All gasoline is not the same. It’s important to know the difference and to use the right fuel in your Husqvarna to reduce failures. These failures can result in a chainsaw not starting or running sluggishly. It can also cause complete failure due to engine damage.
2-cycle Husqvarna chainsaws use a gas and oil mixture at a ratio of 50:1. Husqvarna chainsaws require unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 and a maximum ethanol content of 10%. This gas is mixed with a 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified.
Mix gas and oil in a well-ventilated area. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. 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 Husqvarna Chainsaw
Gasoline that ages and begins to break down can become less effective and have negative effects on the fuel system and small engine. Most of the gasoline today includes ethanol, an alternative fuel added to gas to make it a little environmentally friendly.
Most of the time, ethanol is made from corn. It can also be made from other high-starch plants as well. Ethanol naturally attracts moisture to the fuel system that can cause havoc on your Husqvarna chainsaw.
Gasoline can begin breaking down as soon as a month after purchase. Not only does it begin to lose some of its combustible properties, but the water and ethanol mixture can also leave behind varnish and gummy deposits that will restrict fuel flow and corrode components.
Old fuel can leave you with a Husqvarna chainsaw that will die, lose power or not start at all.
Gas and Oil Mixture to Use in a 2-Cycle Husqvarna Chainsaw
Husqvarna 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 Husqvarna 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 |
Gasoline
It is best to use gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 (95 RON) and a maximum ethanol content of 10%. You can find this gas at most fuel stations, often sold as a mid-grade option.
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.
2-Cycle Oil
Add a 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified like this oil from Husqvarna.
Before mixing oil with gas, use the chart above to determine how much oil and gas you need to prepare your 2-cycle mix. Grab a fuel container that holds that amount of fuel.
Write on the container to label the type of fuel in the container so you, or someone else, don’t grab it and accidentally add it to a piece of equipment that requires a different type of fuel.
How to mix gas for a 2-cycle Husqvarna chainsaw:
- 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.
- 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
Husqvarna offers a pre-mixed fuel that is ethanol-free and gives you the convenience of having fuel that is ready to pour into your Husqvarna’s 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna | 50:1 | Husqvarna XP | Husqvarna XP Pre-Mixed |
Add Fuel Stabilizer to the Fuel for a Husqvarna 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 keep gas stable for up to 30 days while some will keep gas stable for up to two years.
A product like Sea Foam Motor Treatment or STA-BIL can be added to your fuel mixture to keep it stable for up to two years, reduce moisture and clean the fuel system.