2 stroke Harley oil mix
 

Just an interesting FYI...

I know there have been a lot of threads on here regarding the 2-stroke oil/gas mixture and Harley calls for 1 fluid ounce of "Harley Davidson Golf Car Motor Oil" to 1 gallon of gas (128:1 ratio).

But, most modern 2-stroke oils call for a 40:1 or 50:1 gas to oil ratio (3.2 oz. or 2.5 oz.) to maintain proper lubrication. So that got me wondering what was the old, original "Harley Davidson Golf Car Motor Oil"?

Well... I finally saw a photo of an original can and on the back it says it is SAE 50. So now I know. I wouldn't have thought that a 128:1 ratio of 50 weight oil would be enough lubrication to sustain continued use, but apparently it is as these old carts seemed to run forever.

The can also says:
Golf Car Motor Oil
Directions: Recommended only for use in Harley-Davidson Golf Car. Follow instructions on tank cap - 1 fluid ounce to one gallon of gasoline. Provides correct lubrication and guarantees smokeless engine performance.

Re: 2 stroke Harley oil mix
 

Any idea what year? Most of the ones I have dealt with say 1.5 oz if you are using 'premium' oil. Seemed like there was a note and different amount if you were using SAE30 motor oil. I notice it doesn't take much to make em smoke, I had some 50:1 for my chainsaw, just guessed and added a little gas to it and put it in the cart and its smokes a lot more than usual. I would not have thought that little would make a difference.

Re: 2 stroke Harley oil mix
 

No, it didn't have any date on the can that I could see. I have a couple of 2-stroke dirt bikes and have been using my same mix in the cart (50:1 WP 2T racing oil) and it smokes quite a bit at low RPMs. I might get a can of SAE 50 and give it a shot at 1.5 ounces - which is what I have heard also, and see how it runs.

Re: 2 stroke Harley oil mix
 

IMHO, the key here is: "Harley Davidson Golf Car Motor Oil" , not that it is SAE 50 weight oil.
Like men, not all oils are created equally. SAE 50 is a measure of viscosity (thickness or pourability) not intended use or composition.
I speak from experience created with self inflicted stupidity and haste.
In a rush one morning I grabbed the container of oil from my oil cabinet with the measurement gradations on the side. Mixed my fuel and went golfing.
I was on my 15th hole of golf when the rings spit out due to poor lubrication.
Seems I grabbed the CHAINSAW bar oil. Mix ratio was correct, oil was wrong.
Beware.
Just saying!

Re: 2 stroke Harley oil mix
 

Darn good point and absolutely correct! On a side note, I picked up a 4 wheel HD sparkie cart today so I won't have to worry about the oil on this one... just batteries. :shock:

Re: 2 stroke Harley oil mix
 

A label on my 1976 D cart indicates the correct mix to be 1 oz oil per gallon. The manual says the mix is 1.5 oz per gallon. I use the 1.5 oz 2 cycle oil per gallon to be safe but it does smoke a small amount (not objectionable). Harley probably uses SAE50 weight since all 4 cycle two wheelers of the era uses 50 weight. I have been using Walmart Super Tech 2 cycle oil for over 10 years with excellent results at 1.5 oz. per gallon.

Re: 2 stroke Harley oil mix
 

I am pretty sure my 82 has the 1.5 sticker. I don't think any of my earlier carts still have stickers.

Re: 2 stroke Harley oil mix
 

My 82 has the 1.5 OZ. sticker on it.

Re: 2 stroke Harley oil mix
 

1.5 ounces per 1 gallon of gas, no question, decal still on my 74 tank.

Re: 2 stroke Harley oil mix
 

Photo is not good. I am having a bad time with scanner and camera. I hope you can read the 3rd line. This is the only place I have seen HD recommend 1 oz. per gallon. I used it for a 5 gallon mix a few years ago but never since. I always use the 1.5 oz per gallon.