On the oil ratio. You need to remember that ALL THE LUBRICATION the whole inside of the motor gets is the little bit of oil that is mixed with the gas. 32-1 ratio with good quality 2-cycle oil will not smoke when the engine is warm and running and will keep the engine happy. These mowers were designed for 32-1 mix. Lawnboy marketed 2-cycle mowers up until the EPA stopped them, I think circa 2006. I don't think they ever recommended anything but 32-1 for their mowers with roller bearings. (Older circa 1950's and 1960's with sleeve bearings needed 16-1 mix) A late-model Lawnboy is jetted very lean anyway, and that means minimal gas/oil gets into the engine. Why risk anything? I use Lawnboy 2-cycle oil, which I get at the local ACE hardware store. They have improved this oil 3 times over the years, but never changed the ratio. For extra goodness, in addition to the 32-1 mix of 2-cycle oil and gas, I add a dollop of Marvel Mystery Oil to my gas/oil mix. This helps keep carbon build-up down and helps lubricate upper cylinder walls.