Gas and Oil Mix Homelite String Trimmers Use

Selecting the right gas and using the correct fuel-to-oil mixture will not only help keep the trimmer running well, but it may also keep you from damaging the engine.

Homelite string trimmers use a gas and oil mixture at a ratio of 50:1. Unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87-octane rating and maximum 10% ethanol content is mixed with a premium 2-cycle engine oil.

Wipe around the fuel cap before filling it with fuel. Allow the string trimmer to cool for a couple of minutes before slowly removing the fuel cap. Always work in a well-ventilated area.

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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 or Bad Gas in an Homelite String Trimmer

Don’t allow fuel to sit in your Homelite trimmer for extended periods beyond 30 days. This is because gas begins to break down after this time.

Ethanol, an alternative environmentally-friendly fuel added to most gasoline, can have negative effects on the string trimmer. Ethanol naturally attracts water from the air.

This ethanol and water mixture will separate from gas over time. It leaves behind varnish that restricts fuel flow and corrodes components on the trimmer.

When it does separate, it sinks to the bottom of the tank and runs extremely hot through the engine.

Because gas begins to go bad so quickly, it’s important to use fresh gas and consume it within 30 days. If you are unable to consume it this quickly, add a fuel additive like Sea Foam Motor Treatment.

This product will stabilize your gas and reduce moisture so it lasts a little longer. You can also check to see if the oil you add to the gas has a long-term stabilizer. (Read the label: fuel stabilizers added to oil can last anywhere from 30 days to up to 2 years).

Homelite string trimmers require unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87-octane rating and a maximum ethanol content of 10%. Mix a 2-cycle premium oil with the gas before adding it to the fuel port.

Avoid gasoline that includes ethanol contents greater than 10% including fuels sold as E15, E30, and E85. These fuels contain up to 15%, 30%, and 85% ethanol respectively.

Ethanol-free fuels are best and will reduce the issues you experience due to old fuel. Ethanol-free fuels can be found at your local hardware store or online.

They can also be found at select fuel stations sold as recreation fuel (REC-90). Look for a fuel station near you at pure-gas.org.

Gas and Oil to Use in a 2-Cycle Homelite String Trimmer

2-Cycle Gas and Oil Mix

Homelite string trimmers require a 2-cycle premium oil to be mixed with gas before filling the fuel tank. Don’t make the mistake of adding straight gas to your 2-cycle string trimmer. You will regret this decision.

Gas runs extremely dry so adding straight gas will cause the engine to seize. Without the lubrication provided by the addition of oil to the gas, the internal parts of the engine won’t be able to move freely.

Most likely, if you accidentally add straight gas to your Homelite string trimmer and start it, you will have to replace it with a new one. The engine will be damaged.

Homelite 2-cycle string trimmers use a gas and oil mixture at a ratio of 50:1. This means you must mix 50 parts gas with 1 part oil. Refer to the chart below for the amount of oil required to be mixed with common gallon measurements.

When creating this mix, use unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 (mid-grade) and maximum ethanol content of 10%. Add a 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified.

Note: 2-cycle engine oil is NOT THE SAME as regular engine oil.

How to mix gas and oil for a 2-cycle Homelite string trimmer:

• Use the chart below to determine how much fuel mix to prepare.
• Remove the cap from an approved gas can. Add unleaded fuel (minimum 87-octane rating & maximum 10% ethanol content) to a gas can.
• Refer to the chart below for the 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 Homelite string trimmer’s fuel tank.

Homelite recommends using Ethanol Shield 2-cycle oil. Another good 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 Homelite String Trimmer Gas-to-Oil Mix

Gas to Oil Mix Ratio	1 Gallon Gas	2 Gallon Gas	2.5 Gallon Gas
50:1	2.6 oz Oil	5.2 oz Oil	6.4 oz Oil

2-Cycle Premixed Ethanol-Free Fuel for a Homelite String Trimmer

The best type of fuel to use in a Homelite string trimmer to reduce fuel problems and extend engine life is an ethanol-free fuel mix. This is an ethanol-free blend of oil and fuel that is ready to pour into your Homelite string trimmer’s fuel tank.

You won’t have to deal with the bad effects of ethanol as discussed in the fuel section. You can find 50:1 premixed fuels online or at many local home improvement stores.

In Summary

The fuel used in your Homelite string trimmer not only affects performance but also affects the likeliness problems develop in the fuel system and engine. Follow these simple tips when choosing a fuel for your string trimmer:

• Always use fresh gas.
• Make sure the gas contains no more than 10% ethanol.
• Choose gasoline with a minimum 89-octane rating.
• Use a 2-cycle gas and oil mixture at a ratio of 50:1.
• Add a fuel stabilizer so your gas lasts longer without breaking down. Not all stabilizers last the same length of time. A stabilizer like Sea Foam Motor Treatment will stabilize fuel for up to 2 years.