Using the right fuel, storing it properly, and consuming it while it is still fresh can keep you from having to deal with fuel-related problems. These problems can cause the leaf blower to die, lose power, or fail to start.
A Craftsman leaf blower uses a gas and oil mixture at a ratio of 50:1.
- Unleaded gasoline with a minimum 89 octane rating (mid-grade) and maximum 10% ethanol content (50 parts)
- Premium 2-cycle engine oil (1 part)
For your safety, always work in a well-ventilated area. Wait for the engine to cool. Follow all safety precautions listed in your Craftsman operator’s manual.
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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual before diagnosing, repairing, or operating. Consult a professional if you don’t have the skills, or knowledge or are not in the condition to perform the repair safely.
Old Gas in a Craftsman Leaf Blower
It is easy to allow old fuel to sit in your Craftsman leaf blower. It’s hard to know exactly how often you’re going to consume a tank of fuel.
While you can forget or neglect to keep fresh fuel in your leaf blower, it’s best you don’t. Gas can become old and break down as soon as 30 days after purchase.
Effects of ethanol
Most types of gasoline on the market today contain ethanol, an alternative fuel added to make fuel more environmentally friendly. Ethanol can have damaging effects on your Craftsman leaf blower.
Ethanol naturally attracts moisture from the air which leaves behind sticky deposits and causes component failures over time.
Because of this, never use gasoline that has an ethanol content greater than 10%. The lower the ethanol content the better.
Use a fuel additive
Add a fuel additive to keep gas stable a little longer. I like the product Sea Foam Motor Treatment. This product not only stabilizes gas but also reduces moisture and cleans the fuel system.
Some 2-cycle oils include a fuel stabilizer. However, don’t assume the stabilizer will last longer than 30 days unless the information is provided by the manufacturer. Some stabilizers will last up to 30 days while others can last up to two years.
Gas and Oil Mix to Use in a 2-Cycle Craftsman Leaf blower
You don’t want to get the gas and oil mix ratio wrong. Not using enough oil or adding straight gas to a 2-cycle Craftsman leaf blower can result in a damaged engine.
Straight gas runs very dry and will cause the engine to seize and quit. Without oil added to the gas, the engine doesn’t get the lubrication it requires for internal parts to move freely.
A Craftsman blower engine will have one fill port for an oil and gas fuel mixture. Craftsman 2-cycle blowers require a fuel consisting of a gas-to-oil mixture at a rate of 50:1:
When creating this mix, use unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 (mid-grade) and maximum ethanol content of 10%. Add a 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified.
How to Mix Gas and Oil for a 2-Cycle Craftsman Blower:
- Use the chart below to determine how much fuel mix to prepare.
- Remove the cap from an approved gas can. Add unleaded fuel (minimum 89 octane rating & maximum 10% ethanol content) to a gas can.
- Using the chart for ounces of oil required, add the 2-cycle oil to the gas can.
- Add a fuel additive if needed. (Some 2-cycle oils include a sufficient fuel stabilizer).
- Replace the cap.
- Gently shake the fuel and oil until they are mixed.
- Add the mixed fuel to your Craftsman fuel tank.
You can use the Craftsman universal 2-cycle oil or Craftsman full-synthetic 2-cycle oil. Another alternative is this 2-cycle mix by Kawasaki. It comes in 5.2 oz. and 6.4 oz. bottles that can be mixed with 2 gal. or 2.5 gal. of gas respectively for a 50:1 mix.
2-Cycle Gas to Oil Mix Ratio for Craftsman Leaf Blowers
| Gas to Oil Mix | 1 Gallon | 2 Gallon | 2.5 Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50:1 | 2.6 oz | 5.2 oz | 6.4 oz |
Using Ethanol-Free Fuel is Best for a Craftsman Leaf Blower
To avoid the negative effects caused by using an ethanol-based fuel, it’s best to use an ethanol-free fuel in a Craftsman leaf blower. This is the more costly option for fueling your blower.
Tru-Fuel offers an ethanol-free premixed fuel at a mix of 50:1 that is ready to pour into the fuel tank. This is not only a great option for the blower, but it’s also a very convenient option for the user.