Simple in design and cheap two-stroke engine - the principle of operation is two-stroke. How is it different from a four-stroke engine on motorcycles? Do you have a XNUMX stroke diesel?

As the name suggests, a two-stroke engine has two cycles per cycle. It's about compression and work. The four-stroke design also has an intake and an exhaust. This way of functioning of power units contributed to their simplification in comparison with the design of four-stroke engines. However, it has its drawbacks. Does it have benefits too? Is it still worth putting such engines? We will give a clear answer to these questions!

Two-stroke engine - drive design

In any piston engine, the combustion chamber plays a key role, and this case is no exception. Inside the chamber, a piston located on a connecting rod reciprocates. A two-stroke engine is also usually equipped with a carburetor, although there are units with an electronic fuel injection system. An extremely important element is the crankcase, which is responsible for creating a vacuum and the movement of a combustible agent. In a 2-stroke internal combustion engine, of course, there is a cylinder head. There are also inlet, pressure and outlet channels. Candles are also placed in the head.

What is missing in a two-stroke engine? Does it have the same timing as a four stroke engine?

Compared to a four-stroke engine, a two-stroke engine lacks several important components. This is about:

• cylinder valves;
• sump;
• timing system.

Why are these elements absent in the described aggregates? Valves are not needed because the movement of the piston is responsible for closing and opening the intake and exhaust ports. Usually their presence is not required. An oil sump is not needed, as the working parts are lubricated by the oil contained in the fuel-air mixture. The timing is also not known from 4-stroke units, because it is as simplified as possible.

The principle of operation of a two-stroke engine - description

In order for a two-stroke engine to do its job, it must receive energy. The work cycle starts at BDC of the piston. As it moves down, a vacuum is created in the crankcase filled with the mixture. When the piston moves up, the exhaust and intake ports are closed. At this stage, the mixture is compressed and ignited. What happens when the piston goes beyond TDC? It is directed downwards and the exhaust channel is open, through which the exhaust gases exit to the outside. The gases accumulated in the crankcase blow out excess from the combustion chamber, cleaning the exhaust channel.

What are the advantages of a two-stroke engine?

In some cars, two-stroke engines are popular because of the simplicity of the design. As a result, many parts do not have to be produced, resulting in lower production costs. In addition, units operating in two-stroke mode, as a rule, have more power and torque. The lack of an oil pan means they can operate in any position, not necessarily vertical. Starting such an engine is also very simple. The unit quickly reaches operating temperature, which is another advantage.

A Few Disadvantages of Two-Stroke Engines

So, if 2T units (that's what two-strokes are called) have so many obvious advantages, why are they so poorly distributed? The main reason is environmental reasons. A 4-stroke engine burns much more fuel than a XNUMX-stroke engine and emits much more harmful emissions. Car users also expect quiet operation (except for sports units). On the other hand, two-stroke models are noisy, and this is a very big minus for car owners.

Two-stroke diesel - is it possible?

A diesel engine will never be a two-stroke. There are two things to distinguish between a diesel engine and a diesel engine. The first engine can also run on diesel fuel in two cycles. However, the diesel cycle consists of 4 transformations: two adiabatic, isochoric and isobaric. Therefore, the characteristic diesel cycle is only possible for 4-stroke units. Two stroke diesel? No. Two stroke diesel? Yes.

Two-stroke engine - what fuel can it use?

An interesting design is the unit from Cummins and Achates. The power unit is a two-stroke engine with 4 pistons for 8 cylinders. They move opposite each other, and the whole structure runs on diesel fuel. However, after minor modifications, a two-stroke engine can also run on gasoline, gas or hydrogen. In the past, medium pressure designs were also powered by alcohol and kerosene.

Where can I find a two-stroke?

Today you will find a two-stroke engine in:

• mowers;
• scooters;
• small motorcycles;
• petrol saws. 

Interestingly, the most powerful unit in the world Wartsila-Sulzer RTA96-C is also a two-stroke engine and produces 109 hp. However, you are unlikely to meet him, because his task is to manage container ships. Another interesting fact is that this unit uses a Common Rail power system. This system contributed to a significant reduction in pollutant emissions and a positive impact on productivity.

How to properly operate a two-stroke engine?

Do you have a brush cutter, scooter or motorcycle with a two-stroke engine? The most important thing is the choice of oil. Use the one recommended by the device or machine manufacturer. It is also very important that a two-stroke engine is run in a fuel-oil mixture with a different ratio than during normal operation. Otherwise, the durability of the friction elements in the engine will decrease dramatically.

