2 Stroke Oils/Performance

[castaway]

Although not strictly boaty, can some of the Petro/Oil experts help me with this.

Along with all the other junk in my garage I have a 100cc racing Kart that I aquired from a friend returning to Switzerland, I use it with the kids at a nearby track.. great fun.

Thing is that there are some points relating to the 2T oil I would like to clarify, and may also be appropriate to small outboards also.

a)I have been using non mineral (vegitable??) oil, is this better that mineral oil on these small engines.

b)I have a can of Castrol R which came with the Kart, is this stuff still a good 2T oil? ( smells great)

c)How long can this stuff remain mixed with the fuel before it starts to degrade and loose its lubricative qualities.

d)I remember from years ago that mineral and non mineral oils sould not be mixed, is this true, and if so is it only for sump oils or also 2T oils?


Thanks Nick

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.yachtsite.co.uk/fairweather>http://www.yachtsite.co.uk/fairweather</A>

 

[johnwest]

Hi do not mix vegitable oil with mineral oil.
Did this on a francis barnett just to get the racing smell and ruined the big end
bearings.
hope this helps

john

 

[Trevor_swfyc]

(a) For the use that you are using it for then very little difference.
(b) Castrol R30 yes this is a classic 2T oil. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.classic-cars.co.uk/castrol.html>see here</A>
(c) The petrol will go off first (due to butane loss) before you loose any lubricant effect.
(d) As other post do not mix oil types.

Trevor

 

[quaelgeist2]

In the past I have heard that 2T oil meant for chainsaws is better than the outboard oil, as it does not smoke that much. From several sources (manufacturers) I learnt that while the differences in brands are minor, there are two main categories.
- oil for air-cooled engines -> chainsaws, some motorbikes... carts?
- oil for water-cooled -> outboards...
The former work on a much higher temperature level than the latter. Make sure you don't mix them or switch between them, both are optimised for the respective levels.