Boat Oil in a Chainsaw? “You Can’t Do That!!”

[@21norseman]

This my experience though with Honda CR250’s and 500’s. My friends and I used pennzoil 2 stroke oil TCW-3 with a motorcycle on the bottle at 20:1 for years. At tear down the top of the piston has my little finger nail size carbon on top of the piston the power valve was clean and moved freely and the rings were free. I am now riding again and using Bel-Ray SI-7 and saw a good video for Maxima Formula K2 I forgot my wife and I had a lawn service for 20 years and we used pennzoil oil two-stroke TCW-3 oil at 50:1 in all of our Stihl equipment. We’ve never rebuilt any of it and it’s running fine to this day.

[@DarrinDietzel]

This made my day! I was lucky enough to be at a gas station that was emptying the shelves of all two stroke oil. When I asked what they were doing with the cart full of oil they told me they were trying to find and epa approved disposal place to get rid of it. I made there day when I told them I would make use of it. I have dozens of the bottles you just used in this video. Next you could try snowmobile oil (preferably polaris branded). Keep up the great content!

[@jw8292]

I ran Mystic Sea & Snow in everything for a number of years before I found Saber, and I still run it in my snow blower and generator. It never gave me cause to complain, and if you can wait until it's on sale, it's usually fairly cheap.

[@ThirdEyeThrive]

You lucky dog

[@Patrick-kc5ur]

The most significant statement in the entire video is at 8:10 in where you say "50 to 1 is just for making emissions!" That blew my mind. It makes me want to add 1/2 oz of oil to my fuel mix before I run it. I just switched over to ECHO Power Blend Gold from Stihl Ultra based on Chicanic's advice.

[@mrobsoletesvintagehomestea9156]

I have used Evinrude 2 stroke oil in most of my 2 stroke engines and boat motors, except chainsaws, for many years. Some time back they changed the formula, which was a lot thinner than before, and I quit using it. I used Bardahl VBA oil in my saws and motorcycles. When Bardahl quit selling the VBA in the US, I bought their warehouse stock out. While there, I talked to one of the engineers, who told me that they were the supplier for OMC=Johnson-Evinrude. He said the base stock oils were the same, and the only difference were some of the additives. I have never had a piston failure on any of my engines when using this oil, and burns super clean too. I have no idea who makes the oil for Evinrude today. Since my saws are used for non commercial use, I have many that have been on the job for over 40 years, with no major repairs. I have finally run out of VBA and am substituting Echo Red armor, which has been OK so far.

[@paulborden2544]

Great. Just finished off 1/2 quick silver boat oil in three saws. No failures yet. 3oz per gallon. Now got more schaffers.

[@alanwatts9232]

Thanks Richard, I just found this video, you surprised me regarding Opti 2, I was led to believe it was better than that, so much so that I bought a bottle which I haven't used yet, sounds like it would be better if I don't. I have a fair amount of Husqvarna oil (which is said to be better than Stihl) that I needed to buy in order to get increased warranty. When that runs out I want to use the best oil I can find. We don't have all the same oils in Aus, or they are labelled differently, I've heard that Echo is very good. Thanks again.

[@tedneitzel]

Yeah I figured it would be fine. The motorcycle oils for sure sold me so ive been using the Belray H1R because that's what is available in my small town. Good stuff as always and thanks for all you do!

[@richardflagg3084]

Thank you!

[@donnaluke4103]

Richard- i ordered and am now using honda hp-2 in my garden equipment due to your review. I decided on 32:1 and am considering using it in my vintage racing karts(mac 91-b1 and komet k-88 engines). I have been using redline racing oil in them but may change. Hope you test redline in the future. Thanks.

[@Taoghiro]

I've been using marine oil in my chainsaws for years. Either Yamaha or Penzoil never had a problem with my 30 plus year old Husky 51 and 61.

[@tonysdailygrind2162]

I routinely used my leftover boat gas mix in all my 2 stroke equipment and never had any problems.

[@weofnjieofing]

We appreciate you Richard for doing all these oil experiments and outlining the virtues of good oil ratios and the discovery that motorcycle premix only oils are not only the best oils but are also cost effective. Sorry about the cost of the piston. That Opti 2 is a bit of snake oil. It’s a mineral oil sold at exorbitant price b abuse you use “half as much” in reality it will destroy a chainsaw at 100:1.

