Best Oil

[woodchipper95]

What oil do you use in your 2 stroke mix? Does it make a difference, I always used the cheap stuff.

[AdkStihl]

Is this a joke?

[Yatt]

Is this a joke?

X2 8)

[Furu]

Probably not a joke. There are many folks who really believe there is no difference and the cheapest is the best.  They do not care what happens to their equipment long term and do not take good care of it.

IMO:
the use of Stihl HP Ultra can not be beat by any product and is worth the very slightly higher price that is paid for it. It comes in white or silver containers.  They changed colors  a couple of years back. 

I will not even put the other two lower grades: Stihl High performance -orange container, and Stihl HP Super - Black container, in my equipment as they are not as good.  Do not get me started on the so called cheap stuff. 
If you are going to purchase good quality equipment treat it well and it will last a long time.  Do not put junk in it.

[shelbycharger400]

I run two cycle oil I pick up at orileys.  I figure if it's good enough for jet skis and snow machines it's good nough for saws.   on that note,  I mixed some gas last night,  it was 15 below and it didn't want to pour so I left it in the truck for a while.  I've been using it for a few years, no problems  at 40 to 1 .  my saws do smoke a bit but plugs are never fouled. My 670 and 630 jonsered scream compared to buddys 70 jonsereds.    to date I've used around 4 or 5 qt bottles of the oil

[beenthere]

Best?  Don't figure I know.

What I use is the Stihl High Performance (in the orange bottle) and have used since my first new Stihl saw in 1975. Never lost a saw and going on 39 years now.
So can't say what is best, or how this oil could be better.

[Ianab]

I avoid anything that's suspiciously cheap (There must be a reason) and anything that's crazy expensive (little added benefit for a premium price)

Then I'm happy with any quality oil from a major manufacturer.

I've used Stihl oil, but it was a bit pricey. Reading the small print on the back "Made in NZ by Castrol Oil". Hardware store has Castrol brand oil, in the same container, but with a different colour dye and label. It's cheaper, and I suspect it's the exact same stuff. So that's what I usually buy now.

Ian

[AdkStihl]

I run two cycle oil I pick up at orileys.  I figure if it's good enough for jet skis and snow machines it's good nough for saws.   on that note,  I mixed some gas last night,  it was 15 below and it didn't want to pour so I left it in the truck for a while.  I've been using it for a few years, no problems  at 40 to 1 .  my saws do smoke a bit but plugs are never fouled. My 670 and 630 jonsered scream compared to buddys 70 jonsereds.    to date I've used around 4 or 5 qt bottles of the oil

2-Cycle oil (TCW-3) designed for liquid cooled jet-skis and/or snowmobiles is not designed to be run in an aircooled chainsaw.

TCWIII means two cycle water cooled 3rd generation of standards. Chainsaws are two cycle but far from liquid cooled. TCW rated oils have no where near the low or no ash capabilities of a modern FC or FD rated oil. In fact the TCW rating system hasn't even been upgraded or changed since the early 90's. Why chance your saws well being for a few bucks?

[goose63]

I use tall timber put 3 2.6 oz bottles in 2.5 gallons of gas after 14 years the old jred 2171 still runs like a champ 8)

[mad murdock]

    :new_year:

[woodchipper95]

Thanks guys I will use Stihl HP Ultra, I have some from when I bought my weed-eater (free oil).  I really do not know why people feel the need to put others down on these sites... Wait let me guess you came out the womb running saws smiley, sorry guys I am only 18 and do not know everything about saws.

I like to learn and know what's best.  :P

[woodchipper95]

Is this a joke?

[thecfarm]

I use the husky bottles. I also use the highest grade of gas at my local station for all my small motors. I have no idea if any of if really makes a diffeance,but it makes me happy.

[woodchipper95]

I use 97 gas in my car and I do get better mpg's.

[Higgins]

Chalk up another for Stihl HP Ultra.

[thecfarm]

Start to use it in your small engines too. I have no idea if it helps.but it is a better fuel,can't hurt. 

[woodchipper95]

Start to use it in your small engines too. I have no idea if it helps.but it is a better fuel,can't hurt. 

I do. My Eager Beaver defiantly runs best with 97.

