Hello Mowerfreak, and thanks for some reasonable suggestions that certainly couldn't hurt to try. However, the only catch is that the current fuel mix - a'la 91 and Castrol Activ 2T - is running quite un-smokily in my two Suzuki daily drivers as well as in the Stihl trimmers. To me, that's enough of a reason to not look into more expensive fuels and oil types as a long term fix for the Chuzuki's problem (because for one thing, the price of a bottle of full-synthetic would most likely exceed what I paid for the Chuzuki!)
For what its worth, the Activ 2T is certainly a step up from your average domestic garden-variety 2-stroke oil, and it's certainly not formulated for water-cooled outboards. In my own humble opinion, when bought on special in a 4L bottle, it's probably the optimum compromise between price and quality for use with outdoor power equipment, and I probably wouldn't have even gone for something in its price range except that I'm very attached to my Suzuki's, and thus wanting to look after them.
The petrol-octane suggestion would be a bit less painful to try, though. Come to think of it, I probably already have given it a whirl, courtesy of filling up the fuel can a couple of times in the past with 95 at petrol stations that only seemed to offer 91 in E10. But since I do the bulk of the mowing with the Suzukis, and wasn't paying proper attention to the Chuzuki when I gave it its regular little run, I can't remember what the result was. But I'll certainly pay attention next time.
Best Wishes for now,
Mick.
