Will 4-stroke oil damage a 2-stroke engine? Let's find out!

Will 4-stroke oil in 2-stroke engine cause damage? We tested the ability of 4-stroke oil to mix with gasoline, took before and after looks at the cylinder wall inside of 2 different engines. Additionally, we performed compression testing and measured engine temperature, using 2-stroke oil as our baseline.
Many thanks to all those who left comments requesting this video. Please keep the requests coming. I read and reply to a lot of comments.
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This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC

[@gasdive]

Don't know if you're interested, but when I was a kid lots of people told me that twostroke oil would settle out. So I mixed up a batch, sealed it up in a pickle jar and put it on a shelf in my mother's garage. After a week there was no settling, I figured the question was answered and I forgot all about it. 20 years later I was cleaning out her garage and came across that pickle jar. Still perfectly mixed. No settling at all.

[@ProjectFarm]

Wow! This is great to know. Thank you

[@gasdive]

@@ProjectFarmBTW, the oil was Castrol TT

[@gasdive]

@Andrey Angere I switched to Castrol TTS about 20 years ago and have had good results. Particularly on the modern bikes that specify vey lean ratios.

[@NitroGuyJH]

gasdive that’s super interesting man, I wonder if the 4 cycle oil will settle out. I don’t think I could keep up with a mason jar for 20 years though. Lol

[@poppypottschannel]

wow, thats amazing

[@hadync]

I just wanted to say i really appreciate your audio leveling. Most KZbinrs dont do that so i am constantly adjusting volume since motors running.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much!

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Yeah this guy is the best on KZbin... For experiments clarification information he's a very smart man and has very good microphone equipment LOL

[@hondahaney6404]

Excellent info!

[@steven-vn9ui]

Yeah, this guy makes quality content I reckon

[@AdrianTechs]

A very underrated quality!

[@michaelcangley1868]

In 1979 I purchased a brand new Chrysler 115 hp outboard motor. It used surface gap spark plugs and it was recommended by the manufacturer to use type TC-W 2 stroke motor oil. It was not oil injected. At this time TC-W oil was very hard to find. I reached out to a friend who was a reliability engineer for the United States Coast Guard to see what he would recommend. Surprisingly, he recommended Shell Rotella 15W-40. I decided to use it. I kept that engine for 14 years and it was running perfectly with over 4600 hours on it when I sold it. The one and only thing I ever had to repair on that engine was to replace the fuel pump. When I sold it, it still had it's original spark plugs. Chrysler said the expected life of this motor was 1500 hours. Thought you would like to know that. Love your videos. Keep them coming.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great information! Thank you

[@prostreetgsxr]

When I was a kid in the late 70’s I had a 1976 yamaha YZ80. I can tell you I ran a lot of 4-stroke oil through that bike. When I ran out of 2-stroke oil I would use whatever dad had around lol

[@flyingdutchman6984]

I did the same with my yz125. I used whatever the old man had in the garage that looked like it was oil. I never cared about ratios and sometimes the bike would be smoking like a chimney, other times burning almost clean. I'm sure I caused all kinds of damage to that old bike, but if never quit, and provided me with lots of fond memories.

[@DatNextGamer]

Flying Dutchman Wholesome

[@bryanbrowning3212]

I had a Hodaka Ace 100 in the 70’s, and did an epic 3 day off road journey with two friends who were on 4 stroke Hondas. I forgot to grab my 2 stroke oil when we left, so I had to buy a quart of Pennzoil 30 weight at our first gas stop. Other than the exhaust smoking a lot, and smelling like the exhaust of a car with worn out rings and valve guides, it ran perfectly well!

[@brianmurphy8790]

Similar thing when I was a kid. Kawasaki KE125 would run like a champ with whatever oil was dumped in it - even old and dirty motor oil.

[@Reziac]

I did that with a 2-stroke lawn mower... whatever motor oil was handy... except it was about 5:1 in a mower that had been sitting for 30 years. Started right up and ran great!

[@captnhowdy01able]

4 stroke oil was originally used to make 2 stroke fuel. I have a old tiller made by a company called Rototiller and the manual say to mix 1/2 quart of 10w-30 to every gallon of gas. The tiller was made in the 40's

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for commenting on this.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

two stroke oil is SAE30 single grade 4 stroke with some extra cleaning additives

[@johanverloop3128]

Up until the mid seventies, two stroke oil didnt exist, and drivers of two stroke vehicles used normal engine oil(4 stroke).

[@stevek8829]

@@johanverloop3128 You don't know what you're talking about. Why don't you shut up.

[@stevek8829]

BS the manual made in the forties didn't mention multi grade oil because it didn't come out till the sixties.

[@Shazzkid]

But if u just use half the 4 stroke oil you've got 2 stroke oil....that's how mafs works

[@ProjectFarm]

lol. Thanks

[@valahnuk3593]

Haha! 😂😂

[@eli72481]

Lvl 100 Mafia Boss

[@robertgantry2118]

mafs..... LMAO!

[@chaunceywilliams2614]

Lol 😂😂😂😂

[@c5back9]

I don’t remember “2 stroke” oil even being offered in the 50s and 60s. For our 2 stroke outboards, motorcycles, and lawnmowers, we just used any 30 weight engine oil mixed to a ratio of 50:1. Sometimes when we expected to run the machines hard or during very hot weather, we’d mix it a bit richer (30 or 40:1). I think the 2 stroke oil offered today has fuel stabilizers in it.

[@christophervaughan1650]

Yeah but you were always swapping plugs and working on them too.

