2 Cycle Oil v/s Outboard Oil (for chainsaw)

[jw]

For my chainsaw I normally buy the oil to add to the gas called 2 Cycle Oil. Recently the store did not have any, so I bought a thing called "Outboard Oil" (which says for 2 cycle outboard engines). Someone told me to not use that stuff since it's not the same. I disagree. Why would a 2 cycle chainsaw engine be all that much different from a 2 cycle outboard engine? Actually I used to use nothing but plain motor oil added to the gas, but I heard more than once that motor oil does not lubricate as well, so I spend the extra money and buy the stuff intended.

Anyone have an any comments about this?

Thanks

[teabird]

While I don't have an outboard motor, I do have 2 stroke saws, blowers and weed wackers. I've even put oil and gas mix into a 4 stroke lawnmower in a pinch (Gasp!) with no ill effects. It sounds like you've got some sense and experience to back it up. I wouldn't worry. Let us know if it goes wrong ;)

John

[Harry K]

I run 4 saws, some of them professional grade. I use nothing but the chainsaw oil. I like my stuff to still be in one piece at the end of a session so I don't take chances with "might be the same".

I live in a small town (2,000 pop) that is dying (half the stoe fronts vacant). Even here I can name 3 different business dthat all carry both outboard and chainsaw type. At least one of them will have what I want.

Harry K

[gfretwell]

When I bought a 4 stroke outboard I ended up with a gallon of TCW-3 left over. I used it all up in my chain saw, weed eater and a 2 stroke lawn mower I had at the time. I had no ill effects. When it ran out I started buying regular lawn type 2 stroke oil. If you get it in a gallon jug the price is about the same.

[Steve B]

RTFM. Then select the product according to use. One type is for water cooled two strokes, and one type is used for air cooled.

You can learn a lot in those directions, and Google, too.

Steve

[Hank]

I also use standard 30w oils in my dirtbikes. They would get covered with mud and i am sure they ran a little hot. I never had a problem other than normal wear. I knew this because my pistons, rings, bearings would last just as long as my fellow riders who used the special oils. I mix it 20:1. With the new oils, they have additives which help with lubrication and less fouling of plugs and burns cleaner, therefore, you don't need to mix it at a 20:1 ratio.

So, in my opinion, i doubt it makes any difference.

Hank

[Larry W]

Outboards are water cooled and don't get as hot as chainsaws and other

2 cycle power tools with air cooled engines. The oils are formulated differently. A one time use probably won't make much difference in the life of the chainsaw.

[Frank Thompson]

I ruined a Husky... chainsaw by using Outboard Motor oil. At the time I didn't realize the difference. I used several quarts over a year or so.

[Steve Barker]

the difference is the water cooling. But having said that, I ran quicksilver (mercury outboard) in about 100 pieces of air cooled two cycle equipment at the lawn and landscape place i worked for 12 years. Never a lube related failure.