[@richardflagg3084]

I knew it going into the test it was not a "high quality" oil. So I wasn't surprised at the results. Hopefully It was beneficial to those who don't know.

[@pdevonport7266]

Water cooled excuses is quite funny because motorbikes use the same two-stroke oil in water cooled and air cooled engines. The main difference is that the boat oil has a detergent because water is mixed at the exhaust outlet of the manifold and down through the outboard leg so the exhausted oil has to mix with water otherwise the manifold and outboard leg exhaust through the prop would clog. So in reality, you can use marine oil for a motorbike lawnmowers chainsaw, but not the other way around.

[@craigjohnson3603]

Not true. Former marine motorsports technician

[@TheRustyGarageandHomestead]

Thank you Richard. I'm loving the sheaffers so far.

[@craigunderwood4353]

I always wondered about boat oil, Mercury quick silver is great for my 2stroke Mercury outboard motor, I think I'm going to try in all my 2 stroke engines

[@quebird3108]

Thank you!! I appreciate your time giving usa bit of wisdom.

[@mark-wn5ek]

Been running generic 2 cycle outboard oil for 50 years and never ever had a problem. My stihl 028 was bought in 82. Stihl fs90 weedeater is 15 years old, don’t know how old my little rototiller is. Another stihl chainsaw runs great. Mix it 40:1. A semi might haul the firewood I cut with that 028. The weedeater trimmed two places that had around five acres of lawn together. So, they’ve seen lots of use.

[@christopherandamandasmith6595]

My dad also used Chevron and Pennzoil TCW-3 outboard oil in his saws also. That 044 Stihl with a 10mm wrist pin lasted for thousands of cords before the coating finally wore off the cylinder. He always mixed at 32:1

[@richardflagg3084]

Smart man. Hard to argue with the results.

[@TroyMencke]

Hey Richard loved the oil videos and your Humor and I've only seen your videos for 4-6 months love the chainsaw stuff and the one on Respect your Elders that one hit home. I was always told that from my mom anyway KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK 👍

[@tomasbutenas9638]

Many thanks for your great work, sir. Fantastic source of information😊

[@litewatefitr]

Been waiting for this one!! Thanks, Rich!

[@richardflagg3084]

My pleasure, Sir

[@justincredible7168]

PLEASE test the Penzoil outdoor (not marine) oil. $20/gal at Walmart. I have used it for 30 years with no issues but would love to see your opinion.

[@mrxlh]

Dominator is still my go to oil. The reason there isn’t a ton left behind is due to its’s viscosity, the add pack of an oil trumps its base viscosity.

[@robertdixon4554]

Richard , do you know why Stihl uses a magnesium piston on the ms 400 ? Just for the light piston ,faster rpm/ less power lost moving it down the bore ?

[@kbittorf335]

Not to take any steam for Richard. I think the magnesium piston is an experiment of what you stated. Word has it that they‘re coming out with a newer version that may not have a mag piston. Stayed tuned.

[@Chucky-b7v]

I really appreciate all of your hard work and valuable time on everything that you do, Richard. Absolutely great channel.

[@richardflagg3084]

Thank you!

[@curtisbaker5407]

Cant say i didnt see THIS coming 😂 great work again for us that like to overstep the boundaries a lil bit!

[@shane3878]

I've been using Pennzoil Marine synthetic for awhile now. No issues.

[@SixOFord]

What about all the 50:1 equipment that has been around way before emissions was a concern ? I settled on motul 800 offroad for my uses at 44:1 only because i have one saw that runs a 40:1 ratio. Hasnt hurt it yet.

[@bryantillotson8243]

I run maximum k2 in my chainsaw. It seems to be a good ester oil.

[@Dolmar-Rick]

Nice vid Rich. I always thought 2 stroke boat oil had extra corrosion additives in to protect from sea air... , I could be wrong, can't be bad as the stihl ultra oil though😂

[@richardflagg3084]

Definitely better than the pond water.