[@danteerskine7678]

@@christophervaughan1650 2 stroke engines are not hard to work on, where I live, the 2 stroke oils are Sae 30 and 40 dyed in blue colour, so when I run out of the Regular 2 stroke oil, I simply use Sae 40 API CF crankcase oils, I have to change the plugs more often but that's not a big deal

[@RealInventions1]

i use a 50/50 mix half 2 stroke oil and half 4 stroke oil, for the chainsaws and filter sump oil for the bar oil on the smaller saws all works fine

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

It's more than that, before bean oil there was no real difference, and now with ester based oil there is a big difference. Obviously engines in the 50's and 60's were nowhere near as reliable as engines are today, and good oil is a part of that. 4 stroke engine oil contains zinc which ashes and becomes abrasive, you should never run 4 stroke oil in any 2 stroke you care about for that reason alone.

[@paulg444]

even today I would never run a 2 cyc engine with less than 20:1 . Remember, the engine manufacturer wants you to buy a new one in 5 years max.

[@trackpackgt877]

Dang it so you're telling me when I was a kid and I was out of 2-stroke oil and couldn't ride my blaster I could have used motor oil and Road it! Great vid

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you

[@hoosierdaddy3705]

A friend of mine had a 1984 Yamaha Towny 49cc scooter. He ran out of 2 stroke oil and filled the reservoir with Crisco vegetable oil. He ran that till the reservoir was almost empty. He would have kept going but I found out what he did. I was following him and it smelled like popcorn. That was funny. We cleaned it all out and it was fine till he filled it the next time with peanut oil. It was so plugged up with carbon it barely ran. I cleaned it all up again and it ran like new. My friend is now a licensed mechanic working for a Dodge dealership. Now that is funny.

[@ProjectFarm]

lol!

[@jlo13800]

How did that work? Any engine damage

[@hoosierdaddy3705]

Bruce Miller I am sure that it did some damage but after all the carbon buildup was cleaned out it ran perfectly and had no noticeable loss of power. That was riding it about 200-300 miles with vegetable oil instead of 2stroke oil.

[@robeftyearian8760]

Thst is funny love the story

[@metalmicky]

I used to put brake fluid in the tank of my two stroke moped made it smell like a race engine!

[@robertleifeld225]

Had a 1956 Johnson 30 HP outboard motor that wanted the oil mixed 32 to 1 in the gas. Always used cheapest 30 weight motor oil and ran that boat for years on the Mississippi River.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for commenting on this.

[@baadgerwilliiams3237]

Yes with no problems to i bet much cheaper

[@jaygames1980]

Did they make 2 stroke oil back then?

[@invisiblegypsy725]

I put my comment in before ii read yours, yep, just like papaw and his blue homelite saw. Cheap 30 weight, ran great for maaaany years.👍👍👍

[@jimbo5635]

Did have an electric choke?

[@alexandergrimm1195]

If I remember correctly from what I was told back in the old days people would commonly use 30 w for 2 stroke engines because 2 stroke oil wasnt a thing yet

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the feedback

[@Combine1331]

My dad had a two stroke Trabant and he put whatever oil he had back in the days. The car was 100K+ kilometers and 15+ years old when he sold it. The engine never had any problems. The car was simple but very strong but in the matter of fact he drove it gentle and took care of it. My uncle also had the exact same car and drove it like maniac and the engine blew up.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@cobrasvt347]

4 stroke oil is what they recommended when 2 stroke lawnmowers come out. There was no such thing as 2 stroke oil when lawn mowers were in their infancy

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point.

[@jlo13800]

Hehe I’m on Xd-100 2 stroke oil on my Koehler toro motor. I run some with a line from the bottom to the carb so mixes and burns at 40:1. Just fill and go with no problems

[@youneverknow111]

sae 30 is what they recommended here around 30 years ago,i used 10w40 in my 2stroke engine run for many years win that mixture

[@craigd5169]

Same thing with 2 stroke outboards, old timers said they used SAE 30 in outboard fuel back in the day, one quart to 6 gallon tank, 25:1 ratio

[@BaberJacks]

Good to know.never know when your in a pickle and your out of 2strok oil

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

When 2 strokes were first used in chainsaws and outboards, the recommended oil was 30w.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for this information.

[@thebountyschannel]

I still use car oil in my old chainsaws, they were built for it.

[@frijidmeatwad5253]

Non detergent

[@gavinford9918]

Project Farm what about used oil

[@MrThatnativeguy]

Gavin Ford used oil is nothing more than oil that has fine particles of metal , nevertheless it will damage your engine surely

[@jhfjhfkf]

I would like to say besides seeing your experiments, this is one of the best channels to learn things, I am fascinated by all your experiments, thanks for everything!!!

[@ProjectFarm]

Wow, thank you!

[@UncleJoe1231]

When I was a kid there was no actual 2-stroke oil. We always just used the same 30 weight oil that we used in our mower. Worked fine!!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the feedback

[@electronicsNmore]

This was one test I always wanted to do. Great video, and very good to know if you ran out of 2 cycle oil. Thanks!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much! You've got a TERRIFIC KZbin channel. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@foadrightnow5725]

One of THE most informative channels on KZbin! The content you create is always informative, concise, unbiased, and entertaining! A rare combination, IMHO! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@herbyevans3644]

Brilliant work.II respect the time and effort taken on tests.Kudos to you Sir

[@zr1sparky1]

Your voice over volume was perfect loud and clear and the other noises and music were in the background nicely done...so many of these videos people don't pay enough attention to sound volumes appreciate it man

[@ProjectFarm]

Awesome, thank you!

[@rothvisuals]

The questions I have always wondered, but was never willing to test... Thanks for answering them!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@USN_Ret-]

I was about 40 years old when I discovered there was "2 cycle oil", growing up we used Quaker State 30w in everything including chainsaws for bar oil.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for commenting

[@blackbirdpie217]

Bar oil is thicker and sticky to help it stay on the chain, 30w gets flung off at the tip. Your chain will last longer.

