For the average homeowner, chainsaws are convenient to have on hand when you need to clean up after a storm, cut wood to heat the home, or have the wood on hand for a bonfire.
Troy-Bilt offers a nice line of chainsaws that are lightweight and easy to use. It does need to be maintained to keep it in good condition. This includes using the right fuel and consuming it before it goes bad.
Troy-Bilt chainsaws with 2-cycle engines use a gas and oil mix at a ratio of 40:1.
- Unleaded gasoline with a minimum 89 octane rating and a maximum ethanol content of 10%.
- 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified.
Mix gas and oil in a well-ventilated area away from combustible products.
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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.
Gas and Oil to Use in a 2-Cycle Troy-Bilt Chainsaw
Know the type of engine you have on your chainsaw. Troy-Bilt currently manufactures chainsaws with 2-cycle engines. If you are using a different brand of chainsaw, you must make sure you know the kind of engine being used.
Most gas-powered chainsaws on the market today use 2-cycle engines, however, you will find 4-cycle chainsaws which require a straight gas.
Don’t make the mistake of adding straight gas to a Troy-Bilt 2-cycle chainsaw or you will end up ruining it and most likely have to buy a new one.
Straight gas runs very dry and will cause a 2-cycle engine to seize up and quit. Without oil added to the gas, the engine doesn’t get the lubrication it requires for internal parts to move freely.
Troy-Bilt Chainsaws Use a Gas to Oil Fuel Mixture of 40:1
The 2-cycle engine on your Troy-Bilt chainsaw has one fill port for gas and oil mixed at a ratio of 40:1. This means it requires 40 parts gasoline to 1 part oil.
For example, one gallon of gas requires 3.2 ounces of oil. Refer to this chart for the right amount of oil to mix with unleaded gas.
| Gas to Oil Mix | 1 Gallon Gas | 2 Gallon Gas | 2.5 Gallon Gas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40:1 | 3.2 oz Oil | 6.4 oz Oil | 8.0 oz Oil |
Type of Gas to Use in a Troy-Bilt Chainsaw
When selecting gas for your Troy-Bilt chainsaw, always use fresh gas. When gas gets old, it begins to break down and become less combustible.
Gas with ethanol attracts moisture from the air to the fuel leaving behind a varnish in the fuel system. Gummy deposits will clog fuel components and prevent the carburetor from working sufficiently.
This can result in problems with your Troy-Bilt chainsaw not starting, dying, or experiencing a loss of power.
Troy-Bilt chainsaws require unleaded gasoline with a minimum 89 octane rating and a maximum 10% ethanol content. You can find this gas at your standard fuel station. Mix this gas with a 2-cycle premium oil.
Never use gasoline that has a greater ethanol content of 10% like those sold as E15, E30, and E85. These types of fuel contain up to 15%, 30%, and 85% of ethanol respectively. A low ethanol content or an ethanol-free fuel is best.
Type of Oil to Use in a Troy-Bilt Chainsaw
Troy-Bilt chainsaws require a premium 2-cycle oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified. This MTD 2-cycle oil works well. Note: 2-cycle oil is not the same as automotive engine oil. Do not use standard engine oil in your chainsaw.
You can purchase a high-quality 2-cycle oil that is marketed as a 50:1 mix oil. You just need to use 3.2 ounces per gallon of gas.
Pre-Mixed Troy-Bilt 2-Cycle Fuel
A pre-mixed fuel that contains ethanol-free fuel and oil ready to pour into the tank is a good option for fuel. It is convenient to have fuel sitting on the shelf ready when you need it.
Better yet, you won’t have to deal with the fuel problems caused by running ethanol-based fuel.
Many OEM brands offer good options like ECHO or Shindaiwa. Be careful. Some aftermarket brands have caused running issues.
Add a Fuel Stabilizer to Your Troy-Bilt Chainsaw
Because gas begins to break down as soon as 30 days after purchase, it’s important to only purchase the amount of gas you can consume within this time.
If you are unable to consume it within this timeframe, use a fuel additive like Sea Foam Motor Treatment or STA-BIL to help keep the fuel stable and reduce moisture.
I choose to add Sea Foam to all of my fuel for added insurance in case fuel sits around longer than it should. It can be hard to know exactly how much fuel I am going to go through.
How to Mix Gas for a Troy-Bilt Chainsaw
Determine how much fuel mix you want to prepare. Refer to the chart above for the amount of 2-cycle oil to add to the gas.
- Remove the cap from an approved gas can. Add unleaded fuel (minimum 89 octane rating & maximum 10% ethanol content) to a gas can.
- Add the appropriate amount of 2-cycle oil to the gas can (3.2 oz. per gallon of gas).
- Replace the cap.
- Gently shake the fuel and oil until they are mixed.
- Add to the chainsaw’s fuel tank.
Always mark your gas can with the type of gas or gas/oil mix in the can. Mistakenly adding the wrong fuel to a piece of equipment can damage it. You may be able to remember you mixed fuel in a certain fuel can, but someone else may not know.
Still Having Problems with Your Troy-Bilt Chainsaw?
Check out my handy guide Common Troy-Bilt Chainsaw Problems for handy charts listing problems and solutions to many common problems chainsaw owners encounter.
This is a great guide to keep bookmarked. It covers problems with a chainsaw not starting, bogging down, or dying. You can also find information on a chain not turning, the engine only running with the choke on, and more.
In addition, you will find links to more detailed information on each issue.