Adding the wrong type of fuel to your STIHL leaf blower can be harmful to the continual operation of your blower. Not only do you need to use the correct gas and oil, but you also need to mix it correctly and ensure it is fresh.
STIHL leaf blowers with 2-cycle or 4-mix engines use a gas and oil mix at a ratio of 50:1. Stihl leaf blowers require unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 89 and a maximum ethanol content rating of 10%. This gas is mixed with a 2-cycle premium oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified.
Take safety precautions when working with fuel. Mix gas and oil in a well-ventilated area. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. Wait for the engine to cool. The tank can be under pressure.
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Follow all safety instructions provided in your equipment operator’s manual prior to 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 2-Cycle STIHL Leaf Blowers
Know the type of engine you have on your leaf blower. STIHL currently manufactures leaf blowers with 2-cycle engines and 4-MIX engines. Each of these engines requires a gas and oil mix.
STIHL’s 4-MIX engines are currently used on backpack leaf blower models: BR500, BR600, BR700, BR800 C-E, and BR800 X. With STIHL’s 4-MIX technologies, you get the benefits of a 4-cycle engine with the compact design of a 2-cycle engine.
If you are using a different brand leaf blower, you must make sure you know the kind of engine being used. Most gas-powered leaf blowers on the market today use 2-cycle engines, however, you will find 4-cycle leaf blowers which may require a straight gas.
Don’t make the mistake of adding straight gas to a STIHL 2-cycle or 4-MIX leaf blower or you will end up ruining it and most likely have to buy a new one.
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.
STIHL Leaf Blowers Use a Gas to Oil Fuel Mixture of 50:1
STIHL’s 2-cycle engine or 4-mix engine on the leaf blower has one fill port for a gas and oil mix. The mix ratio is required to be 50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil – 50:1 Mix.
The 2-cycle engine or the 4-mix technology engine on your STIHL leaf blower has one fill port for gas and oil mixed at a ratio of 50:1. This means it requires 50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil. Refer to this chart for the right amount of oil to mix with unleaded gas.
| STIHL 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 |
Type of Gas to Use in a STIHL Leaf Blower
For the best performance from your STIHL leaf blower, always use fresh unleaded gasoline with a minimum 89-octane rating and maximum ethanol content of 10%.
Fuel should be consumed within 30 days and no longer than 60 days when using a fuel stabilizer. When gas gets old it begins to break down and become less combustible.
Ethanol-based gasoline 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 STIHL chainsaw not starting, dying, or experiencing a loss of power.
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. The lower the ethanol content or an ethanol-free fuel is best.
Type of Oil to Use in a STIHL Leaf Blower
STIHL chainsaws require a premium 2-cycle oil that is ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified. STIHL offers its own branded oil: STIHL High Performance or STIHL HP Ultra for your chainsaw.
You can also use other brands as long as they are ISO-L-EGD and JASO M345 FD certified.
Two-cycle oil is different from automotive engine oil. Do not use standard engine oil in your chainsaw.
Pre-Mixed STIHL 2-Cycle Fuel
Another option to power your STIHL leaf blower is with a pre-mixed fuel. This is a good choice as it is an ethanol-free option.
It’s also convenient as it comes in a canister that can be stored on the shelf ready to go when you need it. No mixing is involved! Just shake and pour.
You can find STIHL pre-mixed fuel at your local STIHL dealership or local Ace Hardware.
| Manufacture | Gas to Oil Mix | 2-Cycle Oil | Premixed Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| STIHL | 50:1 | High Performance HP Ultra | 2-Cycle MotoMix |
How to Mix Gas for a STIHL Leaf Blower
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.
- Replace the cap.
- Gently shake the fuel and oil until they are mixed.
- Add to the leaf blower’s fuel tank.
Always mark your gas can with the type of gas or gas/oil mix is 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.