[@davidmc8110]

Yeah, I was taught as a kid that 30w nondetergent oil was just fine. And, of course I had to use it several times just for the heck of it. We had lots of woods and chainsaws around when I was a kid; as for the bar, sticky oil seemed best, and about a 50w seemed good enough so that the chain oil reservoir didn't empty too fast.

[@USN_Ret-]

Buddy of mine cuts and sells firewood and he only uses used motor oil for bar oil. He comes around ever so often and picks up our used oil.

[@davidmc8110]

Yeah USN (X Navy Deep Sea Diver here, 87-95 disabled) The only problem I had with lower weight oils was the chain oil reservoir would run out of oil well before the gas tank ran dry, which is a little bit of a pain to have to keep checking it, and if you forget, it wears on the bar pretty quick which makes your chain sloppy side to side in the grove.

[@averyalexander2303]

Before watching, my guess is that it'll work just fine.

[@ProjectFarm]

You're right

[@steveskouson9620]

When I was a youngster, the second recommended oil, was non-detergent 30 weight. 2 stroke oil being the preferred oil. steve

[@pdfogle0529]

This is STILL an acceptable solution.

[@herbiehusker1889]

I guess I don't have to watch it nowm :)

[@jusb1066]

before 30w motor oil, it was castor oil, which really stunk, try that next! lol

[@gmctech]

Great great video.... About 10 years ago I was in a situation after a massive snow and ice storm here where I had no choice but to use Rotella T5 IIRC as mixing oil in my Stihl MS880 and it cut downed trees all day long for approximately 8 hours straight without a hitch. It did eventually foul up the plug prety good but that 880 still runs strong and hard like a champ. As a general rule I use 2 stroke mixing oil but if need be i wouldn't hesitate to grab any multi-grade 4 stroke engine oil with the Starburst to use as mixing oil.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the feedback

[@Visionery1]

For years I ran my scooters on a mix of conventional 4-stroke engine oil and petrol, using the measuring cup provided by the scooter manufacturer. Never had a problem. Since the 4-stroke oil is thicker it's important to add the oil before the petrol to ensure it mixes.

[@Ingo3112]

Yeah same for me . i ran it on a tuned scooter yamaha aerox with 70ccm racing zylinder and 21.5 mm carburetor . scooter runs fine over 2 years .

[@ofingrey]

I did shake my bike after doing it the other way LMAO am I the only one?!!!

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

@@ofingrey get a 2 or 3L fuel cannister and shake it in that. You can mount a rack for it to the bike

[@scottlong5093]

Back in the 1960s I owned a SAAB with a 3 cylinder 2 stroke engine. When you got to the gas station you jumped out before the attendant pumped your gas (what a novel concept) and added a quart of 30 weight oil to the gas tank then filled it up with gasoline. It must have worked. I drove that car for over 90K miles with no issues.

[@ProjectFarm]

This is very interesting! I didn't know there was a 2-stroke engine made by SAAB.

[@jlo13800]

SAe 30 run fine and burn clean

[@RichardsWorld]

That bike looks like it might be TOO much fun.

[@ProjectFarm]

lol. Yes, it's a great way to cool off in this hot weather.

[@leddaudet2350]

I purchased one of these motorized bike kits and yes, they are pretty fun to ride. It has way more power and torque than I was expecting from this little engine. How long can these motors run continiusly without overheating? PD: Do more bike videos!!! Thanks

[@gusthebus2542]

Led Daudet they shouldn't over heat since they are governed, just don't engine break down a long hill and you should be fine for hours.

[@TIMEtoRIDE900]

I've heard they last about 1,500 miles of "normal" use then the cylinder wall gets scored.

[@alternator7893]

I have a motorized bike, its extremely fun 👍

[@littlejoey22]

I can’t stop watching your videos, thanks for continuing to post them.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@michaellinner7772]

The experiments that you conduct are very well done. You do an extremely good job at limiting variables in order to create a reasonable conclusion that is useful in the real world. I really do appreciate all of the information gleaned from these experiments. Thanks

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@alssmallengines]

The first 2 stroke engines on lawn equipment, chainsaws & snowblowers used non detergent 30W oil for the mix.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point.

[@DRGreen-ps7eh]

Good reply. I bought a Kawasaki dirt bike in 1968. The fuel cap had a cup built to it, fill the tank with gas, fill the cup with 30wt motor oil, dump it in, shake it a little, and off you went. Never a problem, and I recall using any brand/weight oil.. many times mixing what was left in those old quart cans together to get a "cup" full. I do know that modern 2-strokes (my boat motors) have much less carbon build up though. Love this channel!!!

[@gruntrucker1]

Had a old Johnson outboard that said on the tank to use 30 weight at 30:1???? Was 25years ago I sold that engine..

[@SL7Z62]

Yep early 2 stroke engines used SAE30 most at 16:1 use to use homelite chainsaws XL , 750 ,Super EZ all used SAE 30 they just smoked a little more and had to clean the spark Plugs more then with the NEW Synthetic 2 stroke Oils of today

[@throttlebottle5906]

I still have some ancient 2 stroke oil here, it's as Alan Marshall stated, straight 30W without other chemicals added, it doesn't have dye either. anyone remember running castor oil blended into the mix? much of it would come out in oil form, spraying and dripping everywhere from the exhaust and for sure had a unique scent :)

[@MrsykesGaming]

Love your work when I get a notification I'm like a little kid on Christmas can't wait to see your videos lol

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

2nd this!