[martyinmi]

  :new_year:

You'll need to be sharing that stuff!!! :D

Where's good 'ol unkie Al?

He'll surely have a dog in this fight!

[thecfarm]

He's awful quiet.   ;D  Not like him at all with a thread like this. The title says it all.

[Ianab]

Thanks guys I will use Stihl HP Ultra, I have some from when I bought my weed-eater (free oil).  I really do not know why people feel the need to put others down on these sites... Wait let me guess you came out the womb running saws smiley, sorry guys I am only 18 and do not know everything about saws.

I like to learn and know what's best.  :P

It's a reference to various "Oil Wars" threads that are the stuff of legend on any chainsaw site. Occasionally someone gets bored and tries to spark it off again just to get a reaction.

[WmFritz]

Where's good 'ol unkie Al?

Marty, you are relentless.  smiley_devilish

[WmFritz]

Thanks guys I will use Stihl HP Ultra, I have some from when I bought my weed-eater (free oil).  I really do not know why people feel the need to put others down on these sites... Wait let me guess you came out the womb running saws smiley, sorry guys I am only 18 and do not know everything about saws.

I like to learn and know what's best.  :P

I don't think anything was meant as a put down woodchipper. The oil debates here, as Ianab said, is a hot topic. A search on oil here will get you loads of discussions. Just like the Ford-Chevy-Dodge wars or g**ts vs. potatoes fights. Actually you'll find oil wars on any forum that pertains to internal combustion engines. Whether it's chainsaws, tractors, snowmobiles or Corvettes, you'll find lively discussions. You'd do well to sift through all advice offered and decide on the oil that's best for you. Above all though, your asking for mechanical problems with dirt cheap oil.

[woodchipper95]

Just read this thread and now I understand... well that was more a ratio thing than it was what brand.

Proud to say ill be running 40:1 Hp Ultra, Thanks guys.

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,70686.0.html

[Higgins]

Proud to say ill be running 40:1 Hp Ultra, Thanks guys.

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,70686.0.html

Atta boy! That's the stuff.

[DDDfarmer]

I buy the gallon jugs of premium skidoo oil at Canadian tire when they come on sale.  I saved all the 500ml oil bottles I could and fill them from the gallon.  For the saws I mix 5 gallons at a time at 40/45:1 with fuel stabil also.  It's kept in a 5 gallon CN can with the caps on in the back of cold garage, can sit there for 6 months and its still good never goes bad.

[mmartone]

I have been using this Lucas semi synth oil, seems clean, little to no smoke, nothing broke yet.

https://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=290&catid=17&loc=show

[martyinmi]

Thanks guys I will use Stihl HP Ultra, I have some from when I bought my weed-eater (free oil).  I really do not know why people feel the need to put others down on these sites... Wait let me guess you came out the womb running saws smiley, sorry guys I am only 18 and do not know everything about saws.

I like to learn and know what's best.  :P

Many apologies young lad! And welcome to the Forestry Forum!
I should have looked at your post count and profile before I said anything.
Folks on this site do an awful lot of good natured "picking" back and forth once they get to know one-another.

A lot of the guys who frequent this site have forgotten much more than two of me will ever know pertaining to saws, oils, gas, octanes, ethanol, methanol, porting, polishing, muffler modding, chain sharpening, chain selection, bar composites, chainsaw competitions,maintenance, etc.

And.....just so you know, McCulloch and Homelite are the two best saws ever built.

Pull up a chair and read and contribute when you can. 8)

[martyinmi]

Where's good 'ol unkie Al?

Marty, you are relentless.  smiley_devilish

Isn't it biblical to "do unto as you'd be done to"? ;D :D

[ahlkey]

I converted  three years ago to nothing but synthetic oil.  My newer saws actually says synthetic oil is required!  Appears to have some advantages in cold weather starting, smokeless, etc...  I use Saber Professional by Amsoil and mix it at 80:1

[WmFritz]

Isn't it biblical to "do unto as you'd be done to"? ;D :D

:D :D :D
   Yea... and He who pokes at the Sleeping Bear with his long stick,
better be wearing his track shoes!  ( an old saying)

[sawguy21]

