amanco opencrank 2 1/4 hp petrol paraffin under the spanners

Stu, that is any "Castor" based 2 stroke oil. Castrol R is a castor based oil, but it's not strictly speaking a 2 stroke oil. The "R" in Castrol R actually stands for "Rotary" (not Racing as most people think) as it was originally formulated for rotary aero engines back around the days of world war one.

There are still quite a few castor based 2-stroke oils available though, some 2 stroke fans swear by them, some say the modern alternatives are much better. Some people say they can't stand that smell, personally I love it. I believe Reddex additive (if you can still get it) smells the same when it's burning off.

I'm told I should be using a Castor based oil in the Homelite because it has that disc valve system, but it's not good to use in engines that stand for long periods, as it tends to gum up quite badly after the petrol evaporates off.

It strange how it comes back when someone says about it LOL. Yes I was told the R stood for racing but at the end of the day if it makes a nice 2 stroke smell then I'll be happy. to use it, it's all part of the rally all them different smells, from a 2 stroke mix up to the steamers letting off steam and the smell of the chip vans, they all make the day complete.

Stu.

just reading a few back threads - so pleased you got it finished kev - looks great - used to enjoy reading you updates been good looking at this thread and seeing the old gang chatting - wonder if matt86 and stu are ok,