[@edwinmcnew4389]

Did better than I ever expected! If anything , like you say maybe in case of emergency to use 4 stroke oil in 2 stroke engine! Thanks for all your hard work!

[@xpkbrz]

Soundtrack is the best of these videos... Just kiddin’, great informative and scientifically tested examples

[@bicylindrico]

My wife would be PISSED if I used her Ball jars for this test. Brave man

[@ProjectFarm]

lol! Hope my wife doesn't find out!

[@salba90]

Same with her table spoon, LOL

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

most people call them mason jars.....unless that where your wife keeps your balls.....lol j/k

[@Meekerextreme]

Ball Jars are a good brand for canning, hell I even know that. He could say Mason jar but they are not all created equal for canning so specifying Ball is correct because my wife wouldn't give a shit about some generic mason jar.

[@kolby4078]

shit, just an excuse to buy more

[@Andyshine77]

2 stroke and 4 stroke oils have a few major differences, the largest is the heavy mineral additives. These additives reduce metal to metal contact and friction under load. However these additives "calcium, Zinc and others" do not burn off at the temperatures engines run at. Because of this 4 stroke oil will leave large amounts of ash in the combustion when used as mix oil. Obviously this is not a problem in a 4 cycle engine that doesn't have blow-by. two cycle engine oils have additives like Polyisobutylene which has excellent anti scuff properties. So yes 4 cycle oil will defiantly work, back in the day that's all that was available. Over time leave large amounts of deposits will inevitably be left behind. Excellent video! I always enjoy them.

[@ProjectFarm]

This is great information. Thank you!

[@blackbirdpie217]

They have taken ZDDP (zinc) out, it was really only there for performance non roller cams. No manufacturer makes them today and classuc car owners have to add it back in.

[@Andyshine77]

Dave B They have taken most of the Zinc out. As you said it was mostly for non roller cams, it was also hard on catalytic converters. However they still use heavy minerals such as I believe bromine and calcium, which will cause build up in a 2 cycle mix application.✌

[@mooman86]

bobe8888 we definitely miss the zink for our older motors and diesels.

[@Andyshine77]

It should still be in oil for new engines IMHO, I've never had a cat go out on any of my older vehicles.

[@fendynathan9287]

I just want to say thank you so much for making such an informative video. you always do great job. really apriciate it!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welcome!

[@clarkpitts5393]

Great job. when I was a kid DT 100 Yamaha's were my main transportation. I used Phillip's Unique 30W when I had no cash for my premix oils....Hey, It got me back on the dirt roads. A++ video, take care, Clark

[@mitchelmulkey7538]

Zip tie strength test

[@ProjectFarm]

Great recommendation. I'll test this soon.

[@mitchelmulkey7538]

Project Farm amazing thanks for the reply

[@JimJamShimmyShatts]

I had no idea I was interested in this until you suggested it

[@jusb1066]

but i never buy brand zip ties! just whatever they sell where i am! supermarket or whatever, not sure where id find branded zip ties , its not like duct tape!

[@williwonti]

You can also leave them out in the sun to test their UV resistance.

[@brianhilligoss]

My grandpa said early 2 stroke engines ran on non detergent 30 weight oil. Wasn’t till lawnboy came out that a separate oil became the standard. He said that they would just use used 30 weight engine oil in them.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks

[@clintonbeckway4171]

Love your videos, seems like you have alot of fun making them ,please make more ,thank you!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you, I will

[@pgluckydog]

Great vids. Tests are well thought out and always entertaining. Subscribed!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you

[@chrisdunphy8802]

Nice to know an emergency you can use it for a short period of time Thank you I appreciate the video

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you

[@jjhack3r]

A lubricity test for 2 stroke oil brands would be interesting. Include red line racing oil if you decide to do a video. Testing it mixed as well as unmixed might be a good idea. I would use 32:1 in the mix tests because its a very typical and average mixture. Good vids btw!

[@ProjectFarm]

Great recommendation! Thank you!

[@05redser]

Yes! Please test redline vs maxima k2 vs amsoil vs whatever else! Pleeeease!

[@victoryfirst2878]

I have been using any motor oil I have laying around on my old 2 cycle air cooled engines for many years. And have found no problems. I figure as long as the mix is a little rich no harm can come to the engines with the exception of more carbon in the muffler of the engine. And all my two strokes are still running. Keep up the videos.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@michaelrockwell9691]

I own a small engine shop and can tell you exactly what will happen. The cylinder will eventually build up deposits, the exhaust port will get clogged, and the engine will finally stop running when the muffler screen clogs to the point the it can no longer release the exhaust.

[@deusexaethera]

That sounds like the result of _way too much_ oil mixed into the gasoline, not necessarily the _type_ of oil used.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

No , the oil additives will whisker the spark plug long before carbon builds up.

[@dougglaus9256]

My 1956 outboard is 30 weight engine oil to gasoline 16/1. Ive ran it this way for 20+ years with no issues.

[@bobbrooks80]

@@dougglaus9256 I have run 57 ev. 15 hp for about 50 yrs. and it is still working good on 30 wt.

[@kyleb5518]

I’ve always used a quality 4stroke motor oil in my 2 stroke stuff (the oil provided by Mercedes dealers) and my McCulloch chainsaw and ryobi brand weedwacker for over 15 years, never had either fail (apart from a blocked jet on the ryobi carb but that happened after about 3 hours not 15 years

[@gambini_modding]

I love your videos dude! you take things with a scientistic eye, but within the understanding reach of mortals. I do see more carbon buildup around the spark plug electrode and around the exhaust port, even on the scoring of the sleeve surface, when 4 strokes oil is used. I believe that over time that carbon buildup would accumulate causing rings to stick on the piston, putting the spark plug on short circuit, etc.

