Two Stroke Oil - Which to use?

[tranquilitybase]

Hi,

I'm new to two stroke engines and wondered if there are any types of two stroke oil to avoid.

Is the stuff they sell in Screwfix and Toolstation OK for older Vespas (mine being 1964)? Or is this just for chain-saws etc?

Any advice/recommendations would be gratefully received.

Thanks......

[ironsloth]

Oh dear, this again....

Most state that any oil is good enough to run in your scoot, and will say that despite the many brands out there, cheap 2 stroke oil will do. My opinion is that I used my sloth everyday for about 13 years, as it was my only mode of transport. In that time I used Halfords 2 stroke, PJ1, Silkolene, Putoline and Lucas. In my humble opinion, I would always go for Lucas as it was designed for chainsaw engines. I have genuinely only had one problem with it in about 6 years, it nipped up while I was giving it a bloody good hiding on the main roads. 2 sets of skid marks were left that day, one black and rubbery, one brown and unforgiving... 😆

[tranquilitybase]

Ha Ha. I like the last bit!

Many thanks for the advice. The Screwfix oil has the API number thingy, so I'll probably go for that.

I've just been fiddling with the tank tap. It has "C" and "R" stamped on the bit you actually turn....sticking out, under the seat. I'm assuming R means reserve.....But.....do you know which position it should be in for OFF?

The C and R positions are at quarter to and quarter past. Should OFF be with the lever up or down?

I wonder what C stands for. "Main" in Italian is "Principale".

Many thanks.

[scooterg]

Mines easy to remember
Point it at the engine = on
Post at the spare = off

[tranquilitybase]

OK thanks.....

[kru251]

"Point it at the engine for on".


Excellent. Like that!!!!

[swm]

Depending on your model of scoot , some taps have 3 positions - on off or reserve. Some have 2 - on off . If you don't know which tap position is right for your scoot take it for a spin in each position and you'll soon find out !!!
or
A = Aperto - open
C = Chiuse - closed
R = Riserva - reserve

Also as for 2T (again , last time ! I should be on commission ! www.lubetechshop.co.uk/product/optima-fst-full-synthetic-racing-two-stroke-free-carriage/
Cheers.

[decay]

I have a 2008 S 50 2T, 2 stroke engine with oil filler under seat along side the fuel filler, the manual under refuelling section talks about recommended products - Oil for 2 stroke engines: SAE 5W-40, API SL, ACEA A3, JASO MA. Not to be mistaken for rear hub oil SAE 80W/90. So before I go and knacker the scooter with the wrong oil for fuel mix, I fill the oil reservoir under the seat with SAE 5W-40 that meets the specs above do I? Thanks in anticipation of answers that have been provided many times before....

[fattaff]

I'm new to vespa but not new to 2t , I wudnt even consider putting in cheap stuff if u are ever likely to ride in a spirited manner, theres a reason why so many kr1s and tzrs got blown up in 90s , run by kids on cheap oil !!
I've raced 2t and only ever ran Castrol and in 5 seasons never ever blew up and I gave it the death revs all the time
U wudnt put cheap oil in pride n joy family car (unless it's a 2nd car and a banger) ,so dont do it on yer favourite scooter
Honestly buy the best u feel u can afford ,having a nip up due to poor oil is just inexcusable imo
Quality oil has cooling properties etc etc do some reading
Having said that if u ride non vespa , only every ride in busy traffic , never go over 40mph and it's worth £200 then yer pays yer money and takes yer chance
Just my opinion tho peeps

[decay]

Thanks, cost is not a problem, I want the best, just making sure I am right in thinking the oil I buy SAE 5W-40 goes in the oil filler under the seat where it gets mixed automatically and I buy oil that meets 1 of or all of API SL, ACEA A3, JASO MA. Thanks

[paulrobinson]

NO do not put SAE 5W-40 IN what ever you do thats engine oil for a 4 stroke engine you need 2t oil buy the best you can

[decay]

So under refuelling in the manual it states recommended SAE 5W-40 and yes it turns out this is not to be used as the fuel oil mix, why they list this in the refuelling section is beyond me, anyway I needed it quick so got some Handy 2 stroke engine oil from a local place as thats all they had, this is working fine but a little smokey at times and now and again a little difficult to start when warm. I will get some better stuff and drain whats already in it, whats the best if 'cost no object'? Thanks

[adrian]

Castrol power 1 is a good quality 2 stoke oil 👍

[citydaz]

May 9, 2022 17:30:06 GMT adrian said:

Castrol power 1 is a good quality 2 stoke oil 👍

+1

I also putoline, semi-synthetic in my scoots. I only ever use fully synthetic when running in a new engine or piston or rings.

[ironsloth]

Was going to suggest Lucas Oil as it was developed for chainsaw engines, but I’ve already said this…. 🙄😅

Each to their own.

[decay]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. The stuff thats currently in the scoot is red in colour, what colour oil is the Castrol, Putoline and Lucas?

[decay]

Gone for this one as its also red. Thanks again. www.amazon.co.uk/Castrol-Power-Scooter-Engine-Oil/dp/B003N73BIK?th=1

[adrian]

Good choice 👍

[ironsloth]

Pffffffttt…. 🤣

[phattanglo]

If only we could use castor based 2T all the time the world would smell better

[mo2470]

Hi
If you have auto mix use an oil that is for oil injection system.

Mo..............

[gpowell]

To the original post
A great oil at a great price is Rock Oil Groundsman 2T

You can get 5 litres off ebay for less than 20quid delivered

Ive been running it in tuned lambrettas and vespa for years under hard motorway miles.

Its a semi synthetic and would perfect for your bike.

Get a measuring jug to get your mixture right

[tonedogg]

My rod has fallen out - any idea how to re-fit it?

Jul 1, 2020 18:28:15 GMT scooterg said:

Mines easy to remember
Point it at the engine = on
Post at the spare = off

[gpowell]

You will need to take the tank out to get to the tap to sort out why rod has is become detached.

The rod is generally attached to the tap with an R clip, it may have come out but thats unlikely.

[soulboy74]

Sip 2T fully synthetic for the auto lube 👍 sip gear boxes oil for your gearbox 👍 keep it real and simple!! Best foot forward soulboy74 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