When operating 2T engines, it is necessary to use the mixture within 14 days. After this time, the oil contained in gasoline changes its lubricating properties and causes more engine wear.Will the two-stroke engine return? The Cummins and Achates design example is proof that two-stroke engines are not dead yet. In addition, they will continue to be used in powerful water machines and small utility vehicles and motorcycles. Because of this, it is rather difficult to expect their final agony. But will they return to cars forever? It's hard to say for sure, but the noise they make often turns off manufacturers and drivers.

Two-stroke engine - drive design

In any piston engine, the combustion chamber plays a key role, and this case is no exception. Inside the chamber, a piston located on a connecting rod reciprocates. A two-stroke engine is also usually equipped with a carburetor, although there are units with an electronic fuel injection system. An extremely important element is the crankcase, which is responsible for creating a vacuum and the movement of a combustible agent. In a 2-stroke internal combustion engine, of course, there is a cylinder head. There are also inlet, pressure and outlet channels. Candles are also placed in the head.

What is missing in a two-stroke engine?

Compared to a 4-stroke engine, a XNUMX-stroke engine lacks several important components. This is about:

• cylinder valves;
• sump;
• timing system.

Why are these elements absent in the described aggregates? Valves are not needed because the piston is responsible for closing and opening the intake and exhaust ports. Usually their presence is not required. An oil sump is not needed, as the working parts are lubricated by the oil contained in the fuel-air mixture. The timing is also not known from 4-stroke units, because it is as simplified as possible.

The principle of operation of a two-stroke engine - description

In order for a two-stroke engine to do its job, it must receive energy. The work cycle starts at BDC of the piston. As it moves down, a vacuum is created in the crankcase filled with the mixture. When the piston moves up, the exhaust and intake ports are closed. At this stage, the mixture is compressed and ignited. What happens when the piston goes beyond TDC? It is directed downwards and the exhaust channel is open, through which the exhaust gases exit to the outside. The gases accumulated in the crankcase blow out excess from the combustion chamber, cleaning the exhaust channel.

What are the advantages of a two-stroke engine?

In some cars, two-stroke engines are popular because of the simplicity of the design. As a result, many parts do not have to be produced, resulting in lower production costs. In addition, units operating in two-stroke mode, as a rule, have more power and torque. The lack of an oil pan means they can operate in any position, not necessarily vertical. Starting such an engine is also very simple. The unit quickly reaches operating temperature, which is another advantage.

A Few Disadvantages of Two-Stroke Engines

So, if 2T units (that's what two-strokes are called) have so many obvious advantages, why are they so poorly distributed? The main reason is environmental reasons. A 4-stroke engine burns much more fuel than a XNUMX-stroke engine and emits much more harmful emissions. Car users also expect quiet operation (except for sports units). On the other hand, two-stroke models are noisy, and this is a very big minus for car owners.

Two-stroke diesel - is it possible?

A diesel engine will never be a two-stroke. There are two things to distinguish between a diesel engine and a diesel engine. The first of them, thanks to diesel fuel, can also work in two working cycles. However, the diesel cycle consists of 4 transformations: two adiabatic, isochoric and isobaric. Therefore, the characteristic diesel cycle is only possible for 4-stroke units. Two stroke diesel? No. Two stroke diesel? Yes.

Two-stroke engine - what fuel can it use?

An interesting design is the unit from Cummins and Achates. The power unit is a two-stroke engine with 4 pistons for 8 cylinders. They move opposite each other, and the whole structure runs on diesel fuel. However, after minor modifications, a two-stroke engine can also run on gasoline, gas or hydrogen. In the past, medium pressure designs were also powered by alcohol and kerosene.

Where can I find a two stroke engine?

Today you will find a two-stroke engine in:

• mowers;
• scooters;
• small motorcycles;
• petrol saws. 

Interestingly, the most powerful unit in the world Wartsila-Sulzer RTA96-C is also a two-stroke engine and produces 109 hp. However, you are unlikely to meet him, because his task is to manage container ships. Another interesting fact is that this unit uses a Common Rail power system. This system contributed to a significant reduction in pollutant emissions and a positive impact on productivity.

How to properly operate a two-stroke engine?

Do you have a brush cutter, scooter or motorcycle with a two-stroke engine? The most important thing is the choice of oil. Use the one recommended by the device or machine manufacturer. It is also very important that a two-stroke engine is run in a fuel-oil mixture with a different ratio than during normal operation. Otherwise, the durability of the friction elements in the engine will decrease dramatically.

When operating 2T engines, it is necessary to use the mixture within 14 days. After this time, the oil contained in gasoline changes its lubricating properties and causes more engine wear.Will the two-stroke engine return? The Cummins and Achates design example is proof that two-stroke engines are not dead yet. In addition, they will continue to be used in powerful water machines and small utility vehicles and motorcycles. Because of this, it is rather difficult to expect their final agony. But will they return to cars forever? It's hard to say for sure, but the noise they make often turns off manufacturers and drivers.