[@stevemccormick4938]

Way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, there was no 2-stroke oil and we mixed 30w with fuel for outboards and ran them for hundreds of hours. Never had a problem.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@johnmitchell8925]

I just found you videos the other day retired master tech.Ive been binge watching them.Great content

[@R.N.GPerformance]

i have used regular 4 stroke oil in my leaf blower ALLOT and have had it for years no issues at all. with that said all my newer equipment i use poulan pro full syn

[@harrissoundlighting]

Would love to see a comparison of different 2-Stroke oils. Curious to see which brands are best for power output and wear protection.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for the video idea!

[@integrationofmanandmachine4714]

I use motul 100% synthetic 2t oil.

[@danteerskine7678]

@@ProjectFarm I'm not sure what happened to 2 stroke oils but they seemed to have deserted the shelves like the shell rotella t6. These oils are nowhere to be found and I have to use motul 15w40 mineral oil as substitute, a bit Smoky but it actually works

[@05redser]

@@ProjectFarm please test redlines racing 2 stroke oil for us!

[@SuperMuenchow]

Use 30wt. moter oil , and you will get the same results

[@davidwhitacre534]

Back in the old days we used SAE 30 weight oil mixed at 20:1 in the fuel for a two stroke engine...it worked OK - but the oil is nowhere as good as specific two stroke oils that are available today and are run at 50:1 ratios. The oil used in this test is a multi-grade detergent oil - and all those additives are worthless in a 2 stroke engine. I worked in a repair shop back in the 1970's and we had to decarbon the exhaust ports on most 2 stroke engines when the carbon would build up and block the exhaust ports and mufflers. Modern 2 stroke oils are far superior and lubricate better, smoke less, and don't build up carbon. The test in this video was limited to a very short duration in a low performance 2 stroke........it is not representative of what you should expect in long term use.

[@warryckscown5620]

David Whitacre also if the motor was under load the test would be a bit more realistic ..

[@250txc]

Forget the additives. 4t and 2t oil all have a base oil AND then additives are added. What is the differences in the base oils?

[@250txc]

@@warryckscown5620 If you are talking about the video, he rode that small bike out in the field and back. He also was just pointing out you can put any oil in your machine for short periods and it will not harm your engine.

[@danteerskine7678]

@@250txc indeed. They're both base oils. When I run out of 2 stroke oil, I get a jug of regular Sae 40 monograde. I use monograde because it doesn't have any modifiers in it

[@WillMoxonFloatsOnOil]

I highly doubt anyone in a pinch would CONTINUOUSLY keep running 4 stroke oil in a 2 stroke lol pretty sure it wouldnt hurt even running a full tank of mixed gas with regular 10w30 in it unless you are holding it at max rpm until the gas ran out.... I mean shit, any bit of lube is better than no lube if you're in a pinch. Especially for these small engines running for a short duration at somewhat low RPM. But yes you definitely covered some solid points 👍

[@davehoward2791]

As a young teenager in the early to mid '70's I had a '72 Suzuki TS125 and the only oil it ever saw was Pennzoil or Valvoline 30wt, whichever was on sale cheapest. Same for all my buddies and their bikes. I don't even know if there was anything such as 2-stroke oil back then, but the regular 30wt worked fine and none of us ever had any problems with our engines, and we ran the crap out of them. Great video as always, thanks! 👍

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks! Thanks for sharing.

[@rockiemountin7535]

You have great videos thanks for your time and effort a lot of your experiments have crossed my mind many times

[@ProjectFarm]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching.

[@NebukedNezzer]

in the 50s and 60s when I was a kid on the farm. We NEVER had any 2 stroke oil. we ran 2 stroke engines on chain saws, outboard boat motors,washing machines, lawn mowers, and my 125cc 2 stroke harley davidson. NO one I knew had any 2 stroke oil. cars like the saab and dkw 3 cylinder 2 strokes used ordinary 4 stroke oil. Yes, 2 stroke oil is better to use and results in less carbon build up so I use 2 stroke oil now that I can get it.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for commenting on this.

[@NebukedNezzer]

Thanks for sharing Rick. Excellent!

[@notavailable9919]

That is because you had leaded fuel, the lead was the lubricant ;)

[@NebukedNezzer]

we used 4 stroke oil in the gas

[@MsAntimodes]

@@notavailable9919 Lead was never the lubricant. There may have been a tiny effect, but even this is not clear.

[@bobdodge3171]

No problem.. They had 2 strokes before 2 stroke oil.. 30 weight was used then.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Typically you need to run more regular oil than the thinner 2 stroke oil with all the additives.. I use it Alot and that's all I do.

[@chrispeck1325]

thank you for making this video. I was on my way fishing after filling up the boat and already putting the 4 stroke oil in the gas. when measuring the oil I noticed the color was wrong and thought it must have been a new type of oil, as my dad had gotten it and he's been running boats for longer than I've been alive, so he knows the difference between 2 and 4 stroke oil. when I was done I looked at the jug to see what this new oil was, well it was 10w30 lol. we had already ran 20gal of this mixture threw the engine and I just put 10 more gallons of it in the boat. I thought the engine was toast. I found your video on this and watched it before I left the gas station. Thank you so much for doing this, I already subscribe to your channel, but I am so thankful for this video. I can guarantee I will be picking up the right oil immediately, but it's nice to know we didn't hurt the engine. The tank holds 20gal, but we run the boat enough that we shouldn't have to worry about it gumming up before it's gone, if anything the gumming up gives me more of an excuse to go fishing to get rid of the 4 stroke oil lolol. Thanks again.

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.

