Author Topic: petrol strimmer  (Read 32717 times)

Columbus

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petrol strimmer
« on: September 11, 2006, 17:47:06 »
Hi all,

I have just been offered unlimited use of a brand new petrol strimmer,

(forget everything I ever wrote about how much I like my little battery jobbie since I had a go with a petrol one I`ve been converted)

but ... I don`t drive and so I don`t buy petrol.

Can someone please explain slowly, really really slowly, about buying and mixing petrol and oil to run a 2-stroke petrol strimmer. Starting with when I go to a petrol station what do I ask for ? I haven`t got a clue and I will be dependant on other people for help unless I can have some understanding of what I need and how to do it.

thanks, Col
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Melbourne12

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Re: petrol strimmer
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2006, 18:12:30 »
You need:

- a petrol can (They come in different colours for different fuels; I should get a silver one if available, if not a green one and write "2-Stroke mix" in magic marker on it)
- a bottle of two-stroke oil as sold for scooters and motorcycles.  You don't need specialist stuff.  If there's a choice, buy a plastic bottle with markings on the side to make measuring easier

Put exactly 5 litres of unleaded petrol into the can.

When you get home, measure the two stroke oil into the petrol.  You need to find out what mixture is needed.  Many are 40:1, so you need 125ml of 2-stroke oil to 5 litres of petrol.  If it's 30:1 you'll need approx 165ml of 2-stroke oil to your can.  If you're not sure, err on the rich side (that is putting a bit too much oil in won't hurt, but putting too little in undoubtedly will).

Screw the lid back on the petrol can and give it a bit of a shake before using the mixture in your strimmer.  You'll need to shake it each time you fill up, especially if it's been standing a while.

And that's it.   :)

tim

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Re: petrol strimmer
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2006, 18:33:24 »
A brilliant exposition, Melbourne!

Just to emphasise - that the mix can also be 20 or 25/1!!

Columbus

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Re: petrol strimmer
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2006, 06:55:57 »
Thanks Melbourne  :)

Do I get this all this from a petrol station?

(do places like B&Q or halfords do the right oil?)

Col
... I am warmed by winter sun and by the light in your eyes.
I am refreshed by the rain and the dew
And by thoughts of you...

Melbourne12

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Re: petrol strimmer
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2006, 09:28:47 »
Thanks Melbourne  :)

Do I get this all this from a petrol station?

(do places like B&Q or halfords do the right oil?)

Col

Hi, yes most petrol stations will stock it all.  You can also get the cans and oil from Halfords and B&Q.  B&Q's oil will be with the garden machinery.  You can spend quite a lot on 2-stroke oil: the posh end of the market is intended for high performance engines like racing motorbikes.  Your strimmer will be quite happy with the ordinary cooking variety. :)

As tim says, the mix can vary widely, but most modern engines tend to run a bit leaner.  Environmental issues mean that the days of the oily "2-smoke" are numbered.

delaney

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Re: petrol strimmer
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2006, 15:46:48 »
if you are not sure or confused go to the nearest plant hire company they will tell you the correct amount but in general the bottles of mix they sell are correct for 5 litres of petrol

moonbells

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Re: petrol strimmer
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2006, 16:08:22 »
Hints:
You could get a mixing bottle for 1 litre and just mix a bit at a time. That way you don't end up having to put oil in the unleaded can.

Cans are dead cheap at Tesco.

When you finish strimming, tip the unused fuel back into the bottle. Keeps better.

I got my last lot of two-stroke oil from a hire shop as they were open and nearby!

I have a vague memory that two-stroke fuel changes composition/evaporates after a while, so you don't have the correct mix of fuel and oil? So if you only strim eg a couple of times a month, if you go the 5 litre route, you'll somehow have to rejig it after a year. Again best mix a bit at a time if you aren't doing it daily!

If you do get a mixer bottle, don't rely on the markings to get the right ratio of oil, as they're pathetically bad! Best use for the unleaded, and measure the oil with something more reliable. Best thing is to measure the amount of oil for 1 litre into a small cup eg plastic seethrough disposable one, (using water in a kitchen jug!) and mark the level. Empty the water, dry thoroughly with a paper tissue and then use the cup for the oil.

moonbells
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Melbourne12

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Re: petrol strimmer
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2006, 17:26:36 »
Hints:
You could get a mixing bottle for 1 litre and just mix a bit at a time. That way you don't end up having to put oil in the unleaded can.

Cans are dead cheap at Tesco.

When you finish strimming, tip the unused fuel back into the bottle. Keeps better.

I got my last lot of two-stroke oil from a hire shop as they were open and nearby!

I have a vague memory that two-stroke fuel changes composition/evaporates after a while, so you don't have the correct mix of fuel and oil? So if you only strim eg a couple of times a month, if you go the 5 litre route, you'll somehow have to rejig it after a year. Again best mix a bit at a time if you aren't doing it daily!

If you do get a mixer bottle, don't rely on the markings to get the right ratio of oil, as they're pathetically bad! Best use for the unleaded, and measure the oil with something more reliable. Best thing is to measure the amount of oil for 1 litre into a small cup eg plastic seethrough disposable one, (using water in a kitchen jug!) and mark the level. Empty the water, dry thoroughly with a paper tissue and then use the cup for the oil.

moonbells

It's a good point about 5 litres maybe being too much.  I'd still buy a standard petrol can, though, and maybe dispense just 2 or 3 litres of petrol into it, obviously adjusting the quantity of oil accordingly.

I don't think that the oil will "go off", but the petrol certainly will.  Modern unleaded petrol is much worse than the old leaded petrol in this respect.  The various additives get deposited as a "gum" in the carburetter, which is why, as you rightly say, it's a good idea to empty the strimmer's fuel tank if it's not going to be used again for a while.

But let's not be too fussy.  ;D  Empty the tank if the machine is being laid up for the winter, not if it's going to be idle for just a week or two.  And the engine won't seize if the ratio of oil to petrol is a bit out.  If in doubt, just add a bit too much oil rather than too little.

Robert_Brenchley

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Re: petrol strimmer
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2006, 21:41:23 »
Another thing is, give it a good shake before using if the fuel's been sitting in the tank. The oil tends to settle out, and you could potentially end up running it on pure petrol with no oil.

Columbus

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Re: petrol strimmer
« Reply #9 on: September 13, 2006, 07:24:38 »
Thanks everybody, Col

Now does anyone know how to replace a toe? or the bits I could find  ;D
... I am warmed by winter sun and by the light in your eyes.
I am refreshed by the rain and the dew
And by thoughts of you...

 

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