Can You Use 40:1 vs 50:1? [Detailed Explanation]

40:1 vs 50:1

Are you confused about using a fuel mixer on your chainsaw? This can be especially true when you buy an old chainsaw and don’t know what type of fuel mixer the manufacturer recommends using.

Modern chainsaw engines are usually 2-cycled, 2-stroke. Most companies recommend using a 50 to 1 or 40 to 1 fuel mixer in this type of engine. But for those who are unsure about the specific recommendations of the company, the question comes from them; can I use 50 to 1 in 40 to 1?

Yes, you can use 50 to 1 instead of 40 to 1 fuel mix to your chainsaw. Although in uncertain situations one should go for a mixer with higher oil content, a 50-to-1 mixer can improve the chainsaw’s engine performance. For this reason, many experts recommend a 50 to 1 fuel ratio.

40:1 vs 50:1

Here, I will discuss the fuel ratios used in chainsaws. If you want to know about using the right fuel mixer for chainsaws, this article is for you. Let us dive deeper into the article by understanding both fuel mixers.

What Is The 50 to 1 And 40 To 1 Ratio Oil Mixture Actually?

A 50 to 1 or 50:1 ratio oil mixer refers to a mixture of 50 parts gasoline and 1 part oil. It is relatively light and helps the 2-stroke engine to run more efficiently. Many chainsaw manufacturers recommend this mixer for their best chainsaws.

what is the 50 to 1 and 40 to 1 ratio oil mixture actually

Besides, a 40 to 1 or 40:1 ratio oil mixture refers to a mixture of 40 parts gasoline and 1 part oil. This fuel ratio is a little thicker than the 50:1 blend. As a result, it generates somewhat less heat, helping chainsaws run more smoothly. As a result, this fuel ratio is more popular.

What Is The Difference Between 40:1 And 50:1 Gas Mixture?

Difference Between 40_1 And 50_1 Gas Mixture

The fundamental difference between both gas mixtures is the density of the fuel. A 40:1 oil mixture ratio is slightly thicker. It generates less heat and results in less piston wear. 40 to 1 oil mixture is better for operating the chainsaw for a long time.

A 50:1 gas mixture is slightly lighter than a 40:1 ratio. It generates a little more heat and wears the piston more. But the advantage of this fuel ratio is that it increases the efficiency of the engine even more. However, fuel consumption is also high in this ratio.

Why Does 2-Cycle Engine Require A Mixture Of Gasoline And Oil?

2-cycle engine mixture of gasoline and oil

2-cycle engines complete two cycles in one revolution of the crankshaft. Besides, if we consider the working method of a 4-cycle engine, it completes its four cycles by 2 crankshaft revolutions. 2-stroke power engines have relatively fewer moving parts, making them lighter and stronger.

4-cycle engines include a separate oil pump as a lubrication method that takes power from the engine. This pump helps reaches engine oil through belts and pulleys to the moving parts and lubricates them. That’s why those moving parts run smoothly, and the engine stays cool.

But, 2-cycle engines do not have a separate oil pump like 4-cycle engines. Although this makes it convenient to mount them in any position and even upside down, a lubricating system remains lacking.

A mixture of gasoline and oil acts as a fuel as well as a lubricant. This type of mixture prevents excess heat generation. Therefore, 2-cycle chainsaw engines always use a mixture of gasoline and oil.

Is It Ok To Use 40 To 1 Fuel In 50 To 1 Engine?

Yes, you can use a 40:1 oil mixture in a 50:1 engine with no hesitation. Although there is some variation in density at both fuel ratios, it is tiny and worth neglecting. Also, this 40 to 1 ratio will help keep your chainsaw’s engine relatively cool and last longer. A ratio of 40:1 instead of 50:1 may be ideal for you, especially if you want to save fuel.

What Oil Ratio Is Better For A 2-Cycle Chainsaw Engine?

Honestly speaking, both 50:1 and 40:1 oil ratios are best for different types of chainsaws engines. But the selection of oil ratio will depend on your requirement or satisfaction. That is, in different situations, oils with different ratios can give you more benefits.

When you need more power from the engine or need to operate the chainsaw at higher rpm, use a 50:1 oil ratio. Since this ratio is lighter, the performance of the engine will also improve.

Also, when you need to operate the chainsaw with fuel economy at average rpm, 40:1 may be the best choice for you. As this oil ratio makes the engine less hot and saves fuel, you can work for longer hours without interruption.

How To Make 40 To 1 And 50 To 1 Oil Mixture?

40 to 1 ratio or 50 to 1 oil ratio is very easy to make. You will need ethanol-free gas, synthetic oil, a measuring cup, and an empty gas can. I will describe here how to make both of these oil mixtures. According to this ratio, you can make your required amount of oil mixture.

How To Make 40 To 1 And 50 To 1 Oil Mixture

To make a 40:1 ratio, use one gallon of gas and 3.2 oz of synthetic oil. Similarly, you will need 8 oz of oil with 2.5 gallons of gas. Measure the correct amount of gas and oil into the empty gas can using a measuring cup.

Now close the gas can and shake it well. Keep shaking until both ingredients are well mixed. When the ingredients are mixed well, your oil mixture is ready to use.

You should follow the same procedure to make a 50 to 1 ratio oil mixture, only the ratio of gas to oil will be different. This ratio requires you to use 2.6 oz of oil per gallon of gas. In the same way, you will need 6.4 oz of synthetic oil for 2.5 gallons of gas.

FAQs 40:1 vs 50:1

What Has More Oil; 40 To 1 Or 50 To 1?

A 40 to 1 ratio contains more oil than a 50 to 1 ratio. Whereas, a 40 to 1 ratio contains one gallon of gasoline with 3.2 ounces of oil, a 50 to 1 ratio contains about 2.6 ounces of oil.

What Is The Problem With Using Regular Gas In A Chainsaw?

The problem with using regular gas on a chainsaw is that it tends to overheat the engine. Because of this, the engine wears down quickly and can even be completely damaged. Also, since these engines are 2 cycles and have no separate lubrication system, the engine cannot run smoothly using only gas.

What Kind Of Oil Should You Mix With Gas For A Chainsaw?

Experts recommend always mixing synthetic oil with gas for chainsaws. Since the oil has to operate at high temperatures, conventional oils may not perform well. On the other hand, quality synthetic oils help the engine run smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Both 50 to 1 and 40 to 1 ratio oil mixtures are suitable fuels for your chainsaw’s 2-cycle, air-cooled engine. You can switch from one of these to the other at any time. You should use the oil ratio as per your requirement.

Earlier chainsaws used more varied oil ratios, such as 32:1 and even 16:1. But the history of chainsaw engines have improved a lot, which is why the recommendations for mixing ratios of the oils used in them have also changed.

Hopefully, I have cleared up all the confusion about using the right oil mixture for your chainsaw.

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