[@andie_pants]

The clip of you in fast forward on the bike with that helmet on grass to that laid-back bluesy song made me chuckle.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@larryh8072]

This is a great experiment. Thanks for doing this. Intrrestingly enough my 1961 Mercury outboard motor manual indicates that a straight 30 weight oil can be used in place of two stroke motor oil. They do not recommend multigrade oil or oil with detergents.

[@jlo13800]

Sounds like my 8v92 detroit diesel 2 stroke oil specs, i cut in some XD-100 BRP oil in with shell rotella though, 475hp turbo 2 stroke! 2 strokes under load produce more heat and pressure and require a heavier duty oil! look at Silkolene por 2 sx, motul 800 2T and amsoil dominator, all surpass 4 joke crap as a 2s troke bot gas and diesl is an industrial gade motor, both Day loop charged and Clarke uni-flow charged! All are more efficient and more powwerful, 4 joke is throwaway automotive crap that sounds and runs like shit but fu to watch self destruct! All thse great muscles care are ruined by 4 joke disposible horrble sounding scrap! not a fan of 4 joke and never will be. i got my rotary on nothing but amsoil dominator synthetic 2 stroke oil and runs great. But there is hope as you can make a u-loop charged poppet valve 2 stroke like this 1.9 VW diesel:kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6DWcp-imM1rick

[@Schlipperschlopper]

During cold war era, in the entire eastern block many 2 stroke cars and bikes were driven for decades with cheap Addinol MV232 four stroke oil mixed to fuel...if "VEB Addinol MZ22 two stroke oil" was not available or too expensive (and it was allmost never availabe :-)))

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you

[@no-damn-alias]

Still remember those andy.father ran waste 4 stroke oil in his 2 stroke. Only side effects where some soot around the spark plug that was glowing on a high power demand low rpm situation and caused pinging so you'd have to use a lower gear. He also knew some engineers from Addinol and they said more or less if an (4 stroke) engine survives our (4stroke) oil, it'll everything else.

[@danfield8102]

Have an old Sears Elgin 2 hp boat motor that says "FUEL RATIO: For normal operation mix 1/2 ?(label damaged) S.A.E. #30 or #40 oil with each gallon of gasoline." Thanks for the videos, keep them coming!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks, will do.

[@ActionlessLoveless]

thanks, that was useful! i'll keep it into account in case if i'll run of mix on my moped and won't have 2strok oil around to get home

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@jackofalltrades7469]

I used to own a 2 stroke motorbike in Bermuda and I ran regular 4 cycle oil in it for 2 years, ran fine.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you. Any problems with carbon buildup?

[@SdKfz173]

I had a Bultaco Frontera 370 -77, and in the manual it said 4 stroke oil (dont remember wich type) at 5%. Didnt had any issues, but engine was dismantled many times for prepping and stuff.. I was young lol

[@jlo13800]

@@SdKfz173 hell convewrt a 4 joke to 2 stroike like this 1.9 VW:kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6DWcp-imM1rick

[@alexandersimpson3638]

Kind of depends on the application, low rpm engines like lawn mowers not an issue... Performance 2-Strokes, forget it..

[@ProjectFarm]

Great point. Thanks

[@pauljubb7305]

Enjoyed your tests, they were very informative and helpful. I do have one question, why did you change engines when you tested the 4 stroke oil? Thank you for making this video.

[@dexterilustrereyes2696]

I truly am glued to the screen when i watch your videos. Its very informative and the process of the test that you do is so awesome to watch. And your not sponsored by any of the brand you test, thats just pure dedication!!!! Can u pls do a video about is castor oil better than 2 stroke oil for two stroke engine.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the video idea.

[@hotrodvdub]

More 2 stroke oil alternatives. Cooking oil, MMO...etc

[@ProjectFarm]

Great video idea!

[@randomname0]

Project Farm marvel mystery oil as 2 stroke oil! That would be awesome!!

[@jusb1066]

castor oil! dont drink it or olive oil

[@RalphReagan]

Project Farm I bet canola oil since it's raped seed oil would work

[@kosta16auto]

2 stroke oil alternative is a ricin oil. They used it in the past on the 2 stroke motocross engines.

[@sandergoldberg4508]

back in the 60s i had a 150cc 2stroke motor scooter. i used to buy premixed 2S gas from the gas station. Every 5000 miles i had to take off the head to decarbonize it and every other decarbonization i had to put in new rings. if i din't decarbonize it, it would overheat and lose power. Today i have a two strike evinrude 65hp boat motor. it requires TCW3 2S oil. That stuff is fantastic. i now use it in all 2S equipment, chainsaw, weedwacker, etc. there is zero buildup of carbon on the head. The walmart brand is very cheap and comes in quarts or 16oz which is perfect for a 6 gallon tank for the boat motor at 50:1 (actually needs 15.2 oz).

[@ProjectFarm]

Great points regarding modern 2 stroke oil compared to using 4-stroke oil!

[@sandergoldberg4508]

or even old fashion 2 stroke oil. I have a feeling that using regular motor oil, except synthetic, will quickly carbonize the head. I sure you realize the problem with that is not the minute reduction of displacement, but that the carbon layer on the head becomes red hot and that quickly messes up the ignition stroke. In addition, the carbon kills the cylinder wall and rings much quicker and there is a compression loss. With TCW3 it's like a miracle, because the lub quality is as good if not better, and there is virtually zero carbon deposit.

