasoline to be used which is usually available at a larger gasoline container.

When you pour the right of gasoline to the container, add the oil next, knowing the exact amount you need.

Usually, most fuel brands have small sizes of two stroke oil, sized up for the exact ratio you want, so in this scenario you can use the whole bottle.

There are different sizes for different ratios available, but with the gasoline ratio, the smaller one at most occasions fits better.

After you have poured all the stuff, close the cap tightly and then hold the container to shake for about ten to fifteen seconds.

This allows the mixture to dissolve properly, you can take longer if you want to be absolutely certain.

After you are done, add the remaining of gasoline to make the mixture happen in the finest manner possible.

Shake again for ten to fifteen seconds or perhaps more if you feel that way.

Once done, it is time for the mixture from the container to be poured into the unit of your chainsaw’s engine.

Untwist and remove the fuel cap and simply pour the mixture.

Make sure you pour the fuel into the tank to 80% of the capacity.

When finished, fasten the fuel cap tightly and secure ensuring that there is no room for spill.

If there is any fuel spill around the unit, wipe off properly with a clean towel or napkin.

It is important for you to take note of few things, they are simple things but very important.

For example, do not mix more than one-month supply of fuel at a time.

You need to be very economical about this, not just for financial matters but for the fact that your machine should be able to have a proper longevity and should be efficiently working.

Refilling more often doesn’t help the cause.

If the machine is not being used for an extended period of time, do not let the fuel stay in the tank.

This can harm the machine and so you must empty the tank and pour the fuel back to the container.

Make sure to clean the tank and the machine properly when you have done so, before storing it.

Cleaning the machine regularly is highly essential in order to ensure smooth functioning.

​Lubrication

Proper lubrication has many positive effects and advantages.

It makes the machine to run smoothly for a longer period of time and cause zero damages, even if you are working with the machine in between long intervals.

Most importantly, it prevents the chain from breaking.

Breaking chains can cause severe and fatal injuries and so all measures must be taken by the owners, properly, in order to prevent such injuries from happening.

You should check your chain oil properly and carefully.

A clear demonstration of good adhesion to the chain is needed in the process while maintaining it flow characteristics.

This means, the chain should be smooth enough to be performing properly in the same flow no matter what the weather condition is.

During warm summer or cold winter, the chain must be able to function at its best while causing zero damages.

Proper lubrication helps to achieve such feat.

Many chainsaw manufacturers do provide certain chain oils.

Using these oils to clean the chains allows safer use of the machine with long lasting capabilities.

Such chain oils minimize environmental damage.

As a whole, it is always good to buy products that carries no weight on environmental damage.

There are many that can be found on stores these days, do your research and you will know which one to buy.

In addition, as a matter of caution, never use waste oil. Waste oil can be very harmful and dangerous to you and your health.

It can also damage the oil pump and machine while also causing extreme damage to the environment.

Many good chainsaw brands have automatic chain lubrication system to help you with less hassle in terms of cleaning the machine.

In some of the machines, the oil flow is auto-adjustable making your life even easier.

In such machines, the saw chain oil tanks are designed in a way that makes the fuel run out before the chain oil.

However, in order to be in per with the safety features, it is important that you use the right oil.

If the oil is too thin, it may run out before the fuel.

Go on with the chainsaw brand’s recommendations and it will help you the right way.

​Final Words

In conclusion, there are many factors that goes on with the mixture of oil and gas. Knowing the ratios is the essential key.

However, taking care of your machine is also important and that is why its importance on cleaning, wiping and lubrication have been stressed.

Since many brands of chainsaws are helping to make your life easier, you may not even have to look for the ratio charts anywhere to understand the dynamics of the ratio and its importance.

The different sized fuel bottles are there to help you understand matters smoothly.

It is also important to take note, that different brands of chainsaws may have different ways of showing measures and ways of wording the documents.

If you are using machine of one brand and fuel of another brand, this may cause confusions.

This is the reason why it has been recommended to use the chainsaw of a particular well-known brand.

Such well reputed brands have all the necessary items and kits available at their disposal to help you enjoy an easier life with the chainsaw.

Certainly, your chainsaw should be the best performing and the most long-lasting machine out there.

Do the right thing by owning the right brand.