Two-stroke engines are commonly used in go-karts and rely on a fuel mixture containing gasoline and oil. Unlike four-stroke engines, two-stroke engines do not possess a separate oil tank, necessitating oil mixing into the fuel.
This combination not only allows combustion but also lubricates the engine. Neglecting to add oil to a two-stroke engine can lead to engine failure, emphasizing the importance of oil for these engines, whether manufactured by Briggs & Stratton, Rotax, or other brands.
The go-kart fuel mixture chart below provides the fuel-to-oil ratios and the respective amounts of oil per gallon or liter in both ounces (imperial) and milliliters (metric). A detailed explanation of the chart follows.
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| Fuel to Oil Ratio | Fluid Ounces per Gallon (oz) | Milliliters per Liter (ml) | Oil Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16:1 | 8 | 62.5 | 6.3% |
| 20:1 | 6.4 | 50 | 5% |
| 25:1 | 5.1 | 40 | 4% |
| 30:1 | 4.3 | 33.3 | 3.3% |
| 32:1 | 4 | 31.3 | 3.1% |
| 35:1 | 3.7 | 28.6 | 2.9% |
| 37:1 | 3.5 | 27 | 2.7% |
| 40:1 | 3.2 | 25 | 2.5% |
| 45:1 | 2.8 | 22.2 | 2.2% |
| 50:1 | 2.6 | 20 | 2% |
| 55:1 | 2.3 | 18.2 | 1.8% |
| 60:1 | 2.1 | 16.7 | 1.7% |
| 80:1 | 1.6 | 12.5 | 1.3% |
| 100:1 | 1.3 | 10 | 1% |
Understanding the Go-Kart Fuel Mixture Chart
The chart displays the fuel-to-oil mixture ratios and their corresponding volumes in gallons and ounces (imperial) or liters and milliliters (metric). This section provides further clarification using examples for easier comprehension of the two-stroke fuel mixture chart.
Fuel-to-Oil Ratio
The first column of the chart presents the fuel-to-oil ratio, indicating the proportion of fuel and oil in the mixture that goes into the engine. The appropriate ratio for an engine depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations or the engine’s age.
For instance, a 35:1 ratio means that for every 35 units of fuel, 1 unit of oil should be added to the mixture.
Fluid Ounces per Gallon
This column specifies how many fluid ounces of oil are required per gallon of fuel for each ratio. The ounce and gallon measurements primarily cater to those using the imperial system.
Using the 35:1 ratio, the chart indicates that 3.7 ounces of oil should be mixed with 1 gallon of fuel. To maintain a 35:1 fuel-to-oil ratio for 9 gallons of fuel, mix 33.3 ounces of oil with the fuel.
Milliliters per Liter
Like fluid ounces per gallon, this metric measurement indicates the amount of oil in milliliters to be added per liter of fuel.
This column is primarily for those commonly employed in Europe and other countries using the metric system.
Continuing with the 35:1 ratio example, you must mix 28.6 milliliters (ml) of oil with 1 liter (l) of fuel to achieve the desired ratio. If you plan to use 25 liters of fuel, mix 715 milliliters of oil into the fuel to maintain a 35:1 ratio.
Oil Percentage
Ratios can also be expressed in percentages by dividing the two respective numbers. For a 35:1 fuel-to-oil ratio, divide the oil ratio (1) by the fuel ratio (35) to obtain the oil percentage. This value indicates the proportion of oil in the mixture. In a 35:1 fuel-to-oil mixture, the oil percentage is 2.9%.
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Conclusion
Understanding the appropriate fuel and oil mixture is crucial for adequately functioning two-stroke engines, as they require oil to be mixed with fuel. This guide and chart for go-kart fuel mixtures aim to simplify the process.
It provides a convenient reference for various fuel-to-oil ratios and their corresponding imperial and metric measurements. By adhering to the correct ratios and measurements, you can ensure your two-stroke engine’s optimal performance and longevity.
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