[@jlo13800]

I run nothing but xd-100 in my toro kohler mower, truck and yz-250, I am on nothing but 2 stroke oil

[@jlo13800]

I even run synthetic 2 stroke oil in crankcase of my 4 strokes also, i run xd-100 in the bottom of my free kohler toro and fed to the intake with a line from the crankcase into the intake manifold for total loss, so far so good i kicked the 4 stroke oil habit years ago. i also want to get a dry sump for an ls chevy motor and run 2 stroke silkolene pro 2 sx oil injected into the intake. Now make a custom cam, baffeled heads and rune int and ex valves to make a poppet valved loop charged 2 stroke out of it. BTW here is a honda gx converted to 2 stroke:kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIiyXoSsn7-kobM

[@billcampbell8031]

Great test. Your a lot younger man than I am , but back in the day there was only oil no two stroke oil and it worked just fine. but if I recall right we used straight 30 weight oil , its been many years and I think it was a non detergent oil . love your videos keep up the great work . I know you put a lot of work into your productions. Thanks again.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank You

[@brucecoleman7412]

Hey Todd! Great video! I always wondered about this, however I only use 2 stroke oils in my trimmer and blower. I thought you did an oil filter review where you cut them apart. I have looked for it and can’t find it. Am I imagining things? I trust your tests more than any other! If you have one, please post a link. If you don’t have one, please do one!!!

[@julian0025]

Please test vegetable oil in a 2 stroke engine

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@daryllmesser2184]

Run vegetable oil in my kx 80 years ago,I was about 11. It blew up,not right away,but it cooked

[@faddy3645]

Daryll Messer you got 91 years?

[@mjohnlit]

Vegetable oil is very diverse. 2 stroke bikes in the 60s and 70s used the original "Castrol R", which was a castor oil based lubricant, or "Blendzall", also a castor based oil. They had a distinct exhaust smell. Oil technology has come a long way. Saab used to have a 2 stroke 3 cylinder car. It had a lot of problems. An engineer friend told me that if they had had modern 2 stroke oil in those days, it would have probably been fine. Having driven tens of thousands of miles in my Mercedes diesel car and Ford 7.3 diesel truck with vegetable oil fuel, I can tell you that I would NEVER put it in the crankcase! With 2 strokes, you are lubricating the rings AND the bottom end with the fuel-oil mixture. Not a good idea.

[@erichschinzel6486]

Test it yourself

[@alexbothwell6349]

Just wondering why didn’t you do a lubricity test with the 2 and 4 stroke oils mixed to the same ratio?

[@johnperry5396]

I've used olive oil quite successfully

[@tomthefox3365]

Excellent video as usual!

[@ProjectFarm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@poppypottschannel]

so glad this will work. I put it in my little generator and just hoping it wouldnt kill it tonite. thanks great video

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you

[@ProDigit80]

6:47 The result of all those lawnmowers you tested out! XD

[@jlo13800]

Men does great on XD-100 oil so far, it’s a kohler toro. It’s the best I have ran so far

[@Loan--Wolf]

so now you have to try atf in a 2 stroke. you good sir have peeked my interest and i do not wish to damage my own stuff :)

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@86bigred]

I did this as a teen. Little 2 stroke Kawasaki. Mixed 20w50 out of my friends dads race car. Ran a long time. Keep these videos comming.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@damonjones9270]

All of these videos are great, thanks for your time

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you!

[@vivamalta127]

I have used diesel fuel as a 2 stroke oil substitute--works fine but smokes a bit more as you would expect, long term would prob not be too healthy to the engine but its fine in an emergency. Great channel BTW, keep it up!!

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

Diesel doesn't have the same lubrication properties, and might cause overheating. I'm surprised it ran that way.

[@DustinKeating-yk3vq]

That's crazy who would use diesel in lou of 2 stroke oil it's not even oil who uses diesel for a lubricant

[@Apasen1-qy3vj]

Its inteligent intelekt teling that to you stupid.

[@elektrobear2027]

When I run 2 stroke mopeds I usually just use some regular engine oil for my car. Just smokes a lite more.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the feedback

[@p.c.h.6721]

Good video, thanks for the experiment 👍

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you

[@willyburd4686]

That's what I wanted to know.. Getting me out of a jam from time to time is what I'm after.. Video worthy of production. Two thumbs up from the real world.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks!

[@jasepoag8930]

Good question. I have a tiny 2-stroke generator that I keep in case the power goes out to keep my reef aquarium alive. I don't always keep 2 stroke oil on hand, but I always have some mobile 1.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks

[@WineScrounger]

Reef aquaria are pretty hardcore. If you want to keep the little generator as a standby unit, consider getting a can of long life fuel. It’s got less cycloalkanes and more aliphatic hydrocarbons, so it’s more stable over time. Another solution would be to get a camper battery and an inverter, that will get you a few hours at least, depending on the size of the setup and demand from essential pumps, heaters etc.

[@jasepoag8930]

I've considered battery options, but I've used this generator twice, and it's gotten me through half a day just fine. All I need to run is my water pumps and a heater. The thing is rated at 800watt, so it should be able to handle that no sweat.

[@WineScrounger]

Jase Poag that’s cool. It’s always hard to tell with aquaria, mine uses about 120w all up but I’ve seen them much larger. Like, converting the garage into a water treatment plant large 😬

[@jasepoag8930]

It could probably even run my LEDs if I wanted, though I'd be concerned about how dirty the power would be. My previous 6x80watt t5 fixture probably would have make it struggle though. haha

[@jusb1066]

wonder if the 2 stroke has dye to make it easier to see when mixing?

[@ProjectFarm]

Yes, you're right. It helps consumers determine if fuel is mixed with oil. Thanks

[@AtimatikArmy]

Yep, that's exactly why.

[@ashqelon7267]

Jusb1066 , Sometimes red dye was added to diesel fuel that specifically for farm equipment. so it was identifiable people try to use it diesels trucks on the road which is non-compliant to DOT.

