TCW3 in "onshore" 2 strokes?

BogMonster · 09 September 2007, 19:35

My sceptical side says that if you can't use ordinary 2 stroke oil in a boat engine, you probably can't use TCW3 in a strimmer, but what has anybody got to say on this subject?

It's a normal little 33cc 2 stroke strimmer engine running at about a hundred and twenty thirteen thousand rpm. Quick search on Google suggested it probably isn't a very good idea but at the moment I can't find my old bottle of oil and the only shops open today are selling TCW3 and high performance racing bike oil which costs a bloody fortune and is probably no better...

codprawn · 09 September 2007, 19:50

I have used cooking oil - and I use it to lube the saw chain - works great - remember where the name Castrol comes from!!!

If your worried just chuck a little extra in - it may smoke a bit but it won't hurt.

I wouldn't hesitate to use normal TCW3.

http://www.renewablelube.com/

These people say their TCW3 oil is suitable for both watercooled and air cooled engines.

Nos4r2 · 09 September 2007, 19:55

I run my hedge trimmer on premix from the boat tanks and it seems fine.

jwalker · 09 September 2007, 20:07

I've run my chainsaw on it for years. However, my latest Stihl tools specifically mention not to use marine 2 stroke oil in them. I know Husqvarner does too. My guess is that air cooled equipment runs very hot and outboards run pretty cool. You should be fine in the Falkland Isles.

BogMonster · 09 September 2007, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

My guess is that air cooled equipment runs very hot and outboards run pretty cool. You shoul be fine in the Falkland Isles.

Cheers JW - however you haven't seen the Mrs when she gets her hands on the strimmer, dons a kamikaze headband and the little horns grow out of her head, I think it runs pretty hot then as WOT is the only setting

It's now chucking down with rain anyway so I guess it won't be needed today so I might be able to find some proper oil through the week, but thanks anyway

codprawn · 09 September 2007, 23:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

I've run my chainsaw on it for years. However, my latest Stihl tools specifically mention not to use marine 2 stroke oil in them. I know Husqvarner does too. My guess is that air cooled equipment runs very hot and outboards run pretty cool. You should be fine in the Falkland Isles.

Have you tried veg oil for chainlube? It really works very well - use it all the time - is much cheaper and is good for the environment as well - the 1st point should be of interest to a Scotsman!!!

How900 · 09 September 2007, 23:59

Air cooled engines, chainsaws, strimmers etc run at different working temp than water cooled outboards, the right oil, at the right mix, burnt at the right temp, correct plug gap and clean air should burn cleanly, short term it probably ok, but long term it could reduce the life of the engine, the average strimmer from B&Q won't ask as much from the oil as the engine used by a contractor stimming all day long. if its an expensive engine then don't risk it, if its a cheapish engine then splash a bit extra in and take it steady. ..probably 25/1 would be ok, tooo much oil can cause carbon build up and long term can also kill an engine. Would not try the other way round as outboards are tooo expensive and constant high load of a prop has special requirements. Air cooled engine oil normally has a TC rating, water cooled TCW

alystra · 10 September 2007, 09:59

Well, I knackered my strimmer by using the oil I use for my sons little Yamaha Malta. It still runs but suffers from terminal NFP - just stalls as soon as the whirling string hits a blade of grass. I don't do that much strimming and I guess the engine wore out in less than 50 hours.

The dealer said the oil was the problem as he sold me another strimmer. Said it was common around here, where so many people have outboards. It's the hotter working temperature that degrades the outboard oil.