Breaking in a new chainsaw

[dean.f]

The Stihl dealer recommended it and sold it to me.

http://www.chainsawcollectors.se/php...ic.php?t=25848

We use Aspen at work, mostly because it was cheaper to buy it by the skid than to pay somebody to go to the gas station then submit expenses, and as far as I know the premix and bottled fuel will not go bad like regular gas. Also cheaper than replacing saws after guys run straight gas in them.

A friend of mine is sponsored by them for race fuel.

[sawbill]

4+8, alkylate fuels are just a higher octane that you can buy at most gas pumps so of course he would want to sell it to you in his over priced brand named labelled pint or quart container. I think it would have more credibility if he said to use this fuel that you can buy at any CTC gasbar.
I think the most detrimental thing for a chainsaw nowadays is using regular 87 octane gas.

[TroutSlayer]

The pre-mixed fuel contains no Ethanol, which is the killer for rubber or plastic lines in the tank. If I remember correctly, only Shell Premium gas is Ethanol free.

[werner.reiche]

One thing I was told on a small motors course was that gas is actually a coolant. Get it on your hands and you'll know what I mean. So, adding oil would actually make the saw run a bit hotter. I would never spend a nickel on premixed gas/oil but would simply follow the dealers recommendation first. After that period, just giv'er!

if you use a lot of gas buying the premixed/stabilised is a waste. But I think the stihl recommendation now is gas older than 6 weeks is stale and should not be used. If you don't use your saw a lot, the premixed gas - which has an infinite shelf life if I understand correctly - can be worthwhile. In either case, blowing up a saw using old gas is almost always going to be more expensive than buying the premixed stabilised fuel.

Disclaimer - I've never used premixed though - I go through a couple of gallons a month.

Utlramar gold is ethanol-free as well. 87 octane is not good for saws, but it won't kill them quickly. What will is stale gas - any octane.

BTW - what you are paying the premium for with the premixed is not just the convenience of it being mixed. It's mostly for the stabilization.

[MikePal]

What will is stale gas - any octane.

Just a spalsh of the MotorMaster Fuel Stabilizer (from CT) will keep the fuel mix from getting stale...

General tip...when you fill your Jerry (5 gallon) at the pump and get it home, immediately, before you forget, throw the measured scoop of Fuel Stabilizer into it. Never have to worry about it going 'stale'.

[dean.f]

Just a spalsh of the MotorMaster Fuel Stabilizer (from CT) will keep the fuel mix from getting stale...

I do this with all my toys, usually if I grab a 5 gallon to keep around I mix this stuff in a well and it's never let me down.

[Deer Hunter]

It all depends if your running a old Partner or McCulock or a newer saw. With the older saws you can get away with regular gas and richer oil mixture. With a new saw it’s very important to use premium gas with the proper amount of quality mixing oil. Using quality chain oil for the proper season is also important. IMO running a chain saw wide open should only be done under load regardless if its new or old. The pre mix gas does have a infinite shelf life, but once you open the can then you need to use it in a normal time. IMO if you don’t use much gas you might as well go with the pre mix. I bought some just to get the extended warranty. I run like usual to break in.

[sawbill]

[QUOTE=. With the older saws you can get away with regular gas and richer oil mixture.[/QUOTE]
Only if you are going to burn it right away. Regardless of the age of any 2 or 4 stroke small engine regular gas that sits around for a season will have you flushing carbs and fuel lines. I now buy only premium by the 5 gal can and mix it if needed when needed. It doesn't sit around too long anyway as like most guys, I have enough toys to fill.

[greatwhite]

With the amount of cutting I do, if I was to but premixed gas it would not be worth while cutting my own firewood. In 8 hours of cutting I will burn through 11 tanks of fuel. That premixed is a gimmick it is not very hard to mix gas and oil.

The reason the dealer told you to buy the premix is he makes money plain and simple.

One thing I was told on a small motors course was that gas is actually a coolant. Get it on your hands and you'll know what I mean. So, adding oil would actually make the saw run a bit hotter. I would never spend a nickel on premixed gas/oil but would simply follow the dealers recommendation first. After that period, just giv'er!

The Stihl dealer recommended it and sold it to me.

http://www.chainsawcollectors.se/php...ic.php?t=25848

[paultracy]

So after the break in period of a gallon of gas or so, is its still not a good idea to rev the engine without load? I have always revved my old saw up when I was done cutting to clear out the chips etc.
Paul