Can you put regular gas in a weed eater? (And how to determine the correct ratio of gas and oil)

While using a lawnmower is very effective in cutting your grass to give your lawn that manicured look, it’s not useful in some situations. That’s why you need to invest in a good weed eater that will help you take care of the weed edges and also cut the hard-to-reach places like around fence posts and trees.

Weed eaters come in 2 main categories that include gas and electric powered with the electric weed eater being corded and cordless or battery-powered. So, can you put regular gas in a weed eater? No, you can’t use regular gas in your 2-cycle weed eater since it has a specific gas to oil ratio, but you can use regular gas in your 4-cycle weed eater since it keeps the gas and oil separate. Weed eaters use either gas or a mixture of oil and gas which isn’t just your regular gas, it should strictly contain less than 10% of ethanol. Excess ethanol content in the gas can destroy most of the parts that make up the fuel system including the fuel pipes. This will cause the engine to run very hot and cause engine stalling and vapor lock problems.

A weed eater can either have a two-cycle or a four-cycle engine, but the two-cycle engine is the most common and affordable and uses a gas and oil mixture and operates loudly while the four-cycle engine is heavier but runs quieter with fewer fumes. For efficient operation, you should put the correct gas to oil ratio. If you put too much oil, it can damage the engine, but if you put too little, it will significantly shorten the life of the engine because it’s not sufficiently lubricated. That’s why you must refuel your maintenance tool using the proper fuel to avoid engine damage to guarantee your weed eater’s longevity and durability.

Determining the correct ratio of gas and oil

The two-cycle weed eaters has a specific oil to gas ratio and too much of oil or too little can cause damage to the engine or reduce its lifespan. Most brands and models use the same ratio, but the most common ones are the 40:1 and 50:1 ratios. To know the proper gas to oil ratio, always check your owner’s manual.

The 40:1 ratio is the same as 1 US gallon of unleaded gas to 3.2 ounces of engine oil. The unleaded gas should contain at least 87 octanes. However, don’t use regular motor oil because it contains non-combustible additives that can cause some serious damage to your weed eater’s engine. You can buy the 2-stroke oil made for both the 40:1 and 50:1 ratios. However, this oil has a limited shelf life so for a more convenient way, you can buy the 6 pack pre-mixed fuel made with ethanol-free gasoline, and the oil is already mixed in which will remove the guesswork.

Don’t pour and mix the oil and gas in the fuel tank, mix both in the gas can to make sure you mix it properly and avoid spilling it on your weed eater. You should stir in the mixture or swirl the can around to mix the contents, but don’t shake it too aggressively.

Some common weed eater brands and their gas to oil ratios

Manufacturer	Gas to oil ratio
Weed eater	40:1
Ryobi	50:1
Stihl	50:1
Husqvarna	50:1
ECHO	50:1

How to properly store your weed eater and fuel

Since grass doesn’t grow well during winter, most people store their weed eaters and lawn care equipment until its spring. You must store your equipment properly because if you leave leftover gas in the engine it will cause damage and any exposure to moisture will cause damage too. Gasoline starts to expire after about 30 days and this causes oxidation that can cause issues like corroded fuel system parts, clogs in the fuel system, and more. It’s best to always drain all the fuel from the tank before storage because the fuel will go bad and may gum up the fuel system.

Signs you have mixed the wrong gas and oil ratio

It’s possible to sometimes mix the wrong ratio of gas and oil and once you realize your mistake, you can rectify it so that your weed eater’s engine doesn’t break down. Here are some of the signs you should look out for if you’re not sure you have used the right ratio of gas and oil.

• The engine sputters and stops
• Excessive smoke
• Overheating
• Reduced overall efficiency

Once you notice these signs, you’ll need to stop the engine and change the fuel.

Things you should avoid

• Avoid doing guesswork for the gas to oil ratio. Even though you’re only going to use a lot of fuel in your two-cycle weed eater, you still need to use the correct mixture to avoid damaging the engine.
• Don’t leave gasoline in the fuel tank for a long period since the ethanol can damage the engine after some time, so fuel that isn’t being used and just sits in the engine can speed up this process. Any debris in the gasoline can grow mold and clog the fuel system.
• Avoid storing your weed eater near moisture as it can cause damage, especially if there’s some fuel in the engine.

Conclusion

The same way food is important for your body to function properly, so is the right fuel important for your weed eater. It’s up to you to maintain the engine if you want it to last longer and work efficiently. And this can be achieved by ensuring you use the right gas and oil ratios and the right type.

FAQ

Can I use non-ethanol gas in my weed eater?

Yes, you can use ethanol-free gas in your weed eater and it’s the best gas for your 2-cycle weed eater. It has a longer shelf life and reduces the risk of damage to the engine caused by moisture.

What kind of gas goes in a 40cycle weed eater?

The recommended gas should contain at least 87 octanes with 10% ethanol.