Ask the Editors: What’s that Smell?
Dear ATVC:
I just bought my first ATV, a Polaris Xplorer 250. Sole purpose of the purchase was getting to a hunting spot about 2-miles from camp with only ATV access. The one thing I didn’t consider is the smell of a 2-stroke; the smell it leaves on your clothes and body. The question is, are there any oils you can recommend that smell less than others? Thanks.
Jakerex
Welcome to the sport. Sadly the odor you describe is a fact of life for 2-stroke engines as a result of unspent hydrocarbons coupled to vaporized oil molecules created in the combustion chamber. However, there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the lingering effects of the exhaust scent.
First off, if you’re experiencing excessive smoke coupled to a slightly burnt aroma and liquid blow-by coming out of the exhaust, it’s very possible the top end (piston & rings) of your engine is in need of a refreshing. A new top end on a 2-stroke engine can significantly cut down on exhaust potency.
As far as switching oils; it has been our experience that natural castor (bean) oil is typically “heavier” smelling than running a full synthetic. We’ve also noted success in running Husqvarna’s “Low Smoke” 2-cycle engine oil, which is admittedly tricky to find.
Finally if all this fails, companies like Power Plus actually sell bottles of fuel fragrance that flavor the exhaust to smell like bubble gum, root bear, pina colada, fruit punch and so on.
