Outdoor Power Equipment and Small Engines - synthetic oil on old 18:1 chainsaw?

Can I use the newer synthetic 2 cycle engine oil on my older Jonsered (sp?) chainsaw? It takes a 16 or 18:1 ratio, much lower than the new stuff. How do I determine the correct mixture?

Pete

The old 2 cycles will run on any oil designed for 2 cycle engines, the newer oils are designed to give proper lubrication and meet the EPA requirements at a 40:1 50:1 ratio.
To calculate the measurements divide 128(ounces in a gallon) by the ratio ie. 16 for 16:1

128/16 = 8 , so for 16:1 you need 8oz. oil to 1 gal gas
128/32 = 4 , so for 32:1 you need 4oz.
128/40 = 3.2 40:1 3.2
128/50 = 2.6 50:1 2.6

If you had the original owners manual for the saw you'd also find that the recommended oil was SAE40 engine oil, not 2-cycle oil. I've had good luck with Opti and AMSOIL synthetic oils in all two stroke engines. Never once had a return with a seized engine using either of these oils, even with the old Homelite chainsaws that called for the 16:1 ratio with 40 wieght oil.

So you guys have had good experiences with the new synthetic oils in a 2 stroke? Any other advantages besides it runs well, like the mix being more stable if stored a while? etc.? I ask because I'm totally ignorant on synthetic oil in this application.