2 cycle gas mix ratio

[AaronW]

A while back, I was given a 50 cc 1978 Honda "Hobbit" moped. I just got it running. Before the "that's even worse than a Ford" pile-on starts, I'll point out that it gets about 90 mpg, haha. Anyway, it's supposed to take a 25:1 mix of gas and oil. I mixed up some 25:1, and it smokes some when you start it up. I've heard that oil is quite a bit better now than it used to be, so what I'm wondering is, are any of you running leaner mixes than manufacturer's specs, in old 2 cycle equipment? Just wondering if maybe I could get away with a universal 50:1 mix.

Thoughts? It's a hog, that's for sure...my son has been threatening to get me one of those biker scarves with the skulls on them. But I can now drive to work for a five day week, for about four bucks. Here's more or less what it looks like, if you need a chuckle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_PA50

Aaron

 

[mlsceo]

You can go 50:1 no problem.

 

[legopnuematic]

Two wheelers are a whole ‘nother ball game when it comes to brands IMO.

My buddy and I have a pair of matching 1984 Suzuki FA50s, they were bought new together and when we got them had just over 600 miles on them. Paid $200 or $250 each for them. They are a ton of fun, especially since in Missouri you don’t need to register a 49cc and below, nor does one need a motorcycle license. It’s like driving a chair on wheels.

You must be registered for see images attach

Can’t really help on the fuel oil mix as the Suzukis have an oil pump that mixes the gas and oil together so there is a gas tank and an oil tank.

Post some pictures if you can.

 

[AaronW]

You can go 50:1 no problem.

Is that due to higher viscosity? Just curiosu about the technicalities here.

 

[AaronW]

Two wheelers are a whole ‘nother ball game when it comes to brands IMO.

My buddy and I have a pair of matching 1984 Suzuki FA50s, they were bought new together and when we got them had just over 600 miles on them. Paid $200 or $250 each for them. They are a ton of fun, especially since in Missouri you don’t need to register a 49cc and below, nor does one need a motorcycle license. It’s like driving a chair on wheels.

You must be registered for see images attach

Can’t really help on the fuel oil mix as the Suzukis have an oil pump that mixes the gas and oil together so there is a gas tank and an oil tank.

Post some pictures if you can.

You don't need a motorcycle license here in MT, but I think I do have to register it, which is a bummer, since the older lady who gave it to me has since moved, and I have neither a title nor a bill of sale. That could be interesting, so right now, I'm just hoping I don't get pulled over. I'll post a pic or two here when I think about it.

Aaron

 

[mlsceo]

Is that due to higher viscosity? Just curiosu about the technicalities here.

Oil tech has come a long way in the last 40 years.

 

[90Supurban]

I think the mix ratio has more to do with the brand of 2 stroke oil than it does the engine manufacturer. If you think about it, the lubricity needs of 1 brand of 2 stroke engine should be the same as any other engine brand. Any more, I just run Stihl oil and mix 50:1 per their recommendation, and would not be afraid to use it in any 2 stroke motor. Stihl makes conventional (orange bottle) and synthetic (silver bottle), both of the same mix ratio. They also sell it in small (1-1.5 oz?) bottles made to mix exactly 1 gallon of fuel, so very easy to do, especially with my limited need of 2 stroke fuel anymore. You can buy a 6-pack of the little bottles.

 

[mlsceo]

Yep, I buy the 5-gal bottles by the case and use 50-1 in all my 2-stroke equipment. The synthetic does a better job of keeping carbon build up out of your exhaust ports.

 

[AaronW]

Yep, I buy the 5-gal bottles by the case and use 50-1 in all my 2-stroke equipment. The synthetic does a better job of keeping carbon build up out of your exhaust ports.

That's good to know, about the synthetic. Obviously 40:1 would be cpear to run, too, since I would buy half the amount of oil. I bought a quart, but I think when that runs out, I'll spring for a whole gallon. Thanks for the advice,

Aaron

 

[AaronW]

I think the mix ratio has more to do with the brand of 2 stroke oil than it does the engine manufacturer. If you think about it, the lubricity needs of 1 brand of 2 stroke engine should be the same as any other engine brand. Any more, I just run Stihl oil and mix 50:1 per their recommendation, and would not be afraid to use it in any 2 stroke motor. Stihl makes conventional (orange bottle) and synthetic (silver bottle), both of the same mix ratio. They also sell it in small (1-1.5 oz?) bottles made to mix exactly 1 gallon of fuel, so very easy to do, especially with my limited need of 2 stroke fuel anymore. You can buy a 6-pack of the little bottles.

That's what I do for my chainsaw and my weedeater; I figure with my moped, though, I might as well buy it in bigger quantities and save some money, since saving money is the whole point.

Thanks for the info,

Aaron

 

[mlsceo]

That's good to know, about the synthetic. Obviously 40:1 would be cpear to run, too, since I would buy half the amount of oil. I bought a quart, but I think when that runs out, I'll spring for a whole gallon. Thanks for the advice,

Aaron

When I say 5 gal bottles I mean the bottle of oil is 12.8 fluid oz. which is the correct amount of oil to mix with 5 gal of gas for a 50:1 mix ratio. You can also buy smaller bottles for 1 gal or 2.5 gal of gas. The individual bottles save having to measure oil quantities yourself, really convenient.

 

[skysurfer]

I was reading a moped forum about this. Seems guys run their Hobbits somewhere in the 30-50:1 range, and they all claim it “runs great” on whatever mixture they’re using. My thoughts would be to split the difference at 40:1 with a high quality oil, read the plug, and adjust if necessary.

 

[idahovette]

Any body run the quart "canned " 40:1 or 50:1 gas in chain saws or other small mix engines?

 

[mlsceo]

My son runs the canned stuff in his motorized kayak. Runs fine and convenient if you don't use a lot of fuel.

 

[90Supurban]

Never ran the canned fuel, but I always use recreational gas for small engines, as it has no alcohol to gum up the carbs.