Today, most snowblowers have four-cycle engines. However, many of us are still using two-cycle (two-stroke) blowers. And if you do, you must know how to mix the oil and gasoline correctly.
Too much oil in the mixture, and you will get the familiar dirty clouds of smoke you have come to hate. Guaranteed the neighbors aren’t big fans when they hear you start your machine.
As you will be using your snowblower in freezing temperatures wearing gloves is a good idea when pouring the oil and gas. We recommend the following steps in the late fall before the first snow falls appear.
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Step 1: Keep them separate
Always use two separate cans for mixing gasoline and oil. We recommend this because once you add engine oil to your gas canister, you can’t rinse it thoroughly.
Instead, fill a five-gallon gas can with unleaded gasoline. This regular gasoline is suitable for lawn mowers, snowblowers, and other power tools with a four-stroke engine.
Next, pour two gallons of the gas into a spare gas. From now on, only use this can to mix two-cycle fuel.
Step 2: Order More Oil
You should, if at all possible, avoid having to buy oil during a blizzard. Most new snow blowers are supplied with a small bottle of oil. However, this is only enough to mix around one gallon of gas.
We don’t need to tell you that one gallon won’t see you through the winter.
Instead, save yourself the hassle and order a six-pack of two-stroke engine oil. This may sound a lot. But remember, the oil contains a stabilizer, so it stays fresh.
Step 3: Adding Oil to the Gas
Typically, two-cycle engines need a gas/oil mix of 40:1 or alternatively 50:1. Check which mixture to use by consulting the owner’s manual for your specific snowblower model.
Lastly, add the appropriate volume of two-cycle oil to your two-gallon gas can. Two 2.6 ounce oil bottles is usually enough. Shake the can thoroughly to mix the oil and gas. Pour into the gas tank of your snowblower.
Advantages of Pre-Mixed Fuel
Suppose you don’t relish measuring your mixture ratios. Or smelling strongly of gasoline, buying pre-mixed fuel is the instant solution. All you need do is pour the pre-mix into the gas tank, and you’re good to go.
Buying pre-mixed two-cycle oil is very easy and takes away the guesswork involved in mixing oil and gas. You can be sure that what you pour in the tank is the correct ratio every time. The other game-changer is that unopened pre-mixed fuel has a shelf-life of around three years. Even when opened, you can safely use it for two seasons.
Now that you’ve juiced up your snowblower, it’s time to hit the snow.
