I have heard a lot about these engines seizing and pistons being damaged due to not enough oil.
The company says to start with a 25:1 fuel ratio (5 oz oil per gallon) and then after the "break-in" period (two tanks) switch to a 32:1 ratio (4 oz oil per gallon). I don't know much about engines, so I am wondering if the fact that they switch to one ounce less oil is what damages the engine, and if I should stay with the 25:1 mixture.
There also might be disadvantages to keeping the 25:1 mixture (such as lower performance). I did have a gas scooter very similar to this one, but with a 36cc engine instead of 52cc. The scooter ran great for 4 years until I just sold it to buy this faster scooter.
I have a feeling the Dirt Dog 52cc company wants me to have better performance, but I also have a feeling that might be sacrificing the prolonged life of the engine.
Thank you I forgot to say that I ran a 25:1 fuel ratio the entire time I owned the 36cc scooter, in which it ran great. That manufacturer mentioned nothing about switching to 32:1 after the break-in period. After break in do the 32:1, if you keep running at 25:1 all you will do is foul the spark plug. | 