I have a 3W 56b2 gas engine that I'd like to start using. While I've had it for a few years,but never started it. The manual says to break it in using a 32:1 gas/oil mix using non-synthetic oil. I've not been able to find any at local big box or lawn care shops. Have others found a source for petroleum 2 cycle oil?
Larry Fitch

I get ashless at my local Ace Hardware.

Acerc,

I'll give Ace a try in the morning. Thanks! Second question-How long can I expect mixed fuel to stay usuable once it is mixed and in my sealed fuel container. I've seen statements from a couple weeks to a couple months. What experiences have you had?

Larry Fitch

I start with synthetic from day 1 at 32:1 and haven't had issues. Just about everyone I fly with does the same.

Let the war begin...............

As for the time that the gas will stay usable, I treat it like I do my mower or weed eater gas. Basically the same thing.

pdm52956,

Thanks for the iinsight about usig synthetic from day one. I agree with your comparison to lawn care engines. How long is it good for? That''s my question.

Larry Fitch

i have used synthetic from day one 32:1 stihl ultra hp, on 3 brand new engines.... i know it probably doesnt make a difference but i now use 40:1 stihl on all my gassers, from my 20cc on up....

all our local auto parts sell 2cycle oil. As do all our mower shops. All modern 2 cycle oils are good. Make sure it is for air cooled 2 cycle engines, and Just follow the motor manufacturer suggestions. Brian

My gas does not set around long enough to worry about going bad. But I would say about six months. If worried about that put stabilizer in the fuel. It will not affect the engine's running. As for the synthetic. I as well have many engine's that I started from day one with synthetic. But, IMHO, seem's like it take's a long time to get thru the break-in. I have a new twin that I am getting ready to breaking-in. I am going to run one gallon with standard 2 cycle oil at 32-1. On a stand. Then go to the synthetic at 40-1. Just want to see the difference of break in time.

+1 on the stabilizer. I use Stabil in all my fuel that way if it sits it doesn't matter. Have had 2 stroke fuel in a jet ski for 10 months and it started and ran fine with that old fuel in it. I believe Stabil also has cleaner and anti rust agents in it also.

My 3W engines all run synthetic. Broke in my 3w 55I Competition Series on synthetic. No problem at all.

Thanks guys,

I'll get some oil and Stabil today, and get this twin running right away.

Thanks Again,

Larry

Great!

3W makes great engines, if a person can afford the initial cost. In the long run you will come out ahead.

I have a very old 60cc 3W, not sure it's age but at least 6 years and it still runs perfectly.

I think it may take longer to break in on synthetic but I don't see that as a problem.

Me neither....It took my OS33GT at least 4 gallons on 50:1 synthetic to finally allow full lean running. On the other hand, my SAP180's and DLE55's only needed about 2 1/2 gallons each (same fuel mix).