A chainsaw with a 2-cycle engine will require the operator to mix gas with oil before filling the fuel tank. Using the wrong fuel will not only cause performance issues, it may also damage the engine beyond repair.
2-cycle RYOBI chainsaws use gasoline with a minimum 87-octane rating and a premium 2-cycle engine oil mixed at a ratio of 50:1. Do not use gas with more than 10% ethanol content.
Mix gas and oil in a well-ventilated area. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Wait for the engine to cool for a few minutes before slowly removing the fuel cap. Follow other safety precautions listed in your product’s 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.
Negative Effects of Old Gasoline on a RYOBI Chainsaw
Old gas is often the reason for a performance issue with a RYOBI chainsaw. It may be the underlying reason why a chainsaw dies, runs sluggishly, or just won’t start.
This is because gas can begin breaking down and becoming less effective as soon as 30 days after purchase.
Ethanol, found in most gasoline today, attracts moisture to the fuel system. The water and ethanol mixture will eventually separate from gas leaving varnish and gummy deposits that restrict fuel flow and degrade components.
While ethanol-free fuel is the best fuel for your RYOBI chainsaw, never use a gas with more than a 10% ethanol content. Ethanol is harmful to a small engine like the one on your chainsaw.
Gas and Oil Mixture to Use in a 2-Cycle RYOBI Chainsaw
RYOBI chainsaws with 2-cycle engines require a gas and oil mixture at a 50:1 ratio. This means 50 parts gasoline is mixed with 1 part 2-cycle engine oil.
Using the wrong type of gas in your chainsaw can damage the engine. NEVER use straight gas in your 2-cycle RYOBI engine. Gas runs extremely dry and doesn’t provide lubrication.
Running straight gas or gas without the right kind and amount of 2-cycle engine oil can cause the engine to seize. When this happens, there is a very high chance you ruined the engine and it won’t start again.
| Gas to Oil Mix | 1 Gallon Gas | 2 Gallon Gas | 2.5 Gallon Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50:1 | 2.6 oz Oil | 5.2 oz Oil | 6.4 oz Oil |
RYOBI Gasoline
It is best to use gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 and a maximum ethanol content of 10%. Midgrade and premium gas is the better type of gas to run through your chainsaw.
Never use gasoline that has a higher ethanol content than 10%. These are fuels sold as E15, E30, and E85 which contain ethanol up to levels of 15%, 30%, and 85% respectively.
RYOBI Chainsaw 2-Cycle Oil
Add a 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified like this oil recommended by RYOBI. This oil is different from regular engine oil.
Before mixing oil with gas, use the chart above to determine how much oil and gas you need to prepare your 2-cycle mix. For example, use to prepare 1 gallon of fuel mix, add one gallon of gas with 2.6 ounces or 2-cycle engine oil.
Mix in a gas can prior to adding it to the fuel tank.
How to mix gas for a 2-cycle RYOBI chainsaw:
- Remove the cap from an approved gas can. Add unleaded fuel (minimum 87 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.
- Replace the cap.
- Gently shake the fuel and oil until they are mixed.
- Add to the chainsaw’s fuel tank.
2-cycle Pre-Mixed Fuel
RYOBI offers a pre-mixed fuel that is ethanol-free and gives you the convenience of having fuel that is ready to pour into your RYOBI tank. There is no measuring or mixing involved.
Better yet, you won’t have to deal with the negative effects of ethanol when using this product.
| Manufacture | Gas to Oil Mix | 2-Cycle Oil | Pre-Mixed Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| RYOBI | 50:1 | Ethanol Shield |
Add Fuel Stabilizer to the Fuel for a RYOBI Chainsaw
Using a fuel additive when you are unable to consume fuel before it begins to break down is important. Because I use my chainsaw more often at certain times of the year than others, I always add a fuel additive to gasoline to stabilize it.
There are fuel stabilizers added to many 2-cycle engine oils. However, they are not all the same. Some will ensure the product will guarantee to keep gas stable for up to 30 days while some will keep gas stable for up to two years.
I like products like Sea Foam Motor Treatment or STA-BIL can be added to your fuel mixture to keep it stable, reduce moisture and clean the fuel system.
Fuel stabilizers must be added to fresh fuel. It cannot reverse the effects of old fuel.