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4. Walk-behind Mowers: 2-Cycle Oil Mix Ratio

2-Cycle Engine Oil for the Right Ratio in Walk-behind mowers

Use our 2-Cycle Ratio Chart to mix the proper Gasoline-Oil Blend

Two-stroke (or 2-cycle) engines require a mixture of fuel and oil be added to the fuel tank. This mixture results in both engine combustion and lubrication. Operating a 2-Stroke engine on gasoline alone will result in engine failure.

What is the gas-to-oil mix ratio for a two-cycle engine for a walk-behind mower?

For two-cycle equipment manufactured prior to 2003: 

Use a 32:1 gasoline to oil ratio. One gallon of gasoline combined with 4 oz of two-cycle engine oil. If you are in the state of California, use a 2-cycle oil mix ratio of 40:1.

For two-cycle equipment manufactured after 2002: 

Use a 40:1 two-cycle oil mix ratio. One gallon of gasoline combined with 3.2 oz of two-cycle engine oil.

Unsure of the age of your equipment?

Use the 40:1 mixture. All of our handheld two-cycle units can operate on a 40:1 two-cycle oil mix ratio.

Refer to the chart below to make sure you're using the correct 2-cycle fuel and oil mixture:

Mixing the 2-cycle oil and fuel mixture

Pour the 2-Cycle oil  to an empty gasoline can before adding one gallon of fresh gasoline into the can. No additional agitation is necessary. If the mixture may be stored for more than 30 days, include a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline before mixing to help increase its shelf life.

Label the gas can containing the 2-cycle oil mixture, to prevent accidentally using it in other equipment.

Note: Never use gasoline with an ethanol content higher than 10%. Ethanol attracts moisture when exposed to air. After absorbing less than an ounce of water, the 2-cycle gasoline and oil mixture will start to separate and if used, result in damage to your engine's carburetor.