[@crazyfeller5704]

👍👍 tree monkey had the best line about the Schaefers- “ I know it says boat oil, I can read”. LOL

[@richardflagg3084]

I ran and would run 7000 until the cows come home. I don't have a local source, so I'm at the mercy of online sellers. Schaeffers has gone from $55 for six quarts delivered to $120 delivered. Still not bad compared to buying premeasured oil tho.

[@katj6488]

Hello Richard, just subscribed to your channel a few days ago and real like you reviews on the 2 stroke oil! I am new to the whole chainsaw thing and just bought a ms261c saw.I am sold on the using 40 to 1 saber so I hoping it works out well. Take for the info and keep it coming sir!😊

[@richardflagg3084]

@@katj6488 Great choice!!!

[@crazyfeller5704]

$68 per gallon delivered on the big two online. $17 quart is reasonable when comparing other quart options. Definitely cheaper than VP pints I have been buying. I think I’m going to switch.

[@ryannogle7241]

⁠@@richardflagg3084 please test the the full synthetic boat oil … I think it’s called Quicksilver? That would be awesome

[@coolestguyontheplanet723]

Couple things. Thanks for Doing these vids and sharing the info without being a pay channel😊 I've always used boat oil with tcw3. I figure if mercury marine or OMC made a $30k-$50k outboard motor. They would have good oil . Those motors run hard & long and are expensive to replace if you put a substandard oil in it. And last. I run "50:1" . But i think its closser to 45:1. . Heavy pour😂.

[@stephenparchewski1998]

The thing about using boat oil is that air cooled engines run hotter than liquid cooled ones. Supposedly, air cooled 2 stroke oil protects better for the increased operating temperature. I haven’t heard of any problems using boat oil in a chainsaw, but you might foul plugs if you use chainsaw oil in a boat motor.

[@mrxlh]

You can run 50:1 if it is a heavier viscosity oil. Red Armor and Motul 800 2T are just about the only 2 that fit that bill.

[@richardflagg3084]

You'll be fine with 40:1. It's only a tablespoon more per gallon. It will definitely help with the oil film in the crankcase and both of those burn very clean.

[@ExpediteTravels]

You should try running Klotz R50 I run that stuff in my 100cc racing go kart engine

[@LKN4WAR]

For a couple years I use to dump a bottle of the boat 2 stroke into diesel fuel for the truck to add some lubrication for the injectors (common rail) never a problem doing so. I’ve long since switched to a diesel proper additive. I hope one day you do Yamalube 2S Semi synthetic and full synthetic 2T Gold bottle motorcycle oil.

[@vesandreev7864]

I ran Motul 510 (semi-synthetic) in my 2-stroke Honda bike and in my 2-stroke Trabant. I think it's very good oil and I got a 4L jug for $40 from Amazon (on sale). You can try this oil and share your opinion. It's rated API-TC and JASO FD. Not many 2-stroke oils cover API-TC certification. I think is pretty thick oil.

[@batmantiss]

I ran penzoil marine 2 stroke in my saws for years without any problems. I only switched because my Stihl mechanic noticed a strange film inside my 261c cylinder. Seems penzoil is parafin based, we suspected wax was building up

[@oakiewoodsman]

Love this series!

[@dn0682]

Interesting video testing oils help us a lot into choosing the right stuff, please try shell advance ultra or the VSX and share your taught.

[@peteschiavoni]

About what I’d expect. I’ve noticed that quite a few TCW 3 oils are now FD and TC rated. Makes me wonder

[@richardflagg3084]

Just speculation, but I think the "off road" bike oils seem to be the cream of the crop. This is the only boat oil I've tested besides the Schaeffers 7000 that I used for years. Schaeffers is better, hands down.

[@Brian2bears]

Mr. Richard @3:47 you have ordered a new piston. 1140 030 2014 . Factory reps can be wrong. I was told the piston and cylinder can not be ordered separately at this time(March 2024). I also read your response to Mr. Aaron Lynch below about running an aluminum piston in the 400. I too am apprehensive about that, due to connecting rod bearing failures. So your rep/dealer will and can order the magnesium piston separately? Thank you sir for your efforts....

[@richardflagg3084]

I'll ask around. I have the Stihl parts look up installed on my computer and it still shows the piston kit available, stand alone.

[@Brian2bears]

@richardflagg3084 yes sir...thank you...

