Just got myself a petrol line trimmer: advice

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wanwarlock

25 posts

Geek

#47378 11-Nov-2009 10:19

Hi all,

Just got myself a petrol line trimmer from Westpac hotpoints to do our small lawn.

I've never used 1 before, so would like to know where can I buy the fuel. In the manual it says you have to mix 30 parts fuel to 1 part oil.

1st where to get the oil, what type?

2nd can't I just go out and buy the fuel/oil from Bunnings/Mitre 10 etc.

Any advice appreciated...

Thanks

vinnieg

2260 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#271956 11-Nov-2009 10:31

goto the petrol station and ask for a 30:1 mix, they'll mix it up for you, look for 2 stroke oil if you want to do it yourself, it's easy :)

You'll need a petrol container(plastic or steel) they won't put it in a milk bottle or juice container as it's way too dangerous and would melt it

After that, it's easy, tip the fuel/oil mix in, turn the switch to prime, prime it about 6 times, turn the switch to start, pull the rope and boom

other advise:
- keep your cat away from it
- wear some eye protection to protect from stones
- rev it up and pretend it's a small motorbike or play a tune with the engine revs. I do it with my circular saw and pretty much every power tool as well

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

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Kraven

710 posts

Ultimate Geek

#271960 11-Nov-2009 10:38

Just buy regular 2-stroke oil. Should be available from anywhere that sells oil.

Then mix your own fuel accordingly.

josephhinvest

1526 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#271961 11-Nov-2009 10:38

Hi wanwarlock,

I too have a petrol line trimmer, so much more powerful than an electric.
2-Stroke fuel is just regular petrol with oil added, as the engine does not have a separate oil reservoir.
I don't think you can buy premixed fuel.

I have two petrol containers, one for regular petrol for mower etc, and one (clearly labelled) that has 2-stroke fuel.

Mixing 2 stroke is easy, when you fill up your petrol container, just put in a round number of litres, i.e. 4 litres of petrol.
It is easy then to calculate the amount of oil to add, if the manual says 30:1 then you would add 130mls ish of oil.
Various engines require 30:1, 40:1, or 50:1 ratios, I don't think you have to worry about being very precise.

Pretty much any 2-stoke oil should be fine, you only use small amounts so a 1 litre will last you a while.

http://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/automotive_and_garage/car_servicing_products/castrol_engine_oil_two_stroke_1_litre_462060.cfm
This one is 16 bucks.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Joseph.

vexxxboy

4089 posts

Uber Geek

#271962 11-Nov-2009 10:40

if you want to do it yourself just fill a 5 ltr container of petrol and then add roughly 150 ml of 2 stroke oil to it and dont forget to write on the container what mixture it is so you dont pour it into a 4 stroke engine by mistake. (trust me , you dont want to do that)

Common sense is not as common as you think.

RockResearch

152 posts

Master Geek

Trusted

#271964 11-Nov-2009 10:44

Don't mix too much up at one time, the fuel has a lifespan and a line trimmer doesn't use much.

I made the mistake of filling a 5L container and then reading that mixed fuel only lasts a month and I have mixed up enough for a year.

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patatrat

261 posts

Ultimate Geek

#271965 11-Nov-2009 10:45

As I have a 4 stoke mower, I just have a single petrol container and I mix in the weedeater's tank. As you are dealing with smaller amount of fuel and oil, you gotta measure measure measure and do a bit of math to work out how much to put in.

Also, petrol goes off. Don't go buying 10L if you only use 500mls a month. Buy enough for 1 - 2 months at a time.

wanwarlock

25 posts

Geek

#271972 11-Nov-2009 11:03

wow thanks for all the replies guys. much appreciated... especially about the oil and not buying too much at 1 time!

it did come with a mixing container for ease of mixing.

@vinnieg - so you can just go to a petrol station and ask for 30:1 mix? that would be handy, just need to get a fuel container.

thanks again.
-line trimmer n00b-

riahon

946 posts

Ultimate Geek

#271983 11-Nov-2009 11:34

What I did was fill my petrol reservoir and then measure how much fuel it took to fill from empty. I then worked out the ratio of 2stroke oil needed which worked out to be one cap full of the oil containers lid.

Therefore, when it is all but empty I fill reservoir with petrol, add one cap full of oil, shaken not stirred, done.