Leaf blower: Fuel mixed with gas?

Question

My husband usually takes care of the yard but is deployed to Iraq right now. I have (of course!) waited until the last possible moment to blow my leaves away only to find an empty blower. I've never refueled it before, but it says to mix oil and gas before using it. I'm pretty sure I can figure out the ratio by using a measured container, but what kind of oil do I use? I'm assuming standard gas station gasoline. If I'm wrong about that too, please let me know.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

You'll need to use 2 cycle oil. The ratio could be anywhere from 32:1 to 50:1 depending on the manufacturer. I know the mechanic where I work mixes all of our gas/oil mix at 6oz. of 2-cycle oil to one gallon of gas which I believe is a 40:1 ratio so he doesn't have to have 3 different ratios (32:1, 40:1, and 50:1) for all of our small engine equipment and it's never been a problem regardless of manufacturer specs. Again, make sure you get 2-cycle oil and not some other type. Someone mentioned chain saw oil earlier and if you went to the store and asked for that you may very well end up chain saw bar oil which is totally different.

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Asker's Comment:

Two cycle oil 6oz: 1 gallon of gas and it started up and ran just right. Thanks (from my hubby too, since his wife didn't screw up the leaf blower while he was gone)!

Answer 2

Usually the ratio is 40 to 1 if I remember correctly, but you actually don't need to know. They sell oil especially for this, and the container is very small. You add it to one gallon of gasolene; it's already the correct ratio. So buy a one gallon plastic gas can at the home center or hardware store (along with the oil) and mark it Oil/Gas with a magic marker so you won't get it confused. Just add one small container of "chain saw oil" to the gallon of gas. You should check around your garage or wherever to see if you husband already has a gas can specially marked. Good luck.