[@rickharper1497]

I've been running Mercury Outboard premix for years. No problem. 40:1, 32:1

[@leonardryan8723]

Great video Richard 😊

[@rcracer641]

I have been using boat Penzoil boat oil for several years at 32:1. I have had no problems. I go through a lot of two stroke oil. Chain saws, weed eaters, motorcycles. No oil related failures yet. I mix 2 to 3 gallons at a time and it might last a month.

[@plowmaster1206]

This is what i run untill switching to klotz....20 years ago the only synthetic i could get was penzoil.

[@artpatronforever]

Pennzoil full synthetic 2T snowmobile oil is 5 bucks a quart on sale now at AutoZone

[@rooster3019]

Richard, the project needs a conclusion. Which is your favorite? Why? Etc. I know the answer pretty much, but most of need to be spoon fed. ;-)

[@oldcodger1929]

More usable info and a laugh from you taking a shot at the whiners.😊

[@richardflagg3084]

I had to go there.......

[@lukereynolds9907]

Richard could you give me some advice on porting a 461 please thankyou mate

I was wondering if you'd consider testing the evinrude XD-30 outboard oil? It is different then this particular evinrude oil. It's red like the echo red armor, and pretty thick. I've been using it in my 1992 15hp Johnson outboard outboard. Just curious how it does in a chainsaw. I run a smidge more oil than 50:1 but not much in the boat. Anyway, keep up the good work, I really love your videos and have learned quite a bit. Thank you for spending all this time doing them.

[@brunomahle1618]

I can tune into your channel to prove "it's always five o'clock somewhere"...lol nice craftsman clock.

[@richardflagg3084]

Good eye!

[@brunomahle1618]

@@richardflagg3084red eye...lol

[@harryharry3193]

THAT SAW RIPS!!! i would like you to revist "boat oil in the future. what I have learned for sure, 40 to 1 is beneficial. 50 to 1 is not enough. i never had any problems with my redmax 8500 for 8 years with red max syn oil at 50 to 1....runnning hours at a time full throttle...but who knows. i got 2 new stihls and a newer husq 545....and i want them to live.

[@dougtaylor7724]

I have work at a boat place for over 40 years. Get all the oil I want for free. Never bought a drop for my chainsaw. How long has it run? Bought a brand new 50 Special Husky in 85 or 86 and I’ve lost count of chains but I’m on the 5th bar. That is both sides as I flip sides and get all I can out of them. She has had 9 or 10 fuel lines replaced, one plug but the motor has never been apart. Please don’t tell it you can’t run boat oil.

[@FishFind3000]

I wonder how well that boat oil would work in other power equipment if it works well for chainsaws because if the higher load and full throttle if it will still perform the same in a weed wacker or blower

[@highlandertokio82]

Can u test Castrol power 1 racing oil, working with him on my zenoah clone about 5 tanks and it burns extreamly clean, muffler, piston, spark plug are flawess..

[@nikolaigordon]

They don't have that oil in USA I think 🤔 good oil.

[@KevinKieffer-r7e]

Yamaha has a technical paper out about polybutelene use in modern oils and how it is causing increased crank bearing temp due to poor lubricity. Thought it might interest you, as to rod ends turning blue on some oils.

[@oakiewoodsman]

Interesting

[@Noah-ud6fj]

Would love to see a review on klotz 50:1 small engine oil

[@roscodog6628]

Richard, I believe in an earlier video you said that the cleanest engines that you have seen were run on Saber, an oil designed for air cooled power equipment. Why would you run something formulated for a boat?

[@jw8292]

Does it make a difference in the oil? Probably not, but something to ponder....some years and a corporate buy out or two ago OMC had their hands in the air cooled, 2 cycle world, manufacturing equipment under the Lawnboy brand.

[@robertskelton2576]

I worked at motorcycle shops for years. Can't believe how many oil injected scooters came in running 4 stroke engine oil. They would even have the bottle under the seat.

[@tarheelcb1]

Been running Saber at 40-1 in my 2 stroke lawn equipment. Should I use it in my oil injected boat also? Or seek out Schaefer 9000? Thanks for all your help

[@richardflagg3084]

I can't speak to what you should use in your boat. Saber may be a little thick for an oil injection system?

