Fuel can be the root cause of many problems you may begin to experience with your leaf blower.
Knowing the right type of gas and oil to use in your blower along with how to care for that fuel may keep you from having to deal with many of these issues.
A RYOBI 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. Allow for the engine to cool. Slowly remove the fuel cap to release any pressure built up in the tank. Follow all safety precautions listed in your RYOBI 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 RYOBI Leaf Blower
Gas can become old and begin to break down when you allow it to sit in your RYOBI leaf blower for more than 30 days.
It can be difficult to know exactly how much fuel you’re going to consume within 30 days. But, you should try your best to purchase, mix and consume it within this timeframe to avoid the negative effects of old fuel.
Effects of ethanol
Most types of gasoline on the market today contain ethanol, an alternative fuel added to make fuel more environmentally friendly. It’s considered environmentally friendly because it is developed using renewable resources like corn and other high-starch plants.
While this fuel is better for the environment, ethanol can have damaging effects on your RYOBI leaf blower. This is because ethanol naturally attracts moisture.
Water in the fuel system is corrosive to the fuel system components and engine. Over time, this ethanol and water mixture separates from gas leaving behind gummy deposits and varnish.
Fuel restrictions are formed due to these deposits keeping sufficient fuel from getting to the engine and potentially causing the engine to not start, run rough, or stop running.
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 RYOBI 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 RYOBI 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 RYOBI blower engine will have one fill port for an oil and gas fuel mixture. RYOBI 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-cyle premium old that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified.
Stay away from automotive motor engine oil and 2-cycle outboard oil. These are not the same as 2-cycle air-cooled engine oils.
How to Mix Gas and Oil for a 2-Cycle RYOBI 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 fuel stabilizer).
- Replace the cap.
- Gently shake the fuel and oil until they are mixed.
- Add the mixed fuel to your RYOBI fuel tank.
You can use Ethanol Shield as recommended by RYOBI or an alternative oil like those provided by Echo, RedMax, or Kawasaki. Use the chart below for the amount of oil required to prepare your RYOBI fuel mixture.
2-Cycle Gas to Oil Mix Ratio for RYOBI 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 RYOBI 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 RYOBI 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.