2-cycle oil for an old(!) Johnson

I've got a 1961 Johnson 5.5 that uses 16:1 fuel/oil mix. I hate paying $5 or more dollars for a quart of the latest, TCW3 oil. For an engine that old, are there any options? I know I don't consume THAT much, but in 1961, the oil wasn't very sophisticated like now, with oil injection, etc. I've read that the oil needs to be specific for water-cooled 2-strokes, as opposed to air-cooled weed-eater oil. Just wondering if anyone has any info. If not, I'll just stick to my Pennzoil. Thanks, IslandJim

Jim,
Just don't run junk walmart oil.

Exactly my thoughts, ANYTHING but Wal-Mart oil! I tried to save a buck and use the Wal-Mart stuff; after two tanks I said never again! Plugs were all black and had like chunks of carbon on them, dirty as heck to say the least. I run Pennzoil PremiumPlus(synthetic blend); to me it’s the best bang for your buck. Smokes quite a bit, but the plugs stay fairly clean in my opinion.

I have a Johnson and I run the Johnson Evinrude oil. I think that’s what is made for it..?

My grandfather would use a quart of motor oil in a six gallon gas tank. It would smoke very heavily. I believe that is what was recommended in the 1950's. I do not know when the 50-1 ratio began.

I would run a name brand oil only

wal mart has Johnson/Evinrude 2 stroke oil for 19.00 a gallon,that what i ran when i had a Johnson

Back in the day I had a 1958 18hp evinrude. We always ran 1qt non-detergent 30W motor oil in 6 gallons of gas. That motor was still running (unrebuilt) in the mid-90s. So, I think it might be ok. Did the same thing when I had a 1959 35hp Johnson in college..don't know the history of that one, but it ran good while I had it.

Don't know for sure, though.

sb