[@SinsBird]

Is there a video with SAE 30 oil? Had to use it recently as I had no 2 cycle oil at hand. Most people say they've used it for ages without a problem. I'm in the 25:1 mineral club myself.

[@richardflagg3084]

High quality mineral oil does a really good job. I've seen some videos from down under and it's suprizingly well

[@smokeybearoutdoors2020]

Rich you should test out lawn boy oil next. I’ve never ran it in a saw but I ran into a 2 cycle lawn boy guy who religiously runs it in his saws also. 32:1 Since you did the boat oil thing it’s about the only rock you haven’t turned over when it comes to oil ..lol

[@ericrowe4676]

I have been running boat oil in my saws for years no problems

[@chriss8206]

Lol I don't really worry about the 300 dollar chainsaw I've been running pennzoil outboard oil in for 10 years. But I do worry about putting in my 10k dollar outboard. It works for both in my opinion.

[@ericfuller6326]

I been running royal purples air cooled oil. I like it

[@craigperry9918]

If it were your saw what oil would you use?

[@jamesrussell5619]

Hey Rich , how do you feel about a 32" bar on the 462 ? Thanks for your help

[@richardflagg3084]

Stock, that's all she wants. The 462 is high strung and has a narrow powerband compared to the rest of the pro line. Skip chain will help that and a good operator will make it seamless.

[@OOOOOO12345]

The two go together like peas and carrots. A nearly perfect combo.

[@Aaron_A_Lynch]

Has any company made a regular piston for a 400..be nice to have another option than the OEM magnesium piston

[@richardflagg3084]

Little Red outhouse makes one........ It's a generic aluminum piston, not the lightweight magnesium alloy. I'll wait for the OEM one on back order. Hopefully it will be in soon.

[@oakiewoodsman]

I wonder if the aluminum one could be lightened to match. I wonder if the bearings and crank could endure the extra weight?

[@4StringSling]

Richard I just got Penrite MC 2T fully synthetic oil for my saw, have you got access to this would love to see your review!

[@sleve_mcdichael_]

Is your recommendation of 40:1 for all 2 strokes including weed eaters or are you strictly recommending it for chainsaws? I'm new to your channel and wasn't sure.

[@MegaMustangkiller]

Would royal purple hp2c be considered a bougie oil? Been thinking about trying it myself

[@michaldelincak2368]

hi, I put HP ultra oil in the chainsaw and I want to switch to Husky xp oil, will it be a problem or is it okay?Thank

[@mattfleming86]

I dont remember reading about it and I have never used it personally.. but how was the smell on the schaeffers? Richard, in your opinion of the "performed really well" oils what had the nicest smell to it? I know the castors smell great but often have a lot of disadvantages.

[@kbittorf335]

My experience with Schaeffer‘s is that it smells like 2-cycle. Nothing pleasant. I only notice it coming off an idle, otherwise it burns clean WOT.

[@db2100]

I personally prefer to use oil specified for chainsaws, but, if back in the day regular automotive 30W was used I can't see why modern more tech advanced outboard oil couldn't be used. If one prefers to, why not. But I ask, why in the first place. Money savings isn't a valid arguement in the big picture of things in my opinion.

[@giovannisersale2925]

Best oil for ms 261?

[@aaronpowell4885]

Doesn't look too bad at all👍🏻 not the best but definitely better than some of the OPE manufacturers oils.

[@doglegjake6788]

I've been toying with the idea of testing automatic transmission fluid as a premix. It's basically just a mineral oil ,, It would be very interesting to see if a 32:1 ratio would cause any damage.

[@jonathanhensley8685]

Thank you sir

[@mikeeiben3430]

What lubricates better, more thin oil, or less thick oil?

[@richardflagg3084]

Viscosity is just one part of the equation. You've got to try a few and see what works in your application. I wish there was a be all end all answer. Saber and Honda HP2 have done really well for me.

[@chadhenwood6007]

If you were in a pinch and you had to get a boat oil for chainsaws valvoline would be best coz it's low ash

[@ramondanderson6730]

I'm new to your channel, so what is your favorite oil?

