Originally Posted by Dave9
Originally Posted by gathermewool
Like I said, all I have to go on is my manual and the etherwebs. I trusted the arborist site members and where ever else seemed legit when I researched this last year.
Do you know of any 1:50 failures in MODERN equipment (eg, last 15 years)? Seriously, not being sarcastic.
... and the etherwebs, are also where there are just as many old hands which won't run 1:50.
Yes I know of 1:50 failures. Most consumer grade 2 cycles made 10+ years ago have failed already unless they hardly saw any use, so it's not find one, it's find one that didn't. If you use a contractor grade tool (engine) in a consumer duty cycle, then it can take years longer to notice the difference, but then you are paying a premium for it.
Consider the issue. Engines ran fine on 1:32 and 1:40 then there is the belief that by virtue of modern lubricants working better, the ratio can be reduced, which is just cancelling out much of that benefit. They're trying to suggest the least amount of oil necessary to make the lifespan long enough to satisfy the warranty and consumer demand, not to make the equipment run as long as possible.
Modern engines are much pickier about fuel, running lean smoothly. This is a step backwards in order to pollute less. At least there is that good, achieved goal instead of some conspiracy theory that they just want the equipment to wear out sooner to sell more, but ultimately it is the consumer choosing whether they want it cleaner running or longer lasting bearings. A dirty exhaust port you can clean, and I suppose you can replace bearings too, so the main thing is to recognize the trade-offs.
Very well said.
Questions:
1. What's the failure mode of 1:50. Do they simply seize up? Loose compression?
2. Haven't modern oils gotten better?
3. When was lean burn implemented?
4. Are engines being built similarly to, say, 20 years ago, or are they built to more restrictive tolerances?
5. What about allowances? Why not state something like, "1:40 is allowed in cases where 1:50 isn't available", like some manufacturers allow alternative oils to that spec'd?
I'd happily run 40:1 in my consumer-use equipment if enough anecdotal evidence of detriment in running 1:50 could be produced. I haven't seen it thus far.