- The 2011 model Weed Eater FL20, for example, operates on unleaded gas, with oil added at a ratio of 40:1. The manufacturer recommends the Poulan/Weed Eater brand of oil and indicates you can reach the 40:1 ratio by adding 3.2 ounces of oil to a gallon of unleaded gas. It requires a good quality two-cycle air-cooled engine oil.
- Instructions for earlier makes of Weed Eater indicate two ratios of Poulan/ Weed Eater: one blended for a 16:1 gas/oil mix (1 gallon to 8 ounces or one-half pint) and the other for a 32:1 mix (2 gallons to one-half pint). The instructions warn that a 32:1 mix must be accompanied by the stipulated name-brand oil, but the 16:1 mix can be any unleaded gasoline and any good grade of air-cooled two-cycle engine oil.
- The correct ratio is important because too much oil will foul the spark plugs, and too little will put the engine in danger of overheating and seizing. You should never mix the oil and gasoline in the tank; they do not blend easily and need plenty of stirring and shaking. Nor should you use premium gasoline or gas containing ethanol or alcohol. These endanger the carburetion and overheat the engine. The approved mixing method involves pouring one-half gallon of gas into a container, adding the required oil, covering it tightly and shaking it to mix for one minute. Add the other one-half gallon and shake again.
- Weed Eater recommends mixing and pouring the fuel outdoors, keeping it away from sparks or flames and using an approved container. It also suggests moving at least 10 feet from where the fueling took place before starting the engine.
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