2-stroke gas engine break-in

[JimD]

Most engine manufacturers recommend that a petroleum based oil such as Lawn Boy Ashless 2-stroke oil at a 32:1 ratio be used for the first 2-4 gallons of fuel burned in the engine. Then they recommend switching to an all synthetic oil from there forward.

Last fall, I was able to find Lawn Boy Ashless oil in about every store in our area that carries lawn care products. Since completing the build on the new 3.2m Porter for Alex, we needed to get break-in oil to start his DLE-111 engine. I went to the usual places and Lawn Boy oil was nowhere to be found!

The place that ALWAYS had Lawn Boy oil, Outdoor Equipment Company, was my stop of last resort...again, no Lawn Boy oil on the shelf. When one of the clerks asked if he could help me, I asked they had any Lawn Boy oil in stock...he got a rather pained look and said they had two cases in stock in the back store room and when that was gone there would be no more!

Seems the EPA has deemed petroleum based 2-stroke oil to be an air pollution hazard and it is now banned in the U.S.A.

I got four cans so I can break-in four more engines...then what??

[Tom]

By then our engines will be outlawed so no worries!

[Wilgaman]

I still have 3 cans of Lawn Boy in case anyone runs out. But I recommend using Pennzoil for both break-in and flying, using the same 32:1 ratio for break in, and a smaller ratio for flying. Pennzoil can easily be found everywhere.


My tip during breaking in: After about 30 minutes of initial run-time, go ahead and fly, just doing slow circles over the field, staying close in case it dies. Flying during breaking in cools the motor! Try this method out!


Mark

[Len]

DA specifically recommends Red Line at 40-1 for use after break in.
Now, I'll have to go to the local hardware store and stock up on oil.

LEN

[aerowiz]

I never ran my DA's on lawn boy, I had 2 da100's and 2 DA 150's. They worked for over 9 years and are still running today. The bedding in process only requires a mineral 2 stroke oil.

After about ten litres of that, Synthetic and they just keep on going,,,,,

[Rossco]

What he said! After running in I personally like the 3w synthetic oil.

[aerowiz]

My 3w's on the other hand, they took about 100 litres to break in and produce outstanding torque and horsepower.