I converted  three years ago to nothing but synthetic oil.  My newer saws actually says synthetic oil is required!  Appears to have some advantages in cold weather starting, smokeless, etc...  I use Saber Professional by Amsoil and mix it at 80:1

80:1 ??? You trying to get Al and a few others going? :D

[mad murdock]

Woodchipper you done good, and welcome to the Forestry Forum. I posted the popcorn smileys, because I was looking forward to settling in and watching the fray. You asked an honest question, and you looked up a good thread on here and formulated an edumicated answer to your question. I personally have been running powersaws, logging equipment and other heavy equipment, along with being a seasoned mechanic of sorts, do not subscribe to this brand over that type of argument. I look for quality and value. There are a lot of good oils out there, you do get what you pay for to some extent, I don't buy the bargain basement priced cheap stuff, but whatever 2 stroke oil I run, I mix 32:1 and have never had an issue over literally thousands of hours of operation with many saws giving literally years of service and I still have a healthy stable of older saws( well no 2 man bone shakers, or anything like that), mostly 10 series macs(my favs).  Good luck and keep reading. You will get a lot of good info from guys on here.

[Andyshine77]

I converted  three years ago to nothing but synthetic oil.  My newer saws actually says synthetic oil is required!  Appears to have some advantages in cold weather starting, smokeless, etc...  I use Saber Professional by Amsoil and mix it at 80:1

80:1 ??? You trying to get Al and a few others going? :D

Others like who? ;D :D

I keep telling myself to stop posting in oil threads, but I simply can't resist. 8)

If I had the bank, I'd love to do an end all 2T oil comparison/test. I've thought about it long and hard, the logistics involved are a nightmare. From setting up a test cell, to simply the time involved. They're a few who have done some testing, but it was limited, and definitely not even close to being scientific IMHO.

OEM oils are fine and will cause no harm to any engine when used properly. HP Ultra is the best OEM oil out there, however ester based MX oils are available, and often at a lower cost than OEM oils. You can buy a 1/2 gallon of Maxima k2 for $35.00 and a gallon of Motul 800 for $64. I think a gallon of Ultra is right at $100

:new_year:     

[bandmiller2]

I'am old and struggle to keep up with this world and its many changes. Almost any 2cyc. oil will give good service if mixed proper. But we have available synthetics that are an improvement and the prudent wood slasher should take advantage of them for the little extra cost. Frank C.

[bandmiller2]

Marty,I think we snuck daylight past the rooster, probably Al is out moving snow. Frank C.

[7sleeper]

@woodchipper95

I believe that we have to clarify myths and try to be more objective by adding neutral testing criteria to this debate! I am going to quote myself from another thread simply because I don't like rewriting everything.

"As I've said here to many times I don't care what name is one the bottle as long as it is

1. fullsynthetic for air cooled engines
2. fullfills the folowing norms API TC, JASO FC/FD, ISO L-EGD

Then it's ok for me. The above norms dictate

Specification by ISO-L-Norm = GLOBAL Norm(European norm)
Class => engine Performance
ISO-L-EGB (Global GB) => middle(= JASO FB)
ISO-L-EGC (Global GC) => middle and smokeless (= JASO FC)
ISO-L-EGD (Global GD) => high performance and smokeless (> JASO FD)

Specification by API-Norm (US norm)
Class => engine Performance
API-TA (TSC-1) => Mopeds
API-TB (TSC-2) => Motorscooters and Motorcycles
API-TC (TSC-3) => high performance engines
API-TD (TSC-4) => Outboardengines equivalent to NMMA TC-WII

Specification by JASO-Norm (Japanese norm)
Class => engine Performance
JASO (M345) FA => low
JASO (M345) FB => middle
JASO (M345) FC => middle and smokeless
JASO (M345) FD => high performance and smokeless

Translated by me from the german wikipedia page. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmieröl

Stihl HP Ultra does NOT fullfill the top norms!

