What does the ratio 40:1 mean in regards to unleaded gas and motor oil a snowblower?
It is the ratio of gas to oil that you mix for 2 stroke gas engines.It is important to use the correct mixture to keep the engine from running to lean in which case you may burn a hole in the top of the piston.It helps keep the cylindar that the piston moves up and down in lubricated also.There are different mixtures and ratios used by different manufactures.50:1 40:1 and 32:1 are the most commonThe best way to do it is read the bottle and use the appropriate size gas can for the mix ,IE 2 gals. gas to 8 oz of oil.
In your particular snow blower the motor is not lubricated by oil alone. For example-Your car has 2 separate places to put oil and gas. Oil in your cars motor works as a lubricant for the entire motor so it won’t seize . In little engines such as your snow blower, the motor is too small to have separate chambers for oil and gasoline. So by adding a little bit of 2 cycle oil to the gasoline, the gasoline serves as a dual function as oil and gas.
