Optimal Ratio for Mixing Oil and Gas for Leaf Blower | Help Needed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correct method for mixing oil and gas for a leaf blower, specifically focusing on achieving a 40:1 oil-to-gas ratio for a 16 oz tank. Participants explore the appropriate measurements and conversions needed for this mixture, considering practical implications of measuring techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates that for a 16 oz tank, 2.4 teaspoons of oil is needed based on the 40:1 ratio.
  • Another participant agrees with the conversion but cautions that measuring oil with a spoon may lead to inaccuracies due to oil sticking to the spoon.
  • A different participant confirms the calculation, suggesting that 0.4 fl. oz. of oil is equivalent to approximately 2.37 teaspoons, which aligns closely with the original calculation.
  • One participant recommends using a measuring cup for more accurate measurement rather than relying solely on teaspoons.
  • Another participant acknowledges the concern about measuring accuracy and suggests a method to ensure the oil is fully transferred into the tank.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the calculations for the oil-to-gas ratio, but there is some debate regarding the best method for measuring the oil accurately. No consensus is reached on the optimal measuring technique.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved considerations regarding the accuracy of measuring oil with spoons versus measuring cups, as well as the implications of slightly varying the oil-to-gas ratio on engine performance.

H012
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I want to mix oil and gas by the tank for my leaf blower. The mix is 40:1 My tank holds 16 oz.
The manual says 3.2oz. of oil per 1 gal. of gas. I came up with 2.4 teaspoons of oil to the 16oz. tank. Am I right?. The reason for this question is that I don't use the leaf blower that often and mixing a whole gallon is too much. Thanks
 
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That is the right conversion, but might be the wrong answer. A lot will stick to the measuring spoon if you do it that way. Running two cycle lean can ruin an engine. Running with a bit too much oil just produces more smoke and reduces power. There is no risk to an engine running a 1:40 design at 1:32, and some margin for error could save you if too much oil sticks to your measuring spoon.
 
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H012 said:
I want to mix oil and gas by the tank for my leaf blower. The mix is 40:1 My tank holds 16 oz.
The manual says 3.2oz. of oil per 1 gal. of gas. I came up with 2.4 teaspoons of oil to the 16oz. tank. Am I right?. The reason for this question is that I don't use the leaf blower that often and mixing a whole gallon is too much. Thanks

Yes, you're correct. Since you want 1/40 the amount of oil to the amount of gas you're using, then you want 16/40oz of oil, which equates to 2.4tsp.

I didn't even realize teaspoons were a valid imperial unit of measure until now.
 
H012 said:
I want to mix oil and gas by the tank for my leaf blower. The mix is 40:1 My tank holds 16 oz.
The manual says 3.2oz. of oil per 1 gal. of gas. I came up with 2.4 teaspoons of oil to the 16oz. tank. Am I right?.
Yes. 16 oz = 1/8 gal, so you want 0.4 fl. oz. of oil. According to this online conversion tool (http://www.thecalculatorsite.com/conversions/liquidvolume.php) 0.4 fl. oz = 2.365882365 teaspoons, which is pretty close to what you show.

Instead of converting to teaspoons I would just put the oil in a measuring cup (such as a Pyrex measuring cup), and put in a little less than 1/2 oz.
H012 said:
The reason for this question is that I don't use the leaf blower that often and mixing a whole gallon is too much. Thanks
 
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Thanks for the quick reply. Hope I wasn't to off the wall with this question.
 
Nope. And keeping in mind what Dr. Courtney said about the oil sticking to the thing used to measure it, once you have the right amount in the measuring cup, you could fill the cup the rest of the way with gas, and put it into the leaf blower tank. Doing that a couple of times should get most or all of the oil.
 

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