7 "

So going by these industry independent norms

Stihl HP Ultra fullfills only JASO-FB, ISO-L-EGB
http://www.stihl.de/STIHL-Produkte/Zubeh%C3%B6r-und-Betriebsstoffe/Kraft-und-Schmierstoffe/Kraftstoffe-Motoren%C3%B6le-und-Kettenhaft%C3%B6le/21356-1740/Zweitaktmotoren%C3%B6l-HP-Ultra.aspx

Stihl HP Super fullfills JASO-FD, ISO-L-EGD
http://www.stihl.de/STIHL-Produkte/Zubeh%C3%B6r-und-Betriebsstoffe/Kraft-und-Schmierstoffe/Kraftstoffe-Motoren%C3%B6le-und-Kettenhaft%C3%B6le/21142-1740/Zweitaktmotoren%C3%B6l-HP-Super.aspx

So personaly I wouldn't buy HP Ultra, because it simply isn't on top!

No doubt it surely is a good oil, but it surely is not and never will be the one and only marketing and so many believers here on this site and others try to tell you!

So if you go shopping for oil just look on the back of the bottle and there should stand

1. fullsynthetic for air cooled engines
2. the folowing norms API TC, JASO FC/FD, ISO L-EGD

then you are buying a top of the line 2 stroke oil of neutral testing conditions!!!

There are many generic brands out there that fullfill the above and cost much less than the hype stuff!

Good luck!

7

[thecfarm]

In all seriousness I was concerned about Al. He has not responded to this post. But he was on this morning.  ;D That makes me feel better.

[JohnG28]

In all seriousness I was concerned about Al. He has not responded to this post. But he was on this morning.  ;D That makes me feel better.

It takes restraint to stay away! :D I won't contribute to the battle though...

[Kevin W]

I agree with "7sleeper", The specifications on the bottle are what really count. I work in a chainsaw shop and we have definitely seen engine failures when using cheap hardware store oil! The old slower running saws can take cheap oil ok, but the newer high revving saws are a lot more picky about what oil you can use. What we usually tell people is to use a major equipment manufactures oil such as Husqvarna, Stihl, Jonsered Echo ect. They are standing behind their equipment so you can count on it that they aren't selling junk oil. Have any of you used Echo or Shindiwa's Red Armor oil?

[k9klf]

I'm glad so many points of view are available for engine oils. I will certainly be buying better oil for all of my husqvarnas. As for the 97, or sometimes called "recreational" gasoline, we learned it is the only option for small engines because all lower octane gasolines contain ethanol. Ethanol gums up carbs and fosters corrosion in metal tanks eventually plugging up filters or ports. My saws ran just fine on ethanol gas, but the problems arose when saws sat for a week or more with that fuel in the tanks. They did not want to start and ran rough for much longer than with the 97. I took that a step further and switched to 97 in my cars and even with the higher per gallon cost, get better milage  results with 97 than any of the blended fuels. Anyone else try this in their cars?

[AdkStihl]

Above all standards  ;)



 

[beenthere]

. Anyone else try this in their cars?

I run it in the car all the time (as well as the other gas users).
As you say, get 10% better fuel mileage and the additional cost per gallon over the 10% ethanol mix is only 6%. 

[7sleeper]

Above all standards  ;)



 

Motul 800 is only a API TC fullsynthetic oil, so it fits into my description and seems to be ok. ;)

7

[martyinmi]

In all seriousness I was concerned about Al. He has not responded to this post. But he was on this morning.  ;D That makes me feel better.

It takes restraint to stay away! :D I won't contribute to the battle though...

I'll stay out of the battle too, but I'm just wondering:

"Oh where, Oh where has my uncle Al gone, Oh where, Oh where can he be"?  :D :D :D

[woodchipper95]

@woodchipper95

I believe that we have to clarify myths and try to be more objective by adding neutral testing criteria to this debate! I am going to quote myself from another thread simply because I don't like rewriting everything.

