Gas can affect how well your Homelite leaf blower performs. I’ll share with you how to choose the right gas and oil for your blower, the effects of bad fuel, and how to prepare the fuel mixture before adding it to the fuel tank.
Homelite leaf blowers require a gas and oil fuel mixture at a rate of 50:1. Mix unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87-octane rating and maximum 10% ethanol content with a premium 2-cycle engine oil.
Always take all safety precautions listed in your operator’s manual when working with fuel. This includes working in a well-ventilated area, allowing the engine to cool before filling with fuel, and using an approved fuel container for mixing and storing.
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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 Homelite Leaf Blower
You may not think about the quality of fuel after letting it sit in your leaf blower for extended periods, but you should.
Using old gas in your leaf blower can result in starting and running problems. It can lead to fuel restrictions and parts failures including the carburetor.
Gas can begin to break down as quickly as 30 days after purchase. It’s important to only purchase the amount of fuel you can consume within this timeframe.
I know it’s hard to know just how much fuel you are going to go through in 30 days. Because of this, I add a fuel stabilizer to make gas last a little longer before it breaks down.
I still try to consume fuel within 30 days, but I add a fuel stabilizer just in case I don’t.
Some 2-cycle oils include a fuel stabilizer. 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.
Most types of gasoline on the market today contain ethanol, an alternative fuel added to make fuel more environmentally friendly. Ethanol is not good for a small engine like the one on your leaf blower.
Ethanol naturally attracts moisture from the air which causes corrosion and gumming of the fuel system. Never use gasoline that has an ethanol content greater than 10%. The lower the ethanol content the better.
Gas and Oil Mix to Use in a 2-Cycle Homelite Leaf blower
Don’t make the mistake of adding straight gas in a 2-cycle Homelite leaf blower or you may end up having to buy a new leaf blower.
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 Homelite blower engine will have one fill port for an oil and gas fuel mixture. Homelite 2-cycle equipment requires a fuel consisting of a gas-to-oil mixture at a rate of 50:1: This means 50 parts gas is mixed with 1 part oil.
When creating this mix, use unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 (regular) and maximum ethanol content of 10%.
Add a 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified. This is a 2-cycle engine oil for air-cooled engines. Never use motor oil or outboard 2-cycle oil.
How to Mix Gas and Oil for a 2-Cycle Homelite 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 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 your Homelite fuel tank.
You can use the Ethanol Shield 2-cycle oil as recommended by Homelite. Another alternative is this 2-cycle mix by Kawasaki. It comes in 2.6 oz and 5.2 oz. bottles that can be mixed with 1 gal. or 2 gal. of gas respectively for a 50:1 mix.
2-Cycle Gas to Oil Mix Ratio for Homelite 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 Homelite Leaf Blower
To avoid the negative effects of ethanol, it’s best to use an ethanol-free fuel in a Homelite leaf blower.
This is a more expensive choice for fuel, but it can save you from headaches and possibly spending money having to deal with the degradation of gas that contains ethanol.
You can find ready-mixed cans of 50:1 ethanol-free fuel at your local hardware store or online. This is a convenient option to have sitting on your shelf. There is no mixing involved and no last-minute trips to the fuel station.