2-Cycle Snow Blower Fuel & Oil Ratio: How to Mix Fuel & Oil for Your Snow Thrower
What is the proper 2-stroke fuel and oil mix for a single-stage snow thrower?
Two-cycle (or 2-stroke) engines require a mixture of fuel and oil be added to the fuel tank. This mixture results in both engine combustion and lubrication. Operating a 2-Stroke engine on gasoline alone will result in engine failure.
If your your snow blower was built after 2006, it's unlikely that it has a 2-cycle engine. As a precaution, refer to the gas cap. The manufacturer will usually have the recommended fuel octane, and, if it's a 2-stroke engine, the Fuel / Oil ratio (e.g. 40:1) printed directly on the cap.
MTD two-cycle snow throwers use a 50:1 ratio of gasoline to 2-cycle oil, which is one gallon of gasoline to 2.5 oz of 2-cycle oil.
Calculate the Correct 2-cycle oil ratio
Refer to the chart before fueling to make sure you're using the correct 2-cycle fuel and oil mixture:
|
Mixing Ratio (Gas:Oil) |
Volume of Gasoline |
Volume of 2-Cycle Oil |
| 32:1 | 1 US gal. (128 oz) | 4 oz. |
| 40:1 | 1 US gal. (128 oz) | 3.2 oz. |
| 50:1 | 1 US gal. (128 oz) | 2.6 oz. |
| 32:1 | 1 liter | 31.25 ml |
| 40:1 | 1 liter | 25 ml |
| 50:1 | 1 liter | 20 ml |
Mixing the 2-cycle oil and fuel mixture
Pour the 2-cycle oil to an empty gasoline can before adding one gallon of fresh gasoline into the can. No additional agitation is necessary. If the mixture may be stored for more than 30 days, include a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline before mixing to help increase its shelf life.
Label the gas can containing the 2-cycle oil mixture, to prevent accidentally using it in other equipment, such as your lawn mower.