"As I've said here to many times I don't care what name is one the bottle as long as it is

1. fullsynthetic for air cooled engines
2. fullfills the folowing norms API TC, JASO FC/FD, ISO L-EGD

Then it's ok for me. The above norms dictate

Specification by ISO-L-Norm = GLOBAL Norm(European norm)
Class => engine Performance
ISO-L-EGB (Global GB) => middle(= JASO FB)
ISO-L-EGC (Global GC) => middle and smokeless (= JASO FC)
ISO-L-EGD (Global GD) => high performance and smokeless (> JASO FD)

Specification by API-Norm (US norm)
Class => engine Performance
API-TA (TSC-1) => Mopeds
API-TB (TSC-2) => Motorscooters and Motorcycles
API-TC (TSC-3) => high performance engines
API-TD (TSC-4) => Outboardengines equivalent to NMMA TC-WII

Specification by JASO-Norm (Japanese norm)
Class => engine Performance
JASO (M345) FA => low
JASO (M345) FB => middle
JASO (M345) FC => middle and smokeless
JASO (M345) FD => high performance and smokeless

Translated by me from the german wikipedia page. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmieröl

Stihl HP Ultra does NOT fullfill the top norms!

7 "

So going by these industry independent norms

Stihl HP Ultra fullfills only JASO-FB, ISO-L-EGB
http://www.stihl.de/STIHL-Produkte/Zubeh%C3%B6r-und-Betriebsstoffe/Kraft-und-Schmierstoffe/Kraftstoffe-Motoren%C3%B6le-und-Kettenhaft%C3%B6le/21356-1740/Zweitaktmotoren%C3%B6l-HP-Ultra.aspx

Stihl HP Super fullfills JASO-FD, ISO-L-EGD
http://www.stihl.de/STIHL-Produkte/Zubeh%C3%B6r-und-Betriebsstoffe/Kraft-und-Schmierstoffe/Kraftstoffe-Motoren%C3%B6le-und-Kettenhaft%C3%B6le/21142-1740/Zweitaktmotoren%C3%B6l-HP-Super.aspx

So personaly I wouldn't buy HP Ultra, because it simply isn't on top!

No doubt it surely is a good oil, but it surely is not and never will be the one and only marketing and so many believers here on this site and others try to tell you!

So if you go shopping for oil just look on the back of the bottle and there should stand

1. fullsynthetic for air cooled engines
2. the folowing norms API TC, JASO FC/FD, ISO L-EGD

then you are buying a top of the line 2 stroke oil of neutral testing conditions!!!

There are many generic brands out there that fullfill the above and cost much less than the hype stuff!

Good luck!

7

So which oil has all these?

[7sleeper]

Exactly that is the right attitude. The name for me is unimportant. Since I donot live in your area I cannot recomend what to buy. I get a generic brand from a motorcycle accessory chain that fullfills my criteria and costs less than half of Stihl oil. I saw that "Castrol 12899 Power RS TTS 2-Stroke Motor Oil" fullfills all norms. Might want to look for that or something similar.
As I said before you will just have to check what is written on the bottle.

7

[Andyshine77]

Keep in mind the standards have limited criteria, UP ultra burns much cleaner than HP super, however do to it's higher flash point is produces a little more smoke. Ester oils with high flash points normally do. HP super burns dirty compared to more modern formulas, this is fact, not just an opinion. In fact Stihl had really bad carbon issues in their 4-mix engines with HP Super. Many of the best racing oil don't even have any certification, do to the high price of the testing. I've been in many high hour engines and older oils like HP super lubricate just fine, but run dirty in the long run, in 4-mix engines it became an issue much faster.

[John R]

IMO:
the use of Stihl HP Ultra can not be beat by any product and is worth the very slightly higher price that is paid for it. It comes in white or silver containers.  They changed colors  a couple of years back. 

I will not even put the other two lower grades: Stihl High performance -orange container, and Stihl HP Super - Black container, in my equipment as they are not as good.  Do not get me started on the so called cheap stuff. 
If you are going to purchase good quality equipment treat it well and it will last a long time.  Do not put junk in it.

+1


Didn't know Stihl made an oil in a black bottle.

[Andyshine77]

BTW Castrol TTS is the oil HP Ultra is based on if anyone was wondering.

[shelbycharger400]

Adkstihl,  this stuff is     meets ISo edg and Jaso fc,   low ash 2 cycle lube,   it's by master pro

[zorak]

Above all standards  ;)



 

Thats what iv ran in my 395XP and seem to not have any problems. Its designed for air and water cooled engines. Plus it smells good also..lol. I even call Husqvarna and asked them about it and they said it would be fine to run Motul 800t. and i mix it at 40:1 also.

I was told not run any oils for water craft.