[@richardflagg3084]

Best results have been Honda HP2, Saber, Red Armor and Belray H1R. (not in any order and all at 40:1)

[@johnwadsworth4916]

22 stroke oil is the same as any other two stroke oil

[@Sethhaun78]

Great videos much appreciation for all the oil videos..ibe tryed telling everyone i know ..its like the gospel truth..unfortunately American s are so puffed up with pride..they already know everything..for me i m going to listen to the honest mechanics the few that there are ..😅😮...god bless

[@oakiewoodsman]

This is a great series for sure

[@mikecubes1642]

that jug looks like it has 500 hard hours on it with all the scratches. try running 20:1 mix. thats all I have ever run and never had a saw engine go bad in 25 years. when I didnt have any 2 stroke oil I would take a quart of 40 weight diesel oil out of my drum that I have for my tractors and mix it with 5 gallons of 91 octane non corn gas

[@Righound4]

Haha, ya I’ve used boat oil in bikes and saws before in a pinch. I was a little disappointed you went 100-1 on the opti-2 and not 40-1 like every other test. I can’t believe they make that recommendation. 🤦‍♂️

[@MichaelHoranzy]

just run the sthil gas mix for 50 bucks a gallon.93 octane.had it sit in saw for a year start right up.ethanol is 2 stroke motors worse enemy.why put 4 dollar gallon gas into a 5 or 6 hundred dollar saw.no brainer jus sayin

[@glenjones7559]

I ran boat oil in a lawn boy for 38 years. Rod bearing went out.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

Those old Lawn Boy engines were Evinrude/Johnson

[@Mike_Mike_0]

Rich nice video ❤❤❤

[@pastormike5054]

Good test

[@chadleitschuh3012]

AE fuel and belray synthetic

[@kbittorf335]

It is claimed boat oils like this are more environmentally friendly. Is there any proof of that? And as I‘ve said before I am fortunate enough to have several retail locations that sell the Schaeffer‘s oil and a gallon of it can be had for $38. Thank you for more evidenced based information!👍

[@richardflagg3084]

I have no "proof" but the boat oils probably have more eyes on them because the exhaust is put straight into the water. Just a hunch. Great price on the Schaeffers!!!

[@kbittorf335]

@@richardflagg3084 👍

[@donalddonaldson7211]

I am that guy that won’t let you run 87 octane boat mix oil. I’m at least running high octane bel ray Mc 1 son I’ll just burn it all up and not worry about ethanol.

[@Uncle_Anthoni]

Man, that saw eats.

[@thomaslindroos1667]

I HAVE INFLUENCE!!!

[@richardflagg3084]

Yes, yes you do!

[@dennisyoung4631]

Perhaps run a bit more than usual when using “boat oil???” Like about 20% more, as a guess? (Otherwise, save it for reconstituting your Petrobond foundry sand…)

[@REDLINERUNNER]

You need JASO FD oil mixed 2% and balls to the wall!!

[@richardflagg3084]

IKR!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@REDLINERUNNER]

@@richardflagg3084 Right.. I tested many JASO FD oils 2% (50:1) engines run extremely well. For example we still have IMT Agria tillers from 80-es. Ex Yugoslavian brand. They were ment to run 25:1 (4%) and I suggested few people not to mix 4% because modern oils are waaaay better than they used to be in 80-es. Suggested them to mix 2% (50:1) with JASO FD oils. And their tillers run better than ever because too much oil fouls the spark plugs.

[@Slane583]

@@REDLINERUNNER Sadly there's people out there that still think running 25:1 is a good idea because whatever they own says to do so. They don't stop to understand that rating was suggested back when SAE-30 automobile oil was mixed into the gasoline for saws. Such a mix now is just wasting high-end oil and making your equipment run dirty.

[@REDLINERUNNER]

@@Slane583 Exactly. Not just dirty but fouls plugs and ruins the performance ALOT!!

[@Slane583]

@@REDLINERUNNER Indeed, I'm too fond of good oil to waste it with such a rich mixture. 😁

[@jackfrosty79ify]

My Walmart all it sold

[@johnwadsworth4916]

You're getting that scuffing from air cleaner not being clean

[@jackfrosty79ify]

Mine was clean look good

[@saltrock9642]

Unless I’m goin froggin with my 400C I’ll stick with motorcycle oil. Dirt don’t hurt! 😂

[@jackfrosty79ify]

Try some quick silver