[@jusb1066]

@ash yes, in the UK we red dye none road taxed fuel too, always has (im my life!), even though i had two strokes, i never thought about them dying the oil untill i saw it being mixed

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Right! Some is blue and some is red. Can't remember which though.

[@josephnorcalusa1710]

Helpful information, thank you for sharing !!

[@ProjectFarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dennisfox935]

Exactly what I wanted to see. Thanks

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome! Glad to hear.

[@Astronaut50JL]

You should test if lacquer thinner actually cleans out a catalytic converter and compare it to Cataclean

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for the video idea!

[@RonWrenches99]

I used to work at a shop we have a customer coming with the 2004 Cadillac CTS he said it quit running but he also said he put lacquer thinner in the gas because he read that it cleaned the cats long story short we had to replace every injector fuel line and fuel pump because it disintegrated the rubber and plastic and clogged up the whole fuel system

[@corpsiecorpsie_the_original]

Could you repeat this test with ATF?

[@mariomegee6105]

Thank for the heads up on the tensionsor👍.

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@joshuaayres210]

Hey you should try something different(drain blockages liquids) I love watching your videos because it lets consumers know what to buy....

[@mikelovin7]

My dad ran 30w non-detergent 4 stroke oil mixed with gas in a chainsaw for years, the saw still runs fine since the 70's

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for commenting on this.

[@mikelovin7]

You're welcome, thanks for great videos.

[@2strokeguru]

Older chain saws used 30w in the mix and early lawnboy also used 30w mix and some 2 stroke outbords

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you for this information.

[@jlo13800]

I still do this today just for the hell of it. Use owenzoil full synthetic or royal purple sae 30 at 40:1

[@2strokeguru]

@@jlo13800 synthetic oil was not out back then and today's engines have different oil specs It recommended that you use the oil in your Manuel note not all is the same 2 stroke marine is different formula than 2 stroke air cooled 1 major reason for this is water cooled runs cooler than air cooled older 2 stroke engines require a higher ash where newer engines 70s to today require low ash and are not compatible older 2stroke engines used 30w some use non detergent so for long life use recommendations from factory

[@jlo13800]

A 2 stroke premix is still a wet sump, is just a dynamic wet sump that blows the oi/fuel right on through. At 32:1 the sump is kinda wet with oil. it depends on how you look at it. The piston, crank and rod form an oil pump that throws the premixed oil around. Its just splash lubrication on a premix engine. My engine was a model plane given to me that was a glow 2 stroke with aluminum bushings and ran premix cox glow/ diesel fuel. It made much more power per cid than my old fart omc rotary sled old fart motor. Its a 528 cc rotary premix motor drive to church sled motor! it runs 10w40 at 50:1 and its haunted.

[@darrenjackson6207]

Good Job bro....I will only do this in emergencies....thanks 4 your experiment.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much!

[@DirtTrackRacing410]

I love your videos!!!!! I see how precise your testing is and I've been watching this other channel that goes to new tool conventions and their test make me so mad after watching your videos because the test they're doing are not even.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much!

[@kempaswe4022]

I used 10w40 in my moped fore a couple of years

[@kennyrothacher6867]

For*

[@vincewidemann868]

Id say crank life could seriously be compromised. But it was a great video to show the short term effects of this, and to know that in an emergency one could get home with some basic 10w-30.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks for watching!

[@sethmullins8346]

I have an antique chainsaw from before dedicated 2 stroke oil was common. It’s data plate says to use SAE 30 weight oil mixed 16:1. So I’d say mixed 50:1 it definitely will not work.

[@slowjamcdub]

Wow I always wanted to know about that! Thank you!

[@ProjectFarm]

You are welcome!

[@rid-rat-ross]

when we were teens back in the 1960s we rode BSA 2-stroke motorcycles called BSA Bantams, and other 2-stroke motorcycles made by James (all made in England, using Villiers 2-stroke engines), and there was no such thing as 2-stroke oil back then. In fact on the gas cap of the Bantam's gas tank, was a built-in measuring cylinder on which was engraved by BSA something like " use 3 full measures of this cylinder of oil per tank of petrol, use SAE 30-grade motor oil." I use chainsaws and other 2-stroke engines, with standard car-motor oil instead of 2-stroke oil in the mix. I hope I'm not damaging these engines by doing so. Project Farm you've performed a thorough test here and I am impressed with how thoroughly you test things on your channel. Thank you.

[@ProjectFarm]

Thanks and you are welome!

[@maitlandmoore6426]

When I was a kid , my grandfather only used 30- wt in his chainsaws , never had an issue . 16/1 ratio. I believe other than the concentration . It's just another product to sell you . $$$

[@youtubeaccount9058]

16/1 ratio is nuts though. The manual for my 2-stroke dirtbike says 60:1, and that's for conventional. So I'm not sure the cost savings would add up burning that much oil.

[@maitlandmoore6426]

Modern 2- stroke recommendations are for concentrated oils , not motor oil

[@youtubeaccount9058]

@@maitlandmoore6426 Right. You're saying specialized oil is dumb since it costs more, I'm say, does it really cost more if you can use so much less of it. And have the other advantages like less fouling.

[@blackalley9]

I have a 1940s evinrude two stroke outboard. On the motor instructions plate it says to use two stroke oil or 30w oil mixed 40:1.

[@ProjectFarm]

Interesting.

[@lookronjon]

My Bultaco Alpina motorcycle used 4 stroke oil mix from the factory. We now have 2 stroke that is formulated to protect the parts better and smokes a lot less. The forks also use 30 w oil.

[@ProjectFarm]

Great information. Thank you

[@ronsites2694]

As always, a good instructive video. Really like your channel..

[@ProjectFarm]

Thank you very much!