I run everything, even my old Homelite XL-12, at 50:1. Lubricants have vastly improved since the 70's, at that time we were using 30W automotive oil in our two strokes. Over the years oils have become more refined and more concentrated resulting in higher mix ratios. Engines have also improved for the most part. I would get flamed for this on the chainsaw forums, so be it.
I stay with brand name oils, I currently use the Echo Power Blend. Stihl, Husqvarna and others are also very good, after all the manufacturers do not want oil related failures to tarnish their name. Who knows where Wal-Mart sources theirs but we know it is based solely on price.

Thanks for the reply and info. I had gone 16:1 on all rated less than 50:1. I use my 70-80’s saws so little now even though they still work well. I have gone to Electric saws for my use at home (cutting tree trimmer’s Curbed Wood vs cutting in the woods). In the 70s there was almost no trimming in this area with firewood trucked in. Now trimming is a big need and business.

Trimmers will load you with wood and chip the brush vs them paying private dumps. Plus, they give the Homeowners better rates to leave the legal limits for Once-A-Month City Bulk Pick-Ups. I was loaded yesterday with Ash 4 Doors away to complete my 1.5 cord of green wood needed for my 3 cord rotation. The North TX storms have maid this a surplus wood year. Not to mention Fireplaces are in old and new homes/apartments but not used. My guess would be very few are used regular (due to no wood For Sale as in the 70s). We have burned 24/7 since the 70s for Exercise and Heat. Thanks to a Donated Hydraulic Log Splitter.

I've been using a synthetic "one size fits all" for about seven years, no problems, less smoke, easier starting, no downside that I've seen. Less buildup at the exhaust port also. Nice to have only one can and not several.

UPDATE: Went out to barn and it's "OPTI 2" that I use, I buy it on Amazon. It says it has fuel stabilizer, but all gas has stabil put in prior to filling the five gallon cans, then I "decant" from there into a gallon can for two cycle use. Double stabilizer doesn't seem to bother anything.

Ev

A lot of the better brands also have fuel stabilizer in them.

1. How long does Echo’s Power Blend X fuel stabilizer last (I have not spotted info.

2. Will it hurt to use the Sta-bil in fuel along with Echo Power Blend X?

I have always used Sta-bil at strengths for a year.

“The shelf life of all STA-BIL® brand products is 2 years after the bottle has been opened, provided it has been tightly capped and stored in a cool, dry place.” This is “BAD News to me because I always tend to buy an economical size container (16 oz at least). 16 oz was fine when I fished using two 6 gal tanks at least a season. Retired from fishing, a one 2 gallon Jug will cover my yard’s needs per year.

I’ll ck my Sta-bil’s date and share it quick if needed. I have too many friends that do not use stabilizer. Sta-bil really impressed me from not having to run my equipment “Bone Dry” at the end of seasons. Most noted as enhancing performance was with my 1970, 35hp Chrysler Boat’s engine. From such short trips, I would always try to open it up at least a mile before leaving the lake. With the use if Stabil I could tell a difference getting UP and holding WOT w/o any Hesitations.